Ending the old year and beginning the new one is cause for celebration around the world. While many amazing global destinations know how to throw a good party, these places take the cake when it comes to New Year’s Eve celebrations. If you’re looking for a fantastic holiday celebration getaway, you need to see these best places to celebrate New Year's Eve across the globe.
01 Sydney, Australia
Sydney has long been famous for its New Year’s Eve celebrations. As the first major city to enter the new year, Sydney sets the tone at their harbor. Because, come January, it’s summertime down under, visitors and travelers alike flock to the city’s beaches, where they can enjoy the fireworks above Sydney Harbor, a stunning backdrop for the party. Sydney’s many bars, restaurants, and hotels also host special holiday events for revelers.
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02 New York City, USA
In the U.S., New York City boasts the biggest and arguably the best New Year’s Eve celebration. The major party takes place at Times Square in Manhattan. As many as a million people squeeze into this world-famous square to ring in the holiday — and squeezing together is a good thing considering how cold New York can be during the winter season. If you’re not up for the square, no problem! The city boasts throngs of restaurants, clubs, and hotels that boast exciting holiday events.
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03 Hong Kong, China
With its singular skyline, Hong Kong boasts one of the best New Year’s Eve fireworks displays in the world. Visitors to the city should head to Victoria Harbour, where the festivities are based. Each year, the city seems to feature more amazing displays than the last. You can also witness the fireworks and “dragon” displays from the terraces of the hotels and restaurants that also boast extravagant holiday events.
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04 Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town typically features three days of celebratory events, so if you like to party til the sun comes up and then goes down again, this is the destination for you. The "Mother City" boasts a stunning location near the tip of the African continent. The heart of the New Year’s Eve celebration takes place at the Victoria & Albert Waterfront where revelers enjoy music and a spectacular fireworks display. If you’re looking to enjoy the views in a more relaxed setting, head up to Table Mountain to witness the outstanding fireworks.
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05 Reykjavik, Iceland
At this time of year, the Icelandic capital city only has a few hours of daylight, so its revelers are happy to light up its inky northern skies with dramatic fireworks displays. New Year’s Eve is a festive event for city residents who typically flock to favorite celebration spots like the landmark Perlan building or Landakotskirkja Church. After the midnight fireworks, the clubs and bars take over with parties that stretch into the wee hours of the morning.
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06 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Although Rio is famous for its many breathtaking beaches, Copa Cabana attracts the most celebration seekers on New Year’s Eve. If you’re looking to celebrate the end of the year on the beach, there are few places that rival Rio de Janeiro. This town knows how to party—and its amazing energy is in fine form on the eve of the new year. About two million people celebrate here, and you’ll be in good company if you join them!
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07 London, UK
If you don’t mind celebrating amidst a backdrop of wintery weather, consider catching a flight to London to enjoy the majestic fireworks displays. With its spectacular Thames River backdrop, London lights up the sky with its colorful rockets, but many people prefer to ring in the new year in one of the city’s many cozy pubs. If you do want to see the fireworks outdoors, head to one of the best vantage points, like Parliament Hill or Primrose Hill.
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08 Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
If you’re looking for an ethereal, nature-inspired setting to ring in the new year, head to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. While you can still witness the breathtaking displays of light from the U.S., you'll find the most festivities on the northern end. Sure—the weather is cold up there, but if you’re willing to brave the ice and snow, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more dramatic fireworks display than the one that takes place above these magnificent falls.
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09 Berlin, Germany
Berlin has a reputation for its parties, so it’s no surprise that it ramps up its party energy to ring in the new year. The city’s “Party Mile” stretches from Brandenburg Gate to Victory Column. You’ll find loads of bars, party tents, music stages, video screens, and vendors selling international cuisine throughout the area. The city also brims with nightclubs that host their own holiday events.
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10 Paris, France
For one of the most magnificent fireworks displays in the world, head to the City of Light, which is always a good idea, but an even better one for New Year’s! Paris lights up the sky above its iconic Eiffel Tower with dramatic color. The Champs-Elysees is the site of a huge street party. Revelers enjoy delicious French champagne, of course, and other mouthwatering treats.
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