New Year's Eve Around the World
New Years' Eve is usually a great excuse for a party across the world. While the parties may be different in 2020, the hope for the future that is at their heart will be stronger than ever as we look forward to a brighter 2021.
In the meantime, take a look at some of the best celebrations below and look forward to the New Year with us.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is normally host to one of the most iconic New Year celebrations in the world. As one of the first places to see in the New Year, spectators usually line the streets near the Harbour to see an incredible firework display from the sails of the Sydney Opera House. The Harbour Light Parade, where more than 50 illuminated boats float past is also a great tradition.
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Scotland celebrates Hogmanay, usually with a three-day celebration, beginning on December 30 with a torchlight procession through the streets of the city. A huge street party and outdoor concert with a firework display over Edinburgh Castle traditionally follow on December 31 with the first ceilidh of the New Year on January 1.
Paris, France
In France, the New Year or ‘St. Sylvestre’, is traditionally celebrated for the entire month of January. On the night of December 31, the heart of the action is usually found on the Champs-Elysees. Of course, you could always opt to spend the stroke of midnight sharing a kiss beneath the sparkling light show of the Eiffel Tower.
New York City, United States
New York’s infamous ‘ball drop’ is arguably the most iconic of the world’s New Years’ Eve celebrations. The tradition began in 1907 and, though it may be a little different this year, it usually attracts around a million visitors to the city. If you don’t fancy being in Times Square, there are many hotels which offer New Years’ packages, including The Knickerbocker, where you can watch the celebrations below from their rooftop.
Nassau, Bahamas
For something a little different, a trip to the Bahamas over New Year could be the answer. Nassau usually celebrates with a ‘Junkanoo’; part party, part procession, part carnival which dates back to the 16th century and normally winds through the streets until well after sunrise on January 1.
Koh Phangan, Thailand
Koh Phangan is home to the most famous full moon party in the world and New Years’ Eve is no exception. The celebrations usually centre around Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin. This is not an option for the faint of heart; the party is known to begin as soon as the sun goes down on December 31 and continues well into the afternoon of January 1.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai has often been quoted as hosting the largest firework display in the world, lighting up the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and Burj Al Arab as well as a stretch of beach. The best seat in the house is in front of the Dubai Fountain.
Las Vegas, United States
In Las Vegas, you could be forgiven for thinking that any night was a celebration, so on New Year, the city must do something special. In a ‘normal’ year, you would expect to find celebrity-hosted nightclub parties and world-class dinner shows. Many casinos also have firework displays at midnight that can be viewed from throughout the Strip.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio's Copacabana Beach is usually the centre of New Year celebrations as revellers, dressed in all-white, celebrate Réveillon, a party infused with religious, traditional, and superstitious beliefs. Fireworks and live music set the mood, as people make offerings to Lemanjá, the goddess of the sea to bring them good fortune in the New Year.
If you’d like to experience some of these New Year celebrations for yourself next year, we would love to help you plan a holiday to remember, please do get in touch at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..