New Years Eve is traditionally a time of reflection and excitement. A chance to wave goodbye to the past 12 months; whether it’s been good or bad, and look forward optimistically and expectantly to the year ahead.
And what better way to set the tone for an awesome year than with a party to end all parties, on the streets of one of the world’s most spirited and fun loving cities.
The atmosphere is immense and the streets full of like minded people, drinking, dancing and waiting to cheer in the future with a spring of hope in their step – beats a night down the local pub I’m sure you’ll agree.
So where can you find these legendary shindigs? Here’s my top 5 cities where there are biggest December 31st parties.
1. Sydney, Australia
Could Sydney be the ultimate New Year’s Eve knees up?
Arguably the most famous New Years Eve party in the world and one of the first places to welcome the new year, Sydney’s Harbour of Light Parade provides a spectacle of illuminated vessels of all shapes and sizes parading around the harbour before the evening’s celebratory shenanigans continue.
Celebrations start early in the afternoon and include a mammoth firework display off the famous Harbour Bridge before carrying on well into the early hours of the next day.
If any one knows how to party hard, and well, it’s the Aussies. Every December 31st they put on a show which captivates the rest of the world as we wait for our own parties to start.
2. New York, USA
Everyone has to visit NYC, and this city is home to one of the biggest street parties in the world. Full stop. Things don’t get much bigger or better than Times Square on New Years Eve.
Over 1 million people brave the chilly December evening to watch the big ball drop in person, with over 1 billion more tuning in on TV around the world. But, this isn’t just a New Years Eve party, oh no, this is an all out show.
Pyrotechnics, fireworks, star-studded musical performances and dancing into the early hours means that come NYE New York cements its position as the world party capital.
3. Edinburgh, Scotland
Hogmanay is a little bit of what we’re used to – but bigger and oh, so much better. You’re still in the UK and it’s still cold but you’re in Edinburgh one of the most beautiful and enchanting cities we’ve got (and yes we have a few).
It’s an 80,000 person strong street party, with drinking, dancing and lots of fun and raucous behaviour thrown in. Expect super cool DJ’s, beer tents and costumes all with a backdrop of the beautiful Edinburgh Castle.
Jump on a tour such as our Hogmanay and Highlands trip and secure your accommodation and travel and guarantee a set of fun loving trip buddies, ready to party at the UK’s biggest celebration, the perfect mini getaway if your purse strings won’t stretch to a trip down under!
4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
If you’re keen for your new year to start with a bang a you’ll find it hard to beat the carnival style celebration laid on by Rio de Janeiro.
What better way to celebrate the entrance of a brand new year than by mingling with locals and tourists on the beautiful and iconic Copacabana beach.
Copacabana beach transforms itself to one one the biggest and best parties in the world come New Years.
Celebrating New Year is taken very seriously in Rio and they never disappoint with their frenzied firework display and all night party. Every year the entire beach is turned in to one big, all day party complete with music stages, dancing and beautiful people in the New Years event known locally as ‘Reveillon’ but make sure you wear something white – it’s tradition!
5. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam is a city of two perfectly balanced faces, on one side a peaceful and traditional haven for those who need a break from big city living: think scenic bike rides through the park and frosty windmills.
The other side is where all the party animals go to really push themselves.
New Year in Amsterdam is (veeeeery) cold, but beautifully festive and an absolute blast! Thousands of tourists take to the streets to see in the New Year, greeting each other and warmly wishing each other the best for the coming 12 months before disappearing into the various nightspots and coffee shops.
As you’re probably already aware Amsterdam is one of the big party cities of Europe but on New Years it really comes into its own with bar crawls, and a huge selection of event’s, including an outdoor celebration complete with fireworks and live music to keep you in the celebratory mood.
If you want to start your New Year with a bang and revel in one of the world’s most notorious party hot spots, you can’t go wrong with any of the locations above.
Of course, there are so many other places you could go, special mentions to London and Paris, search my cheap flights page to get you there for a bargain.
Or if you are looking to travel, meet others, have a lot of fun and give yourself a New Years celebration to remember plan a trip with one of my top rated travel companies.
