1. Sydney, Australia
On of the first places to welcome in the New Year, Sydney celebrates with not one but two fireworks displays. The first one, for families, starts at 9pm and then at midnight there is a second show for the later partygoers. Against an incredible back drop of the Opera House and the city, parks and shoreline, the fireworks are set from barges by the Harbour Bridge. It is a popular event, with people watching from the banks of the river as the fireworks illuminate the sky. The line-up also includes a laser light show, stunt plane, the Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony to dispel the evil spirits of the last year, and finally the Harbour of Light Parade, consisting of hundreds of illuminated boats cruising a 15km circuit.
2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio celebrates New Year big style, and Copacabana is where the biggest New Year’s party in Brazil, and the world, is held. Each year, around 2 million people head to Copacabana beach to marvel at the spectacular firework show and enjoy a night of live music. Named the ‘Réveillon’ by locals, the New Year’s Eve show, which sees 4 km of beach brightly lit up by fireworks, is truly incredible.
3. New York City, USA
Times Square in NYC hosts its famous New Year’s Eve celebrations each year. Crowds fill the square and surrounding streets creating a busy and exciting atmosphere, and the event is televised for those who cannot attend. The famous countdown to the dropping of the sparkling Waterford crystal ball starts, and as it drops the sky lights up with a beautiful firework show. An amazing New Year celebration worthy of its fame.
4. Edinburgh, UK
In Scotland New Year’s Eve is known as Hogmanay, and the celebrations are taken very seriously. The traditional Scottish events are observed by nearly everyone, who heads to the city streets to watch. There’s a torchlight procession, bagpipes are played and a there is giant open-air Ceilidh (a party with traditional Scottish dancing). The city is covered with stages for live music, and ale, whisky and champagne are drunk throughout the night. At midnight, the fireworks begin, and people cross their arms and holds hands to form long chains and sing the traditional New Year song ‘Auld Lang Syne.’ The festivities are followed by a two-day Bank Holiday for everyone to recover.
5. Paris, France
With the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop, New Year in Paris could only be amazing. At midnight, colourful fireworks fill the sky, whilst the Champs-Elysees fills with party-goers complete with champagne and street fireworks. There are also papillotes, which are special chocolates that bang like firecrackers when opened, and the city is full of people celebrating the start of the New Year.
6. London, UK
Another European capital that loves New Year is London, England. Most major landmarks have impressive firework displays, and as Big Ben strikes midnight the city fills with the noise of cheering and fireworks. Particularly impressive are the New Year’s Eve fireworks over London’s Tower Bridge, but the sight of the London sky filled with colour from various displays is beautiful. There is usually a parade as well, lasting for hours and led by the Queen’s Horseguards with marching bands, colourful floats and dancers.
7. Cape Town, South Africa
New Year in Cape Town is a big celebration, with the V&A Waterfront hosting incredible fireworks, dinners, live music and dancing. With views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic shore it’s an incredible setting, and there are always parties on the beach.
8. Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong
Against the beautiful backdrop of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong sees in the New Year with a spectacular set of fireworks. Watching the beautiful colours as they reflect off the waterfront makes is one of the best places to welcome a New Year for sure.
