Top 10 Places to Spend New Year’s Eve

1. Sydney, Australia
Be the first in the world to ring in the new year! Australia’s largest NYE celebration in Sydney Harbour includes two fireworks shows, pre-show entertainment, and a parade of colorfully-lit ships “dancing” across the harbor; you can even find maps online that give you the best locations for fireworks viewing. If you’ve ever wanted to venture “down under” and explore Australia, New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to do so.

2. New Orleans
Although New Orleans is generally known for their Mardi Gras festival, New Year’s Eve in the Big Easy is no less exciting! There’s plenty of live music throughout the city in intimate bar and club venues, but the real celebration is in the French Quarter’s Jackson Square. Fireworks over the Mississippi River at midnight is just the beginning of a sure to be eventful night!

3. Cape Town, South Africa
Circus-themed celebrations at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town give you a waterfront view of the firework display and an evening filled with carnival entertainment. The 80 different food trucks will give you a chance to taste many varieties of popular South African cuisine, while circus performers like jugglers and roaming musicians will keep you busy until the midnight countdown. Beach, food, fun – it’s all here. What better way to spend the holidays than in the peak of Cape Town’s summer season?!

4. Bangkok, Thailand
The party outside of CentralWorld mall is Bangkok’s “equivalent to Time Square,” and with DJ’s, street vendors, and an awesome beer garden we see why! Get decked out in all your sparkly NYE attire and hit the streets for Asia’s best end-of-year party. For a more intimate evening, book a ticket for the Loy Nava River Cruise and enjoy a ten-course meal and live band on the water.

5. Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland’s “Hogmanay” is spread all over Edinburgh, with concerts and dancing in 4 different locations throughout the city. Tip: learn Auld Lang Syne. It’s the traditional song sang at midnight, and everyone will know it. Don’t be left out; enjoy the celebration like the locals!

6. Las Vegas
Sin City knows how to throw a party, and New Year’s Eve is no different. Enjoy celebrity-status for a night and attend Vegas’ VIP Tower Party atop the Stratosphere Tower. Admittance will get you into the Stargaze Party (open bar!) and Ultimate Patron After Party, complete with food, champagne, and – of course – fireworks. You don’t need to go far to partake in one of the world’s most extravagant NYE parties.

7. Niagara Falls, Canada
Niagara Falls is known for its family-friendly New Year’s events, so if you plan on celebrating the new year with little ones you may find the Falls to be the perfect setting. Experience the Festival of Lights before enjoying live performances and fireworks at midnight. The vibrant multicolored-lit falls at night is arguably the best they look all year!

8. Vienna, Austria
If you aren’t into the “party” scene, Vienna has enough cultural activities to keep you entertained all night long. Concerts, operas, and traditional waltzes are held city wide, and the New Year’s Eve Gala at Vienna’s City Hall is the perfect dinner-dancing ball for the most sophisticated.
 
9. New York City
NYC is famous for its widely-televised ball drop, and although it is a major tourist magnet, it’s also an unforgettable experience that’s hard to beat! Check this one off your bucket list, and book a flight to the Big Apple in advance – people from all over the world will be vying for a spot in Times Square. For a more intimate evening, enjoy Times Square from rooftop lounges like The Attic Rooftop and Penthouse 760.

10. Berlin, Germany
The only thing better than watching a massive firework display? Launching one yourself. Buy and launch a few fireworks of your own – legally! – while joining nearly a million people at the Brandenburg Gate for one of the world’s largest New Year’s Eve parties. This 2-mile long street festival packed with food, “party tents”, and light shows embodies Berlin’s lively, creative culture to the fullest extent. Bring in the new year with bubbly, more fireworks, musical performances, and partying until the early morning hours.
 
Christy Woodrow
Christy Woodrow is a travel photographer and professional blogger based in San Diego, California. She has been traveling around the world with her partner in crime, Scott, since 2006. Join them on their quest to find off-the-beaten-path destinations by following their adventure travel blog.