Hello 2020!
Date Posted: 15/10/2019
With only two weeks left of October, Christmas isn’t going to be the only thing that's just around the corner. Hello 2020!
Here we take a look at some of this year’s hottest spots to celebrate the turn of the year...
London
The most famous of London’s celebrations is the breathtaking firework display on the banks of the River Thames, also broadcast live on TV. This year feel the electricity pulsing through the streets of London and head to Westminster Bridge and the north embankment of the River Thames for the best views.
Alternatively, experience a New Year like no other and take to the water and celebrate New Year’s Eve on a Thames cruise with unparalleled views of the fireworks. There are all sorts of cruises available, from dinner cruises to speedboat rides, traditional boat trips with champagne and live music, to dining on the R.S. Hispaniola moored opposite the London Eye.
There are plenty of spaces across the city offering spectacular firework views. Will you choose Southbank Centre’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular, Sea Containers riverside restaurant, Ping Pong, or the 12th Knot rooftop party with live music and an open bar?
Dine in style at The Petersham Restaurant and enjoy the elegance of the Victorian country manor as you indulge in a seven course meal. Step back in time to the 1920’s at St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar by Searcys or sample a culinary delight with Coq D’Argent five course special.
For something different, head over to the Natural History Museum and party under the blue whale at the ‘Creatures of the Night’ NYE party with musical bingo, mask making, and plenty of UV paint -this New Year will definitely go down in history. Pay homage to the ‘Big Apple’ and venture to Battersea Evolution and welcome 2020 with the mesmerising theme of Central Park as well as the buzz and excitement of Times Square. Have a go on the dodgems before enjoying a cocktail in one of the speakeasy bars. Book an igloo on Skylights rooftop bar, complete with its own ice rink, or partake in Zoo Bars pub crawl and hit up five of London’s best bars, enjoying a glass of bubbly as the clock strikes midnight.
New York City
Since 1907, people have come in their thousands to watch the famous ball drop in Times Square at midnight. At exactly 23:59 EST the ball starts its 60-second descent from the flagpole at the top of One Times Square with over a tonne of confetti cascading down. The world renowned countdown is free and on a first-come first-served basis. You can also purchase tickets in advance for private parties that are held in Times Square restaurants and bars. The ball can be seen from Broadway, 43rd to 50th Street, along Seventh Avenue, and as far North as 59th Street.
Spend New Year like a true New Yorker and aim for the downtown bars and clubs, swapping Manhattan for Brooklyn. In up and coming Bushwick, experience a party like no other at the House of Yes with aerial acrobats and living sculptures. If you feel like going full hipster, BangOn! In Williamsburg has its own space-themed rave with trippy installations for an alternative New Year’s Eve. As the morning dawn breaks, Burning Man’s bubbles and base camp takes over with a champagne morning after party from 5am.
For all you fitness fanatics or those looking for something fun and quirky, head to Central Park and take part in the Midnight Run. This 4-mile run starts at midnight and is organised by the New York Runners. There is a fee to enter the race but you can also win cash prizes – it even has a champagne stop!
It’s not New Year unless there are fireworks. Prospect Park has a free entry firework display with live music, while Central Park and New York Harbour will also be lighting up the midnight sky.
Las Vegas
Celebrate New Year in sin city!
The famous Las Vegas strip is closed to traffic so that spectators can watch the grand fireworks display above the legendary neon lights.
For the ultimate block party, Fremont Street is the place to be. With a 90 feet wide, five block long overhead canopy, unlimited confetti, wine toast, concerts, and state of the art light and sound shows, it’s not to be missed!
Join a New Year’s Eve party beyond your wildest imagination at the Strat. The Stratosphere Tower provides stunning 360-degree views of the midnight-choreographed fireworks of Las Vegas whilst also hosting its very own New Year’s Eve party. Be mesmerised with a Jack of Lights helicopter ride over the Las Vegas strip or make your way to the heart of the strip to Chateau nightclub and rooftop for a truly unique New Year’s Eve experience with a French twist.
Catch your favourite shows such as Le Reve, O by Cirque du Soleil, Blue man group, and David Copperfield.
Thailand
The only place to be on New Year’s Eve in Thailand is Ko Phangan, or to be exact Haat Rin Nok Beach, the original home of the full moon parties. The world famous event most popular with travellers is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With broad white sandy beaches and the town of Haad Rin boasting an array of bars and restaurants, this island really does have something for everyone.
Starting on Christmas Day and leading right up ‘til New Year’s Eve, the party continues. On Boxing Day a countdown festival begins with a variety of daily activities. It’s recommended to join the full moon party just before midnight to last until dawn. Drop in Club has foam and fire parties as well as other bars and clubs organising special evenings.
The New Year’s Eve party kicks off with all the lights and firework displays. Indulge in freshly caught and grilled fish over on the sunset side of the island before joining in the party you’ll remember for a lifetime!
Hong Kong
As seen on TV! Victoria Harbour lights up in a spectacular and mesmerising pyro-musical display with lasers, fireworks, and choreographed LEDs. Get amongst the hustle and bustle and watch the fireworks in the harbour or if you’re looking for a quieter spot head to one of the world-class rooftop bars or watch from the traditional junk on the water.
Some of the best vantage spots to see the display in all its glory are the Hong Kong exhibition and convention centre, Harbour City car park, China ferry terminal, Hung Hom, West Kowloon, Waterfront Promenade and Kowloon Peak, IFC Mall, waterfront next to Hong Kong Observation Wheel, and Tamar Park.
Enjoy fine dining at Wooloomooloo Prime Steakhouse in Tsim Sha Tsui which has 270-degree views from the 21st floor overlooking the harbour. Marvel at the views from the balcony or the dining rooms floor-to-ceiling windows. You can also watch the fireworks and enjoy a number of live concerts and countdown parties by many of the other clubs located in Tsim Sha Tsui.
For something different enjoy a luxurious cruise or watch the New Year’s Eve parade and behold the vibrant culture. This lasts until 10pm before preparation for the New Year countdown begins.
Take your dancing shoes to Kee Club at Wellington Street, Duddell’s at Central, Ozone Bar in West Kowloon, or The Prawn in Wan Chai and dance your way into 2020.
So, which is it going to be?
Which destination gets your last flight for 2019?
#SmileHaysTravel
