The seven best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve!
Not sure exactly where you’ll be when the clock strikes 12 o’clock? Who says New Year’s Eve is always disappointing? Visit one of these wonderful cities for a guaranteed great time! These seven firework cities are excellent places to begin the New Year.
London, UK
When it comes to celebrating the New Year in London, there is really only one true master of fiestas. His name is Ben, and he is BIG! About 2.5 million people will admire the clock and bell tower to kick off the start of 2015 and witness the 8 minutes lasting fireworks show.
On the off chance you do not want to be among the 250,000 people who have squeezed themselves for the London Eye on the south bank, go to the Victoria Embankment – the quay on the north side of the river – or walk across the sparkling grounds of the Palace of Westminster. Anyway, the show is so impressive that wherever you are in London you could see the night lit up all over the city.
Extra tip: Take a joy ride! You can travel for free on all services provided by Transport for London (TfL) between 11:45 pm and 4:00 am.
What you should say in London: ‘Happy New Year! ”
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This is a famous destination of the UAE and it is no surprise that Dubai enjoys a bit of fireworks. To be exact, 479 651 booms…
Dubai managed last year to get a hold in the Guinness Book of World Records, with the largest fireworks show ever! The whole show was designed by the American pyrotechnic artist Phil Grucci. He spent ten months of planning the six-minute show. The spectacular 160-story Burj Khalifa skyscraper and the 58-kilometer pearl white shore were completely lighted.
That was last year. You can bet that this year, after the countdown to the New Year, will be at least as big and bombastic as last year.
Extra tip: These fireworks give a good bang, so don’t forget your earplugs!
What you should say in Dubai: ‘Kul’ am wa bi antum khayr ‘!
Vilnius, Lithuania
It will not be easy to find a more romantic place to start the year than the cheap and cheerful Vilnius. The fireworks from the Lithuanian capital may not be as spectacular as the rest, but you get as much bang for half the price. You’ll also get the rare opportunity to experience the natural feeling of charm and romance of this city, which is often overlooked.
It is not only about the countdown to the New Year. It all starts on December 26, with daily concerts and festivities everywhere, throughout the city, but also in Kalnai Park and Vingis Park.
On New Year’s Eve itself, we can recommend one of the excellent restaurants, nightclubs and bars of the Baroque old town, but for an authentic Lithuanian New Year it is best to take to take a walk and mix with the local population on the crowded street corners. After that continue towards the Cathedral Square in the center, where you’ll see the midnight fireworks show and you can party till the sun comes up.
What you should say in Vilnius: ‘Laimingų Naujųjų METU! ”
Hong Kong, China
Visitors and local residents can enjoy a light and sound show – A Symphony of Lights – every day of the year at the skyline of Hong Kong. But if you come here on New Year’s Eve you’ll see an even bigger show! In only six years since Hong Kong officially began with the celebration of the countdown to the New Year, the Pearl of the East has quickly become one of the best places to start the New Year.
Firework is a Chinese invention from the 7th century, so it is not surprising that on the big night you get to see thousands of pieces of fireworks flying through the air. For the best view, it is advisable to get there early to be at the Wan Chai’s Golden Bauhinia Square. If it’s not your thing, those waving crowds, then the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade located just north of Victoria Harbour is worth a recommendation too. Visit the Cantonese street operas, the Avenue of Stars, but also enjoy the wide range of food on the street, which is a testament to the diversity of this culinary capital of Asia.
Extra tip: Want even more fun? Go back to Hong Kong on February 19, when they celebrate the Chinese New Year!
What you should say in Hong Kong: “Gong Hey Fat Choy!”
Rome, Italy
If you like socializing, singing and dancing, sophisticated Rome could be the best place for you for the celebration of New Year. The medieval neighborhood of Trastevere acts as a host of legendary New Year’s Eve street parties, where visitors can get acquainted with each other, sipping another glass of Prosecco and dance with street performances and the flashy fireworks show when the clock strikes 12 o’clock.
Another big hit is the Circus Maximus, the ancient Roman stadium which is famous for its popular chariot races which were held there. Here you can attend a free, annually concert where the biggest pop stars of Italy will be present. For fans of classic music, in the church next to the Castel Sant ‘Angelo an orchestra will perform all night long music by Italian composers like Vivaldi and Verdi.
The greatest spectacle you’ll find here on New Year’s Eve however is not something that’s exploding in the sky. Before the nightly feast begins, go first to St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. At 5 pm the Pope is here to pray.
Extra tip: Do not forget to wear red underwear – the symbol of New Year’s good luck in Italy.
What you should say in Rome: ‘Buon anno! ”
Reykjavik, Iceland
New Year’s Eve in Reykjavik always offers a slightly different spectacle when compared to other cities. Iceland is the land of fire and ice, thus you can expect severe snow and ice, which is softened by warm bonfires. And when the sunset is starting in at four o’clock in the afternoon, you will most likely see the northern lights illuminate the black night sky.
Actually you don’t need fireworks when you’ve got the Aurora Borealis, but this is the only time in the year when fireworks are allowed in Iceland, so everyone has pretty much fun in lighting up the fireworks.
Despite of the fact of having nights of twenty hours, Reykjavik is a city that never sleeps! When the spectacular firework starts, head into town for your first drink of 2016. We recommend a shot Brennivín (or two!), the traditional Icelandic drink. Make it a good party, as you can always worry later about the New Year’s resolutions.
What you should say in Reykjavik: ‘Gleðilegt Nytt ár!’
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
If you’ve already tried all of the above and this year has to exceed all the other years, then there is only one place to go: Copacabana Beach. About two million people go to this attraction in Rio to join the party, enjoy the loud dance music, go to the kiosks where you can just drink as much as you want and lit the fireworks on the beach.
New Year fashion is important on this beach: people are dressed in symbolic white (peace), green (health), purple (inspiration) and yellow (wealth).
If you are very superstitious, you have to do seven New Year’s wishes while trying to jump over seven waves, according to local folklore. You will become a bit wet, but given the wild beach party and the warm weather that will make no difference, right?
What you should say in Rio de Janeiro: “Feliz ano novo!”
