Best places to spend New Year's Eve
As 2020 quickly approaches a party with friends and family is a great way to ring in the new year. Resolutions will be made and midnight kisses will be swapped. It’s a time of year to celebrate new beginnings and having fun.
One of the best ways to have a good time this New Year’s Eve is to explore a getaway. Why not enjoy an adventurous trip and start your new year off with a bang? When you have a world of exciting retreats, choosing the best place to discover can be a challenge. Here are a few places to consider:
Photo by Kevin Hackert
London, England
Every year London has over 250,000 visitors that await the countdown on the banks of the Thames River. At midnight the city puts on a spectacular display of fireworks. The partying continues throughout the night.
On New Year’s Day, you can enjoy a three-hour parade that includes dancers in colorful costumes, magnificent floats, and marching bands. There is also a wonderful procession of the Queen's horses.
Location: Banks of the Thames River, Opposite the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben
Must See: The procession of the Queen’s horses and the marching parade
Sydney Harbour, Photo by Trent Szmolnik
Sydney, Australia
There are several events in Sydney that bring in the New Year with a big bang. You can look forward to many celebrations like miniature-light shows, smoking ceremonials, aerial shows that display messages, a lighted boat parade and a huge fireworks show at Harbour Bridge. There are also other events like the Taronga Zoo for children and a large dance at Bondi Beach.
Location: Harbour Bridge and surrounding Port Jackson
Must See: The fireworks at the Harbour Bridge and Taronga Zoo
New York, New York
Each year there are more than a million people who attend the world’s renowned New Year’s Eve bash at Times Square. One of the biggest and most exciting events is the countdown. There is a humongous 12-foot dazzling ball decked out in crystals that is gradually dropped from a flagpole on top of Times Square. When the clock strikes midnight a ton of confetti is blasted over Time Square. You can also expect an amazing light show and well-known musicians playing into the night. There is also a Wishing Wall where you can write down your New Year’s resolutions.
Location: Times Square, Manhattan
Must See: The fireworks and events at Times Square, the New Year’s Eve Wishing Well
Paris, France
Paris is one of the most sought after locations for celebrating the New Year. The fireworks at the Eiffel Tower are spectacular! There are also other places to enjoy fireworks such as Disneyland Paris and Arc de Triomphe.
The streets come alive with numerous events and multitudes of people celebrating. The Paris bar and club life is amazing. There are music, laughter, and champagne everywhere you go. If you want to get away from the crowds, you can enjoy a private romantic cruise along the Seine River. Another romantic getaway is a walk on Elysées Avenue; the world’s most beautiful avenue.
Location: Eiffel Tower, Disneyland Paris, and Arc de Triomphe
Must See: Eiffel Tower fireworks, Elysées Avenue, cruise the Seine River
Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas has always been known as a party town. You can guarantee that there will be a big celebration on New Year's Eve. More than a million visitors attend the celebrations every season. The events kick-off downtown at 6 pm. The renowned 4-mile strip is completely blocked off from traffic. You will enjoy walking around, socializing, eating, drinking, dancing and watching numerous fireworks exploding from the rooftops. Many of the casinos, bars, clubs, and hotels offer special activities and shows such as dance performances and musical concerts.
Location: The Whole City!
Must See: The 4 Mile Strip, New Year’s Day Bowl Games
Edinburgh, Scotland
In Edinburgh, New Year's Eve is known as Hogmanay, which signifies a celebration of the last day of the year. Hogmanay is a 3-day festival full of fun and adventure. Thousands arrive to have fun for the holiday. It is one of the biggest holidays of the year. You will discover traditional ceilidh dancing, music and other events in the streets. A remarkable fireworks show is set off at midnight. The celebration continues throughout the night.
On New Year’s Day, you can enjoy a run down the Royal Mile, a dog-sledding competition and the costume Loony Dook Parade that ends with a cold dip in the river freezing River Forth.
Location: Princess Street Gardens
Must See: Loony Dook Parade, the Royal Mile, dog-sledding competition
Vienna, Austria
The best place to go if you are in search of a cultural celebration is Vienna. New Year’s Eve is filled with classical music concerts, several symphonies, operas, many dignified balls and a champagne brunch on New Year’s Day. However, if you prefer, many venues serve mulled wine and toffee apples.
There are several outstanding fireworks shows. The biggest display is at the Heldenplatz at the Vienna Prater in front of the Ferris wheel, near the Imperial Palace.
Another great experience is a tour aboard the Majestic Imperator Train. The train takes you on an unforgettable experience throughout the city.
Location: The Heldenplatz
Must See: Vienna City Hall ballroom, the Majestic Imperator Train and an opera or symphony
Miami, Florida
Celebrate your New Year in Miami, the city that offers something for everyone. This season enjoys a fun-filled place of immeasurable celebrations and events. You will discover a wide array of activities like the all-night dance-a-thon at South Beach, Food and Wine parties, the King Mango Strut parade, Miami’s Fontainebleau beach party, the Orange Bowl football game and much more. You can also walk some of the most famous streets in the world. The iconic Ocean Drive, Espanola Way or the posh South Fifth neighborhood are hotspots.
The fireworks display at Bayfront Park is fantastic! There is a gigantic 35-foot neon “Big Orange” ball that slowly drops from the Inter-Continental Miami. There is musical entertainment, family activities, and amazing food booths.
Location: Bayfront Park, Miami Beach
Must See: The 35-foot neon ‘Big Orange’ ball drop, all-night dance-a-thon at South Beach, the King Mango Strut parade, Miami’s Fontainebleau beach celebration
In the winter, many people want to escape the cold and wet to somewhere warmer or drier. When it comes to weather, there are many places to go for New Year’s Eve that will be quite accommodating. For example, London is fairly mild and dry during the holidays. Paris is often cloudy but there are minimal rainy days. Even then, the showers are generally light. Florida is always heaven and will often have flowers blooming in the winter like orchids, reticulated irises, and autumn camellias.
The most popular places in the world to spend New Year's Eve are well-liked for a reason. For instance, the cities have amazing fireworks plus numerous events and activities. Likewise, they are known for their nice weather in the winter.
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