Top 5 destinations to celebrate New Year’s Eve
Date Posted: 19/12/2016
Across the world, the start of a new year is always a good reason to celebrate - most typically with street parties, music, spectacular displays of fireworks, food and drink.
With 2016 racing to a close, we have a few suggestions of cities, which definitely know how to ring the New Year in their own unique way.
New York
No other holiday is more stereotypically New York than New Year’s Eve and this city is one of the most iconic places to spend the last night of the year. The famous ball drop, which has been a tradition since 1906, draws over one million people to Times Square each year. Whether you’re looking for a romantic, complete with dancing and confetti experience or a wild night with friends - there’s something for everyone.
Fireworks at Prospect Park are the perfect solution for a laidback family-friendly celebration. Another free-of-charge and lively option is the Night Bike Ride and Outdoor After Party – this group bike ride takes you through the evening sights of Manhattan to Central Park for a one-of-a-kind outdoor dance party.
Paris
Just like New York, visiting Paris is on many people’s bucket list. Famous as a global centre for art fashion and culture, the city is the perfect spot to say goodbye to a year. Spend the last year of the year shopping, sampling fresh pastries in a pavement cafe or visiting the famous Louvre Museum, before heading to one of the many fabulous parties across the city on the night.
Many believe Paris is the ultimate city of love, so why not treat your loved one to an unforgettable romantic New Year’s Eve here? Watch the Eiffel Tower burst into sparkling light on the stroke of midnight or admire the sights on a romantic New Year’s Eve boat cruise along the Seine.
London
Next on our list has got to be London – where the famous bongs of Big Ben count down to the New Year and signal the start of the dazzling firework displays along the Thames.
The city has a terrific night scene and is a great place to party any time of the year, but festivities definitely reach a whole new level on New Year’s Eve!
If you prefer to stay out of the cold and rain, the London Sky Bar gives you the ultimate view of the celebrations in the streets below. Free public transport is available from 11.45pm on New Year’s Eve until 4.30am on New Year’s Day to help people get to the many after parties. On New Year’s Day you can take in the annual parade, which features a procession of the Queen’s horses.
Edinburgh
If one night isn’t long enough to celebrate - Edinburgh is the place to go. The three-day Hogmanay celebrations include incredible bands, a torchlight parade through the city, and a world-famous street party on the popular Princess Street.
If you fancy something different, head down to the Forth Rail Bridge at South Queensferry on New Year’s Day, where a 1,000 brave souls plunge into the icy waters of the River Forth where thousands of pounds are raised for charity every year.
Sydney
Last but not least is Sydney. The city’s waterfront hosts a breath-taking air and water show with aerial acrobatics and the Harbour of Light Parade - a flotilla of more than 50 illuminated boats in the harbour.
In addition, Sydney puts on the largest fireworks display in the world, with one at 9.00pm and another at midnight - so why not join the one million people who crowd along the waterfront?
With all of the above, you won’t be surprised that Sydney is a preferred destination for many for a New Year’s Eve bash. It’s the first major city where the clock strikes midnight, so if you want be one of the first people to say hello to the New Year in style, why not give Sydney a try?
