Travel in new year 2018

20 Best Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve Michael Alan Connelly | December 30, 2016 PHOTO: Bikeworldtravel / Shutterstock New Year’s comes but once a year, so it’s worth it to make the festivites memorable. But where’s the best place to be when the clock strikes midnight on December 31? We’ve scoured the world for the best annual celebrations, from the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to Berlin’s Brandenberg Gate. The fun doesn't have to stop after New Year's Eve, though, because many cities offer a wide variety of New Year's Day activities as well. Epic fireworks displays, all-night dance parties, one-of-a-kind cultural traditions—you’ll find all these and more in the world’s best places to celebrate New Year’s. By Michael Alan Connelly PHOTO: Melissa Madia / Shutterstock 1 OF 20 New York City It may not be for everyone, but there’s no denying that New Year’s Eve in New York City has an atmosphere that few other cities can rival. Most famous, of course, is the annual gathering of a million people in Times Square to see famous musicians and the ball drop, in which a 12-foot-wide crystal ball weighing nearly 12,000 pounds descends atop One Times Square. For a slightly less chaotic experience, book a reservation at one of the bars or restaurants overlooking Times Square. And for something completely different, consider a nighttime boat ride on New York Harbor, which offers the best views of the midnight fireworks display on Liberty Island. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Travel Guide PHOTO: Leanne Vorrias / Shutterstock 2 OF 20 Rio de Janeiro If Rio is best known for its Carnival festivities, its New Year’s Eve celebration comes in a close second. Iconic Copacabana Beach hosts the world’s largest (and arguably wildest) New Year’s Eve party, in which more than two million people cram onto the two-and-a-half-mile stretch of sand. Known as Réveillon, this uniquely Brazilian celebration that blends religious, traditional, and superstitious beliefs: Locals dress head to toe in white (believed to bring good luck) and toss handfuls of flowers into the ocean as gift to Yemanjá, goddess of the seas. The celebration also includes large oceanfront stages for live musical and dance performances, and a colorful fireworks display at midnight completes the scene. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide PHOTO: auseng / Shutterstock 3 OF 20 Sydney Sydney has two claims to fame for its New Year’s Eve celebrations: first, because of its location, it’s the first major city where the clock strikes midnight; second, Sydney puts on the largest fireworks display in the world, with one at 9 pm and another at midnight, with the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House making for a striking setting. More than a million people attend the waterfront show, which also includes an air and water show featuring aerial acrobatics, an Aboriginal smoking ceremony that is said to cleanse bad spirits, and the Harbour of Light Parade, a flotilla of more than 50 illuminated boats in the harbor. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Sydney Travel Guide PHOTO: Brendan Howard / Shutterstock 4 OF 20 Edinburgh Hogmanay translates to “last day of the year,” but the annual festivities in Edinburgh actually last three days. Things kick off on December 30 with a torchlight procession through the city that culminates in a fireworks finale, while New Year’s Eve is all about massive street parties and outdoor concerts, including a massive, open-air Kelidh (traditional Celtic party). At midnight, 4.5 tons of fireworks explode over Edinburgh Castle while the streets ring out with revelers singing “Auld Lang Syne.” New Year’s Day brings competitive dog sledding across Holyrood Park; brave souls jumping into the ice-cold waters of the River Forth at the conclusion of the Loony Dook parade (a charity event); and Scot:Lands, a multivenue music and arts festival. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Edinburgh Travel Guide PHOTO: Bikeworldtravel / Shutterstock 5 OF 20 London Londoners ring in the New Year as only they can, to the chiming of Big Ben at midnight. More than 250,000 people crowd the banks of the Thames and its numerous bridges to see the spectacular ten-minute lightshow and fireworks display, with the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament (also known as the Palace of Westminster), and the Shard among highlights of the urban scenery. The fun doesn’t end there, though: There are many after-parties, and on New Year’s Day the streets of central London see a parade that features colorful floats, marching bands, costumed dancers, and a procession of the Queen’s horses. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s London Travel Guide PHOTO: leungchopan / Shutterstock 6 OF 20 Hong Kong One of the world’s most dramatic skylines lights up every year with a display of fireworks that grows more impressive every year, concluding with a dazzling finale: a pyrotechnic dragon that dances across the sky. The events kick off in Hong Kong’s Times Square shopping mall, where a replica ball drop takes place in homage to New York City’s famous festivities. Victoria Harbour is the center of the evening activity, though, so savvy locals party on boats, rooftop terraces, or at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Tsa Shui for the best views of the dazzling lightshow. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Hong Kong Travel Guide PHOTO: katatonia82 / Shutterstock 7 OF 20 Berlin The German capital has a reputation for being a party city year-round, so you can imagine what New Year’s Eve (known as “Silvester”) is like here. The centerpiece of the celebration is “Party Mile,” a two-kilometer stretch of bars, international food stalls, laser shows, video screens, party tents, music stages, and more between Brandenburg Gate and Victory Column. After the fireworks show at midnight, the crowds head to the city’s many dance floors, where they stay out until dawn or later. To somewhat counteract the debauchery, locals partake in the Berlin Silversterlauf (a “pancake race” in which runner flip flapjacks as they head toward the finish line) during the day, or participate in the annual, free four-kilometer New Year’s Run the next day. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Berlin Travel Guide PHOTO: Derrick Neill | Dreamstime.com 8 OF 20 Las Vegas More than 300,000 revelers descend on this party capital for the big night, when the Las Vegas Strip becomes car-free and transforms into a giant street party with live bands, pyrotechnic displays, and laser shows. The city also hosts a mind-boggling number of concerts, shows, and parties in clubs, hotels, and casinos, meaning there’s no shortage of evening entertainment options. Come midnight, fireworks are launched from seven rooftops along the Strip, so chances are you’ll see them whether you’re on the street or in an over-the-top hotel suite. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Las Vegas Travel Guide PHOTO: Erkki & Hanna / Shutterstock 9 OF 20 Bahamas New Year’s Day is just as exciting as New Year’s Eve in the Bahamas, where the locals follow Junkanoo street parades that conclude with informal beach gatherings and fireworks displays around the islands. Featuring music, street performers, and colorful costumes, these parades, a sort of Bahamian take on Mardi Gras, also take place on January 1. The notable New Year’s Day Junkanoos can be found in downtown Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, along Bay Street in downtown Nassau, in Nicholls Town on North Andros, in Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay, and in Alice Town in North Bimini. Alternatively, big properties such as the Atlantis and the Grand Lucayan offer their own parties, some of which are family-friendly. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Bahamas Travel Guide PHOTO: Walleyelj | Dreamstime.com 10 OF 20 New Orleans It may not be Mardi Gras, but New Year’s Eve in New Orleans is just as memorable. The main event is a thrilling 15-minute fireworks show on the Mississippi River, along with the Fleur de Lis drop, where “Baby New Year” is dropped from the roof of the Jax Brewery in Jackson Square. Of course the night doesn’t end there, as visitors and locals flock to Bourbon Street and the Latin Quarter, where music booms from bars and nightclubs, and the streets remain bustling until the wee hours. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New Orleans Travel Guide PHOTO: Joel Blit / Shutterstock 11 OF 20 Jost Van Dyke You may call it New Year’s Eve, but on Jost Van Dyke, it’s Old Year’s Night. The festivities on this tiny British Virgin Island take place at Foxy’s Tamarind Bar and other nightlife spots in Grand Harbor, and draw a crowd from around the Caribbean and, in fact, the world. One of the most raucous New Year’s parties in the region, Old Year’s Night celebrations actually consist of 48 hours of live music, drinking, and eating; the annual event attracts thousands of shirtless or bikini-clad partygoers who stay up late and sometimes sleep on the beach. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Jost Van Dyke Travel Guide PHOTO: Mikericci | Dreamstime.com 12 OF 20 Walt Disney World New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World is a dream come true for families traveling over the holiday. The theme park stays open until 1 am, but it’s packed with fun activities all day long. Leading up to the midnight fireworks show, there are Cirque du Soleil performances, dance parties, live entertainers, and confetti explosions to keep visitors of all ages entertained. Disney’s Magic Kingdom is home to the Jingle Jungle Parade, while Epcot puts on an impressive lights and laser show just before midnight. It’s also a plus that WDW is less crowded at this time of year than during peak months. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Walt Disney World Travel Guide PHOTO: Digikhmer | Dreamstime.com 13 OF 20 Paris The City of Light lives up to its nickname on New Year’s Eve, when the Eiffel Tower becomes the site of a spectacular lightshow and fireworks display. Nearby, Parisians ring in the Nouvelle Année on the Champs-Élysées, which hosts a massive street party, where they pop bottles of (what else?) Champagne and exchange cheek kisses and papillotes, chocolates wrapped in sparkly paper that crackles like a firecracker when opened. For an alternate area that’s less crowded, Montmarte offers equally good views of the fireworks, or you can book a dinner cruise aboard a bateau-mouche on the Seine. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Paris Travel Guide PHOTO: Pavel L Photo and Video / Shutterstock 14 OF 20 Vienna This atmospheric city is famous for its New Year’s Eve Grand Ball, hosted at Hofburg Palace, but there’s more on offer than just throwback elegance. Vienna’s famous Christmas markets transform into New Year’s fairs, and hundreds of thousands of revelers crowd the Silvesterpfad (New Year’s Path) in the city center on New Year’s Eve. Fueled by mulled wine, the party starts at 2 pm and goes until well after midnight, with fireworks appearing over the Wiener Prater fair. On New Year’s Day, a huge crowd gathers outside the Rathaus (City Hall) to watch the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s concert on a giant screen. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Vienna Travel Guide PHOTO: Dennis van de Water / Shutterstock 15 OF 20 Amsterdam Impromptu street parties are easy to find in the Dutch capital on New Year’s Eve, but there are organized parties in just about every large public space, including Rembrandtplein, Nieuwmarkt, Museumplein and Dam Square. There are fireworks displays in multiple locations, best viewed from the city’s bridges; after those are over, revelers head out to the clubs for drinks, live music, and dancing until the sun comes up. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Amsterdam Travel Guide PHOTO: leungchopan / Shutterstock 16 OF 20 Reykjavik With only four hours of daylight in late December, locals in the northernmost capital of the world are ready to party like no one else. New Year’s Eve kicks off with community bonfires (they symbolize burning away troubles from the past year) around which people sing, dance, and play music. Meanwhile, fireworks light up from every corner of the city thanks to fairly relaxed government restrictions. As midnight approaches, crowds gather around local landmarks like Perlan and Landakotskirkja church for the best views of the official fireworks display and of the city, after which they head to bars and clubs. Come 5 am, you’ll see many staving off hangovers with hot dogs or a trip to the hot springs. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Reykjavik Travel Guide PHOTO: Richard Cavalleri / Shutterstock 17 OF 20 Miami With its world-class nightlife scene, Miami is a no-brainer for New Year’s celebrations, and the city offers celebrations both free and VIP, and everything in between. (That’s not to mention the average temperature of 75 degrees.) The festivities in downtown’s Bayfront Park start at 8 pm and include dancing and fireworks at midnight; in South Beach, Lummus Park on Ocean Drive hosts a party from 9 pm to 2 am, which also includes live music and fireworks. For party people, Miami’s glitzy hotels host exclusive events with big-name acts, open bars, and private fireworks displays to boot. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Miami Travel Guide PHOTO: InnaFelker / Shutterstock 18 OF 20 Cape Town New Year’s celebrations span three days in this vibrant South African city. On New Year’s Eve, the Victoria & Albert Waterfront hosts a concert and midnight fireworks display (smart revelers picnic and party on Table Mountain for unobstructed views of the fireworks), and the Victoria Falls New Year’s Carnival includes a carnival-themed train and live music. On New Year’s Day and the day after, thousands head to local beaches, and the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parades through downtown, with 10,000 performers dancing and singing in the streets, a tradition that dates back to the 19th-century slave trade. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Cape Town Travel Guide PHOTO: lancelee / Shutterstock 19 OF 20 Bangkok This bustling metropolis’s locals and expats come together for New Year’s Eve festivities, the centerpiece of which is a massive gathering in Central World Square. The crowd numbers hundreds of thousands, and entertainment includes a spectacular light show, live concert, and video screens projecting celebrations from around the world. At midnight, of course, a series of fireworks displays illuminate the riverside. Afterward, the party continues at nightclubs and the lively beer gardens lining the streets. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Bangkok Travel Guide PHOTO: Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock 20 OF 20 Oahu This Hawaiian island offers a variety of New Year’s Eve activities in a gorgeous setting. In downtown Honolulu, the Aloha Tower New Year’s Eve party begins at 7 pm and goes until 2 am, featuring live music, dancing, and fireworks. There’s also a fireworks show at Waikiki Beach, which is a decidedly calmer affair. In West Oahu, Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii hosts a daytime celebration for families, which concludes with fireworks after sunset. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Honolulu and Oahu Travel Guide Best Places to Spend New Year's Eve Ring in the New Year somewhere new: from Berlin to the Bahamas, these destinations know how to celebrate. Katie Hammel December 16, 2013 As the clock ticks down to midnight, a crowd gathers in Times Square, waiting for a glittering ball to descend and launch the New Year. But this isn’t New York, it’s Hong Kong, where a ball drop has also become an annual tradition. Around the world, locals celebrate the passing of one year to the next in similar ways: fireworks, street parties, dancing, and generous helpings of food and drinks. Still, each destination has its own cultural twists and distinctive setting. In St. Petersburg, Russia, for instance, folks bundle up to admire fireworks above the partially frozen Neva River—and send hundreds of paper lanterns up into the night sky. Related: America's Best Cities for New Year's Eve Party people can stay out late in Reykjavik, Iceland, then go for a dip in the hot springs. Or they can join the massive beach bash in Valparaíso, Chile. For good luck in 2014, do as the Chileans do and wear yellow underwear, eat a dozen grapes at midnight, and put a $1,000 peso bill in your shoe. Beachfront fireworks shows ring in the New Year in Maui, HI, which caters to couples and to families. The Bahamas offers similar warm-weather appeal along with traditional Junkanoo costumed street parades. Whether you’d rather cozy up by the fire with a fine wine in Sonoma, CA, sing “Auld Lang Syne” on a torchlight procession through Edinburgh’s cobblestoned streets, or party until the sun comes up, there’s a destination that will start your New Year right. 1 of 16 Pablo Corral Vega/CORBIS Valparaíso, Chile Why Go: The biggest New Year’s Eve show in Latin America takes place in the Valparaíso harbor with a 20-minute fireworks show (launched from 17 different points along the coast between Valparaíso and Viña del Mar) and a dance party that lasts until the sun comes up. The festivities begin on the 28th, and by the 31st more than a million people have made their way to the city’s sandy shores for the beach party to end all beach parties. To ensure good luck in the New Year, do as the locals do and wear yellow underwear, eat a dozen grapes at midnight, and put a $1,000 peso bill in your shoe. Where to Stay: Each of the 14 rooms at Hotel Acontraluz overlooks the beach and comes with furniture made with reclaimed materials like adobe and Oregon pinewood once brought to Valparaíso as shipping ballast. hotelacontraluz.cl 2 of 16 Arctic-Images/Corbis Reykjavik, Iceland Why Go: Iceland’s capital has an outsize nightlife that belies its small size, and on New Year’s Eve the hard-partying locals throw a citywide celebration that lasts until the wee morning hours. The party starts with community bonfires, meant to symbolize the burning away of the previous year’s troubles, and thousands of fireworks lighting up the sky from every corner of the city. For the best view, head to the Perlan, or Pearl, which offers a fantastic view of the city and hosts a New Year’s Eve party with dinner, drinks, and dancing. If you make it to 5 a.m., join the locals queuing up for hangover-helping hot dogs, or head to the hot springs for a rehydrating soak. Where to Stay: With panoramic views over the festivities, the luxury apartment–style rooms at downtown’s Room With a View put guests close to the action but above the fray. roomwithaview.is Advertisement The Napa and Sonoma Valleys new year's eve destinations 3 of 16 Brad Perks Lightscapes / Alamy The Napa and Sonoma Valleys Why Go: While winter is the slow season in northern California wine country, it makes for a more laid-back, less crowded holiday experience. On New Year’s Eve, many larger hotels and wineries offer their own wine-fueled parties in cellars and wine caves, including the Black and White Gala at Etoile at Domaine Chandon, a candlelit multicourse dinner in the Trinitas Cellars wine cave at the Meritage Resort, and a five-course dinner and masquerade ball in the Grand Barrel Room at Castello di Amorosa winery. The Napa Valley Wine Train hosts a Blackjack Ball in its restored Pullman cars as they make their way up and down the valley. For a more low-key celebration, make reservations at one of the area’s famed restaurants, such as Redd, Bottega, or Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc or Bouchon in Yountville, and then retreat to a luxury inn for a private midnight toast by the fire. Where to Stay: In Sonoma, the Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa (marriott.com) offers an on-site restaurant and a free shuttle to the nearby Sonoma Plaza. Napa’s Hotel Yountville (hotelyountville.com) is an ultra-sexy oasis just steps from the dining options of charming Yountville, including the French Laundry. Bratislava, Slovakia 4 of 16 iStockphoto Bratislava, Slovakia Why Go: New Year’s Eve in Bratislava is as unpretentious as it gets—the frat party to the black-tie balls of Vienna, just an hour away. The Slovak capital’s medieval Old Town hosts more than 10,000 people for concerts, open-air dance parties, and a fireworks show over the Danube River. It’s divided into a “concert zone” for those more interested in live local music and “party zones” for socializing. Jumbo screens broadcast the celebrations in other capital cities worldwide. Just be prepared: New Year’s Eve here is a noisy affair, as tradition dictates the use of a rehtacka, or wooden noisemaker, to chase away the negative energy of the past year. Where to Stay: The modern two-room suites at Penzion Virgo in Bratislava’s Old Town come with double beds, kitchenettes, private terraces, Wi-Fi, and continental breakfast—for roughly $110 per night. penzionvirgo.sk best places to celebrate new years Bahamas 5 of 16 Philip Gould/CORBIS Bahamas Why Go: Relaxing beach days give way to wild nights as the Bahamas gets ready to ring in the New Year. Most hotels, including the Atlantis, the Grand Lucayan, and Stella Maris, offer their own parties, while locals follow the Junkanoo street parades that lead to informal beach gatherings and fireworks shows around the islands. The Bahamian version of Mardi Gras, complete with music, masquerading street performers, and colorful costumes, these parades also take place on January 1; you can check out New Year’s Day Junkanoos in downtown Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, along Bay Street in downtown Nassau, in Nicholls Town on North Andros, in Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay, and in Alice Town in North Bimini. Where to Stay: The Atlantis has the whole family covered with special New Year’s Eve events for kids, a masquerade ball for adults, and prime viewing of the Marina Village fireworks. NYE in Edinburgh, Scotland 6 of 16 DAVID MOIR/X02060/Reuters/Corbis Edinburgh Why Go: No city does New Year’s with as much enthusiasm as Edinburgh. The Hogmanay celebration lasts four days and includes a torchlight parade through the city, concerts, and a massive street party on Princes Street. “Auld Lang Syne” was written by Scotsman Robert Burns, and the song takes on special significance when sung in the streets of Edinburgh as glowing torchlights illuminate the happy revelers. The Scots practice the tradition of “first-footing,” in which the first guest of the New Year should bring gifts; popular offerings include whisky or Scottish shortbread. On January 1, spectators gather at the River Forth to watch a group of brave souls splash into the freezing water in the annual Queensferry Loony Dook charity event. Where to Stay: The 13 rooms at Castleview Guest House offer the charm of traditional styling with all the modern amenities. The family-owned guesthouse provides visitors a sanctuary from the surrounding festivities but is just steps from Edinburgh Castle. castleviewgh.com Advertisement Vienna, Austria 7 of 16 Monika Hofler Vienna Why Go: New Year’s Eve in Vienna is more than galas and storied balls, although there are plenty of those to be found. Revelers crowd the Silvesterpfad, or New Year’s Path, in the city center. The party, fueled by hot mulled wine and toffee apples, lasts from 2 p.m. to well after midnight, when the chimes of the Pummerin bell ring out from the tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and a fireworks show dazzles over the Prater park. The Majestic Imperator train, a “palace on rails,” takes guests into the New Year in luxurious style with a black-tie dinner and a stop on a Danube bridge at midnight for an incredible view of the city’s fireworks. For a more casual party, head to the Rathaus (City Hall) to watch the New Year’s Concert projected on a big screen. Be sure to eat some Glücksschwein, or good-luck pigs, which you’ll find in every form, from suckling pig to pig-shaped marzipan treats. Where to Stay: Offering 26 rooms in a 19th-century house right by St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hollmann Beletage mixes contemporary with old-world elegance. Its eight-seat cinema screens Austrian films nightly. New Years Eve in Sydney, Australia 8 of 16 DANIEL MUNOZ/Reuters/Corbis Sydney Why Go: Sydney beats everyone else to the punch as the first major city to celebrate the New Year. It also hosts one of the largest parties; more than 1 million people attend the waterfront show, with more than a billion people watching it televised around the world. Sydney’s celebration lasts all day and into the night and is fun for the whole family, with an air and water show featuring thrilling aerial acrobatics and a fire tug water display, a Harbour of Light Parade (an illuminated flotilla of more than 50 vessels), and two fireworks shows—one at 9 p.m. and again at midnight. Where to Stay: You can’t sleep closer to Sydney Harbour than the Sebel Pier One hotel, which is built over the water. The hotel promises guests reserved pier space for viewing the Sydney Harbour Bridge fireworks. sebelpierone.com.au Advertisement St. Petersburg, Russia 9 of 16 iStockphoto St. Petersburg, Russia Why Go: The grand boulevards and bridges of St. Petersburg are at their most beautiful covered with a layer of snow and illuminated by holiday lights. The lavish Hermitage Museum is particularly striking on December 31, when it’s surrounded by crowds waiting for the fireworks show over the partially frozen Neva River. As the clock ticks down, they drink champagne and send hundreds of paper lanterns up into the night sky. Russians celebrate both Catholic Christmas on December 25 and Orthodox Christmas on January 7, so visiting now means coming smack in the middle of the holiday season, when the city’s main drag, Nevsky Prospect, is decorated in Christmas lights and images of Father Frost (the Russian version of Santa) are everywhere. And Russians turn out yet again on January 13 to celebrate Old New Year, a remnant of the Julian calendar used prior to the Revolution. Where to Stay: It won’t come cheap, but a New Year’s at the Grand Hotel Europe will be a night to remember. The opulent hotel, built in 1875, was the first in Europe to have electric lights and was Dostoyevsky’s preferred place to stay. Hong Kong new year's eve destinations 10 of 16 TYRONE SIU/Reuters/Corbis Hong Kong Why Go: Hong Kong’s New Year’s Eve celebration features one of the world’s best pyrotechnic shows, a sensory extravaganza of light and sound that includes an eight-minute fireworks show over Victoria Harbour and a Times Square countdown, complete with a replica ball drop at midnight. The show actually starts much earlier, with the Symphony of Lights display that illuminates 45 buildings in the Hong Kong skyline every night at 8 p.m. all year round. The best views of the Victoria Harbour fireworks can be seen from a boat; on dry land, head to the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, or party in one of the many bars in the Lan Kwai Fong district. Where to Stay: The 93 rooms at Butterfly on Morrison are decked out in bright colors and floor-to-ceiling windows, many with harbor views. The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from Times Square and offers free Wi-Fi. butterflyhk.com Advertisement Maui, Hawaii 11 of 16 iStockphoto Maui, HI Why Go: New Year’s Eve in Maui offers options for any taste: a lively hotel party; a romantic dinner for two on the beach; fireworks seen from a catamaran cruise or with the kids at a traditional Hawaiian luau. The real show happens the next day for those who rise early and head to the summit of Haleakala to start the New Year with one of the most spectacular sunrises in the world. Hawaii’s melting-pot culture means New Year’s traditions vary widely; among people of Japanese descent, it’s customary to eat ozoni, a mochi soup, to ensure prosperity. Throughout the islands, if you want to wish someone a happy New Year, try your hand at saying, “Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!” Where to Stay: Set on the beach in a protected cove, the 163 rooms of Napili Kai are spread over 10 acres, giving guests ample space to find a private piece of paradise. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar, four pools, and a kids club. napilikai.com NYE Cape Town, South Africa 12 of 16 Christopher Scott / Alamy Cape Town Why Go: Only in Cape Town can you ring in the New Year atop one of the world’s most mesmerizing natural wonders. As the Mother City celebrates below, revelers on top of Table Mountain can picnic and party until 12:30 a.m., with an unobstructed view of the V&A Waterfront fireworks. The party continues on January 1, with thousands heading to local beaches. New Year’s Day (and the day after) also sees the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival parade through downtown, with 10,000 performers in whiteface paint dancing and singing in the streets. The parade’s traditions date back to the 19th century, when slaves were given January 2 to celebrate the New Year. Where to Stay: Along Cape Town’s stunning V&A waterfront sits the luxurious Table Bay. With 311 rooms offering a range of city and ocean views, plus fine dining and a spa, the hotel treats guests to the best Cape Town has to offer. Advertisement Berlin, Germany 13 of 16 Robert Schlesinger/dpa/Corbis Berlin Why Go: Berlin has a worldwide reputation as a party city. It seems the German capital hasn’t stopped celebrating its freedom since the Wall fell in 1989. On New Year’s Eve, or Silvester, as it’s called in Germany, more than 1 million people fill the “Party Mile” that extends from Brandenburg Gate and is lined with music stages and food and drink tents serving beer, mulled wine, and local specialties like currywurst, a pork sausage topped with curry-dusted ketchup. There’s a fireworks show at midnight, after which the party moves to the city’s many over-the-top dance clubs like Berghain, a gargantuan club with a 1,500-person capacity, legendary for its wild parties that can last for 12 hours or more. If you’re still standing the next day, sweat out the previous night’s excess in the annual free four-kilometer New Year’s Run, which loops from Brandenburg Gate to the Berliner Dom and back. Where to Stay: While the historic Hotel Adlon is just steps from Brandenburg Gate, the effortlessly chic Hotel Indigo near Alexanderplatz exudes a hipper vibe more befitting the holiday. hotelindigoberlin.com Las Vegas, Nevada 14 of 16 Courtesy of Caesars Palace Las Vegas Why Go: Sin City throws the ultimate party on New Year’s Eve with a mind-boggling number of concerts, shows, club parties, and casino and hotel bashes, including the Downtown Countdown held at the Fremont Street Experience. Come midnight, watch the show from a rooftop bar like the Rio’s VooDoo Lounge, Ghostbar on the 55th floor of The Palms, or AirBar at the Stratosphere, which also hosts dinner with a view of the show at its Top of the World restaurant. Fireworks go off from seven rooftops along the Strip, so you’re guaranteed a view from nearly any angle. Where to Stay: Las Vegas’s ode to the City of Light, the Paris, Las Vegas, brings European flair to Sin City. Gordon Ramsay just opened a steakhouse on site, while the hotel’s bistro, Mon Ami Gabi, offers more affordable French cuisine with excellent views of the Bellagio fountains. Advertisement London 15 of 16 iStockphoto London Why Go: London remains aglow with the holiday spirit through New Year’s Eve, when the city’s three-hour extravaganza along the River Thames draws 250,000 people with its 10,000 performers, a fireworks show at the London Eye, a midnight countdown alongside the chiming of Big Ben, and a massive group sing-along to “Auld Lang Syne.” Take in the sights of all the festivities on a Thames dinner cruise, or for land-based viewing, grab a spot along the Victoria Embankment or the Waterloo or Westminster bridges. Where to Stay: If you’re going big in London, you can’t go bigger than the iconic Savoy Hotel on the banks of the Thames. Spend the afternoon of January 1 in the hotel’s Art Deco Beaufort Bar, which serves “tipsy tea” cocktails with finger sandwiches and scones with clotted cream. NYE Niagara Falls, Canada 16 of 16 iStockphoto Niagara Falls, Canada Why Go: The biggest New Year’s Eve party in Canada takes place over the most powerful waterfall in North America, Niagara Falls. More than 2,000 pounds of fireworks are set off in two shows at Victoria Park overlooking the falls. Before and between the explosions, international musical acts keep an all-ages crowd warm as they count down to midnight. The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights also runs throughout the holiday season. In addition to 120 lighting displays created with more than 3 million lights, the festival includes the TD RINK at the Brink, an ice-skating rink overlooking Horseshoe Falls. Where to Stay: Rooms at the Marriott Gateway on the Falls have panoramic views of Niagara Falls, which means a clear view of the fireworks as well. The hotel is also throwing its own party with dinner, dancing, and a champagne toast at midnight. marriottgatewayonthefalls.com 19 Cheap and warm places to go over 2017 Christmas & New Years weeks By Roger Wade 14 Aug, 2017 CommentsComments (77) Add commentAdd a comment KaronBeachSpending the Christmas and New Year's holiday weeks with family and friends is the longstanding tradition in most of the Western world, but those based in the colder northern climates are looking for alternatives. After a couple decades of being bundled up, many start to wonder if there is another way to spend the holidays. Those with the resources have been heading to Hawaii for Christmas for a long time, but there are actually dozens of countries and islands with similar tropical climates around the world, and most of them are far cheaper, at least once you get there. Below is a list of nearly every major tourist destination that combines warm weather and low prices during the weeks around Christmas and New Year's. Updated for 2017: This year's list has been updated and expanded, with current price information for 2017 holidays as of August, 2017. Myth: Hotels are cheaper in countries that don't observe Christmas PhuketXmasTreeWhen I first started researching travel prices around the world, I assumed that hotels around Christmas time would be cheaper in countries that don't observe Christmas themselves. Unfortunately, it turned out not to be true at all. Here's the thing, hotels in the tropical beach areas of the world are all priced according to demand, and local customs have nothing to do with it. A huge majority of the people who are well off enough to fly internationally are those living in countries that have a Christmas holiday, and that's no secret to hotel owners. In other words, hotels in Thailand, Indonesia, Egypt, and India all raise prices for stays during those key holiday weeks because they know those are the most popular weeks of the year for their business. The good news though, is that those countries still offer great bargains compared to, say, Hawaii, which goes off the charts during Christmas week. When to book a sunny Christmas or New Years holiday trip: As soon as possible There is all kinds of research showing the cheapest time to book flights and even research showing that hotel prices often drop a month or two out, but the key exception to both of those is around big holidays like Christmas. Suppliers do adjust prices as the months come and go, except for when they know they'll have no trouble filling up even at the last minute. The best December destinations in Asia contains many great beach choices that are cheaper than most of the rest of the world. For flights: Buy ASAP The research shows that flights for key holiday periods start off at normal levels and then they just keep going up as seats are sold and the date approaches. There are no last-minute deals on flights just before or after Christmas, at least to and from sunshine destinations. For hotels: Bargains are possible at the last minute, but it's risky PhuketGoToBeachHotels in tropical resort areas know what the typical demand is for rooms around the holidays, and most of them will charge as much as they can so they can fill every room. If they charged too little they could be sold out many months in advance, which doesn't really help them, so they tend to start with rates high enough that they only sell out a few weeks early at most. The best and most popular beach resort hotels will usually only have a few rooms left by early December, and they will price those high enough that most people will look elsewhere. But some other hotels can be too optimistic in pricing so they have to cut rates in December just to fill up. In other words, you shouldn't really count on an appealing rate at a specific hotel where you are going, but there's a decent chance you could still get a decent rate if you are flexible enough to accept something nearby. Package deals: Also buy early Again, the airfare portion of a holiday trip is almost certain to get more expensive as the year goes on, so a hotel+flight package will generally just keep going up in price as well. Particularly to places like the Caribbean, Mexico, and Thailand with huge numbers of package visitors, you'll almost certainly get the best rates in addition to the widest choices the earlier you book. Expedia.com Cheap and warm destinations for Christmas and New Year holidays Obviously “cheap” is a relative term, but these are the cheapest holiday resort areas around the world that also have warm and sunny weather in late December and early January. Hotel rates listed are current as of August, 2017. Rates listed are including all taxes. 1 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico December average high: 86°F/30°C December average low: 64°F/18°C On Mexico's Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta remains as one of the country's tourism jewels. Not only has it avoided the safety problems that a few other resort areas have struggled with in recent years, but it's also regarded as the most interesting and authentic of Mexico's resort areas. The weather during Christmas time is pretty much perfect for anyone wanting to escape the cold, and the large international airport also has good deals on flights from many North American cities as well. Hotels for well under US$100 per night per couple are easy to find, although if you want a well-located chain hotel you'll be paying at least a bit more. 3-star hotels from: US$75 per night for two people 4-star hotels from: US$150 per night for two people >>>Check current Puerto Vallarta resort and package deals 2 Cancún/Cozumel/Riviera Maya, Mexico December average high: 84°F/29°C December average low: 69°F/21°C In case you aren't aware of all of these, Cancún is the purpose-built resort city on the Yucatán Peninsula facing the Caribbean, and the area just to its south is known as the Riviera Maya, which includes the nearby island of Cozumel. In other words, they are all basically the same travel market, with nearly 1,000 hotels in total, and all served by the huge Cancún Airport with cheap flights from all over. The weather in late December is predictably perfect with barely a chance of a quick thunderstorm, much less anything worse. With so many hundreds of hotels competing for business, holiday room rates for well under US$100 per night are easy to find. Package deals to Cancún are very popular, and probably the best deal for those who book early. As you can see by the room rates below, there is a huge difference between 3-star and 4-star properties in this area. A 3-star can be just a normal hotel room in the city, while the 4-stars are all wonderful resorts with pools, usually on the beach. 3-star hotels from: US$42 per night for two people 4-star hotels from: US$177 per night for two people >>>Check current Cancun resort and package deals 3 Punta Cana/Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic December average high: 83°F/28°C December average low: 72°F/22°C The Dominican Republic has a reputation for its large all-inclusive hotels at great prices, and its two most popular resort areas are Punta Cana (on the eastern tip) and Puerto Plata (on the northern shore). Each has about 200 hotels to choose from, including dozens of all-inclusive resorts designed to keep you there for your entire stay. The weather and resort prices are similar in both places in late December, so either one would be a fine choice for someone looking for a cheap and warm place to spend a week. You'll find that flight+hotel package prices are especially appealing to the DR, and those who book early will usually get the best deals. 3-star hotels from: US$94 per night for two people 4-star hotels from: US$175 per night for two people >>>Check current Puerto Plata resort and package deals 4 Montego Bay/Ocho Rios/Negril, Jamaica December average high: 86°F/30°C December average low: 70°F/21°C Similar to the greater Cancun area mentioned above, Jamaica has 3 busy resort towns that are all served by the same large airport so they are somewhat interchangeable. Montego Bay has the airport so it's the easiest to reach, but it has fewer affordable 4-star hotels so Ocho Rios and Negril might be better options if you are interested in that category. All three towns have a different vibe, so it's really only the weather and most prices that are similar. Along with the Cancun area and the Dominican Republic, these Jamaican resorts are also known for all-inclusive resorts and appealing package deals. Even during the peak holiday months, it's possible to lock in an appealing deal if you book early enough. 3-star hotels from: US$62 per night for two people 4-star hotels from: US$175 per night for two people >>>Check current Montego Bay resort and package deals 5 San Juan, Puerto Rico December average high: 83°F/28°C December average low: 72°F/22°C While San Juan isn't among the cheapest places on this list for Christmas, it's still very good value and it's a great place for a longer stay during this period. The wide and sandy beaches just next to the historic center are some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, and since it's part of the US, things like shopping and sightseeing are much easier here than in most of the cheaper islands. Especially if you are going to stay for more than a week, it pays to look into an apartment rental instead of a hotel. There is an abundance of nice apartments in the tourist area that are rented out most of the year. If you are staying for a month, you can get an amazing deal compared to a hotel. 3-star hotels from: US$103 per night for two people 4-star hotels from: US$248 per night for two people >>>Check current San Juan resort and package deals 6 Ambergris Caye/Caye Caulker, Belize December average high: 81°F/27°C December average low: 68°F/20°C Those looking for more of a low-key holiday with no huge chain hotels in sight might prefer the islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, both just off the coast of Belize City. These are both long, thin islands where golf carts serve as taxis and there is little or no pavement in sight. The diving and snorkeling here are some of the best in the world, even if these islands are short on long sandy beaches. Belize is (more or less) an English-speaking country, and these islands both have a bit of a Rastafarian feel in places, so it's an interesting mix of culture and convenience. Nearly all 4-star hotels here start over US$200 per night for the holiday weeks, but there are 3-star bargains nearby in addition to holiday villas for rent for those with higher budgets. 3-star hotels from: US$180 per night for two people >>>Check current San Pedro hotel and package deals 7 Roatán Island, Honduras December average high: 84°F/29°C December average low: 75°F/24°C Similar in most ways to the islands of Belize mentioned just above, Roatán Island is actually just to their south, so it also sits off the world's second largest barrier reef. This means there is excellent diving and snorkeling, plus more sandy beaches than you'd get in the Belize islands. Honduras is a Spanish-speaking country, though especially with the recent influx of cruise-ship crowds here, it's very easy to get by in English only. There are only about 60 hotels on the island at this point, and holiday rates are still surprisingly reasonable considering what is on offer. Still, booking early is probably wise. 3-star hotels from: US$79 per night for two people 4-star hotels from: US$208 per night for two people >>>Check current Roatan Island hotel and package deals 8 Tamarindo/Guanacaste, Costa Rica December average high: 90°F/32°C December average low: 70°F/21°C Costa Rica has a wide variety of resort towns along both its Caribbean and Pacific coasts, and all of them will be warm and sunny in late December. There are also national parks and volcanos (not always sunny) in the interior, but if your main goal is to relax and be a tourist, the best area is around Tamarindo in the Guanacaste province. There's even a newer international airport nearby in the main city of Liberia, so finding cheap direct flights is fairly easy. Most of this northwestern area is new and quite luxurious, so 4-star resorts and rental properties aren't much cheaper than in Hawaii, but there are still some really good 3-star bargains. Nosara is another small town in the area that doesn't feel quite so mass-market compared to Tamarindo. 3-star hotels from: US$113 per night for two people 4-star hotels from: US$450 per night for two people >>>Check current Tamarindo hotel and package deals 9 Panama City, Panama December average high: 90°F/32°C December average low: 70°F/21°C Panama has some very nice beach resort areas with reasonable prices during Christmas, but it also has this large and mostly modern city at its heart, which appeals to a different type of traveler. You might even consider spending some of your stay at a beach and another part of your stay in the city, as both are very good value this time of year and any other. It helps if you know at least a bit of Spanish, but even those who don't can find plenty to do here to keep them busy. The city has a few large shopping malls in the tourist area, so it could be a good place to do some Christmas shopping or just hanging around. The restaurant scene here is notoriously good as well. 3-star hotels from: US$33 per night for two people 4-star hotels from: US$54 per night for two people >>>Check current Panama City hotel and package deals 10 Cartagena, Colombia December average high: 86°F/30°C December average low: 76°F/24°C The entire country of Colombia has been rediscovered by the tourism world in recent years, but the historic beach city of Cartagena has been popular for much longer. Along the country's Caribbean coast (about the same latitude as northern Costa Rica, by the way), Cartagena is an interesting mix of beach hotels and a gorgeous walled colonial city with plenty to see. Not only is Cartagena popular with international tourists in the winter months, but domestic Colombian tourists taking their holidays as well. So you won't be avoiding the crowds here, but at least it's one of the more affordable sunshine destinations in the region. The 4-star hotels along the beach just west of the historic center are some of the best Christmas season bargains going. Speaking at least a bit of Spanish is helpful. 3-star hotels from: US$52 per night for two people 4-star hotels from: US$124 per night for two people >>>Check current Cartagena hotel and package deals 11 Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain December average high: 71°F/22°C December average low: 61°F/16°C Tenerife is the most English-language-friendly of Spain's Canary Islands, which are just west of Morocco (and about the same latitude as central Florida). As you can see above, it's not nearly as hot as most others on this list during December, but it's still damn nice so it's very popular among Europeans looking for something warmer. Partly because it's not really a great beach season, hotels in Tenerife are still quite cheap during the Christmas holiday period. Most everything else is quite affordable as well, at least compared to where you live now. Especially if you are looking for a place with reasonable airfares from elsewhere in Europe, this could be a good choice. The area around Los Cristianos and Playa de la Americas is the easiest for English speakers, and it has the most consistent warm weather as well. 3-star hotels from: US$69 per night for two people 4-star hotels from: US$109 per night for two people >>>Check current Tenerife hotel and package deals 12 Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt December average high: 74°F/23°C December average low: 59°F/15°C At the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, Sharm el-Sheikh is more or less the Cancun of the region, although not quite as warm in December. This is a purpose-built resort area that has been popular with Europeans and others for some time now. While it's remote and has generally been safe from the turmoil nearby, most of its fans are choosing to go elsewhere at the moment. We all hope that one day soon, travelers can head to Egypt without checking all the security warnings every few days. Until then, this one isn't for everybody, although those who do visit are greeted with some amazing hotel rates, including for the popular Christmas holiday period. 3-star hotels from: US$20 per night for two people 4-star hotels from: US$26 per night for two people >>>Check current Sharm el-Sheikh hotel and package deals 13 Dubai, United Arab Emirates December average high: 79°F/26°C December average low: 61°F/16°C One of the most unusual destinations anywhere, Dubai is a huge and booming city with a few nice beaches and an extremely busy airport. The period in late December is one of the nicer times of the year, so it can get pretty crowded during the holidays. The main activity here is shopping at enormous malls filled with all ranges of goods at reasonable prices. It's worth noting, however, that the nicer and better located hotels in Dubai will cost at least two or three times the minimums mentioned below. Those on lower budgets can get by pretty well here, but that's not to be confused with the luxury market and beach hotels that rival top room rates anywhere on earth. 3-star hotels from: US$65 per night for two people 4-star hotels from: US$84 per night for two people >>>Check current Dubai hotel and package deals 14 Goa, India December average high: 91°F/33°C December average low: 69°F/21°C Goa has been a famous hippie hangout for Europeans and some others for decades now, but it's also popular with families this time of the year, including many from elsewhere in India. Goa is actually a small state in southern India with more than a dozen different low-key beach towns, each catering to its own groups of fans. In other words, it pays to do some research before choosing a beach hotel here because most of them won't be suited to you. Room rates are quite reasonable even during this busiest time of year, although it's important to note that the cheapest hotels in Goa (and all over India) tend to be disappointing and rarely worth the savings. Still, the 4-star hotels in Goa are mostly quite good, and excellent value at Christmas time. 3-star hotels from: US$54 per night for two people 4-star hotels from: US$110 per night for two people >>>Check current hotel and package deals for Goa 15 Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia December average high: 88°F/31°C December average low: 74°F/23°C Perhaps not as well known as most of the others on this list, Penang Island and its main city of Georgetown are certainly worth a look for some people. The area is quite popular with Asian visitors and adventurous Westerners as an alternative to Phuket and other Thai islands. The cheaper hotels in the area are those in the historic center of Georgetown, while the beachfront resorts are going to cost quite a bit more. Avoid the cheapest hotels here and pay close attention because most of the cheapest rooms have no windows at all. Still, there is great value here, particularly in the food scene. Penang is known as the culinary capital of Malaysia, with an abundance of cheap and cheerful food courts in addition to some notable fine dining. 3-star hotels from: US$32 per night for two people 4-star hotels from: US$58 per night for two people >>>Check current hotel and package deals in Penang 16 Phuket, Thailand December average high: 88°F/31°C December average low: 75°F/24°C Phuket is Asia's most popular beach destination, featuring well over 1,000 hotels and resorts. It's actually an island with about 12 different beach areas that are quite different from one another, so this is another destination where hotel research is critical. Patong Beach is by far the biggest and most crowded of the beach areas, to the degree that many people absolutely loathe it. Karon and Kata are nearby beach areas that are at least a little more serene, and there are several other enclaves of upmarket luxury hotels and resorts. This has been a very popular Christmas destination for northern Europeans for decades, and yet it's still quite affordable even during its peak season. Hotels on or near the beach are going to cost quite a bit more than the prices listed below, but those who don't mind walking a bit can get great value even at Christmas here. 3-star hotels from: US$19 per night for two people 4-star hotels from: US$45 per night for two people >>>Check for the best Phuket resort deals 17 Hoi An/Da Nang, Vietnam December average high: 77°F/25°C December average low: 67°F/19°C Da Nang is a bit of a wildcard on this list because it's not really suited to mass-market visitors, at least those from the West. This beach city along Vietnam's central coast is a short drive from the ultra-charming Hoi An, and both are quite popular for different reasons, especially for cheap hotels. Hoi An has been a favorite among visitors to Vietnam for decades, while Da Nang is more of a newcomer after it's built a string of large beachfront hotels meant for foreign guests. Vietnamese food has a large cult following around the world, and both of these towns have an abundance of great and affordable restaurants serving several varieties. This is one to think about if it feels like you've been everywhere else. 3-star hotels from: US$11 per night for two people 4-star hotels from: US$30 per night for two people >>>Check current hotel and package deals in Hoi An 18 Bali, Indonesia December average high: 86°F/30°C December average low: 76°F/26°C Unlike the others on this list, Bali is (slightly) in the Southern Hemisphere, and December is actually one of the rainy months so Christmas visitors can expect at least a few downpours per week. But the rain usually doesn't last long so it's still very popular here on the Christmas holidays, particularly with Australians. The cheapest hotels here are of low standards and often without A/C, which you'll really need in December. The most crowded and popular area is the famous surf beach along Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak on the west coast, but there are many lower-key beach areas in addition to Ubud a bit up in the central hills. Well-heeled visitors might also consider the tourist zone of Nusa Dua in the south, which is filled with large chain hotels that are often loaded with honeymoon couples. 3-star hotels from: US$13 per night for two people 4-star hotels from: US$25 per night for two people >>>Check current Bali hotel and resort deals 19 Boracay Island, Philippines December average high: 82°F/28°C December average low: 75°F/24°C December marks the tail end of the rainy season in Boracay Island, but those tropical storms rarely last long so the place is very popular over the Christmas holidays anyway. This gorgeous strip of sand is lined with hotels, as well as a sand pathway along the beach, making it possible to spend days at a time in bare feet. There are no super-cheap hotels on Boracay Island, but that's mainly because every hotel is within 100 meters or less of the sandy beach. There are many choices of international cuisine here, including many chain restaurants. The most obvious choices are the great number of affordable all-you-can-eat buffets that set up every evening right on the beach. There's also plenty of live music, as you'd expect in the Philippines. 3-star hotels from: US$30 per night for two people Best Destinations to celebrate New Year's Eve in Europe Are you tired of seeing the same faces on New Year's Eve? Do you want to see new landscapes, new environments, to meet new people? Discover the best destinations to celebrate New Year in Europe and find the best hotels deals for a wonderful New Year's Eve in Madeira, Berlin, London, Paris. Reykjavik, Brussels, Vienna, Prague, Rome or Dubrovnik. Book your hotel at the best price guaranteed as well as your best activities and discover the best destinations to celebrate New Year's Eve in Europe. Best Destinations to celebrate New Year in Europe - London New Year - Copyright BikeworldtravelTower Bridge, celebration of the New Year in London Bikeworldtravel London England Where? Everywhere! Why? London is a special place at the turn of the year. The city is lit up and establishments across the capital will pull out all the stops to make this New Year’s Eve in London a memorable one. So, get your nearest and dearest together and say cheers to 2018. At midnight on New Year’s Eve, London’s night skies will be a blaze of light and colour with a display of stunning pyrotechnics from the river on London’s famous South Bank, presented by the Mayor of London and Unicef. London continues to usher in the New Year on 1 January with the New Year’s Day Parade. This year marks the 30th annual parade to march through London and there will be 8,500 performers representing 20 countries world-wide and from across the London Boroughs, including marching bands, cheerleaders, clowns, acrobats and much more.(©visitlondon). Madeira New Year's Fireworks - Copyright Porto Bay Events - European Best Destinations ©Porto Bay Events Madeira Islands Portugal Where? : From the deck of your cruise ship or from the port of Funchal, the fireworks is so huge that you can not miss it. Why? : The famous fireworks display, officially recognized by the Guinness World Records, in 2006, as the largest display of fireworks in the world. This magnificent scenario, of rare beauty, is simply unique, with thousands of multi-coloured lamps decorating the amphitheater of Funchal, transforming it into a grandiose stage. As the clock strikes twelve, on the 31st, the sky is lit up with colour, light and hope in a new year that is just beginning. Don’t miss it and come to live up this event in Madeira ! (©visitmadeira.pt). Best destinations to celebrate New Year - Berlin new year - Copyright Carollux - European Best Destinations ©Carollux Berlin Germany Where? At the Brandenburger Gate Why? Berlin is celebrating New Year’s Eve in style – with around one million visitors gathering at the Brandenburg Gate to welcome in 2016! All the traditional treats are lined up – more than two kilometres of fun stages for shows, party tents, light and laser shows as well as a mass of food and drink stands. The spectacular firework display starts at midnight on the dot – like the clinking of glasses as Berliners and visitors toast the New Year in. The following parties will last well into the small hours! (©visitberlin.de). Best destinations to celebrate new year in Europe - Paris New Year - European Best Destinations melis Paris France Where ? On a boat Why? The Eiffel Tower, the Seine, the bridges of Paris… a magical setting for a New Year celebration. And for a night you’ll never forget, there is a special festive menu (scallop céviche, duckling breast, Christmas Log) and entertainment from a live orchestra. Please note that guests must be dressed appropriately to board the boat. (©paris.info). Best destinations to celebrate New Year in Europe - Edinburgh - Copyright Shaiith - European Best Destinations © Shaiith Edinburgh Scotland Where? Princes Street in the heart of the city of Edinburgh Why? Edinburgh's Hogmanay is one of the biggest and best New Year celebrations in the world. Things get underway on 30 December with the spectacular Torchlight Procession. Join thousands of torch carriers as they create a river of fire from the historic Royal Mile to the son et lumiére and fireworks finale on Calton Hill. On Hogmanay itself, the action moves to Princes Street in the very heart of the city of Edinburgh beneath the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Around 80,000 people party their way into the new year at the Concert in the Gardens featuring incredible live music and entertainment from headlining band Biffy Clyro, DJ’s, giant screens, outdoor bars and of course, the world-famous Edinburgh Hogmanay Midnight Fireworks on the castle ramparts. (©VisitScotland) Best destinations to celebrate New Year in Europe - Porto - Copyright Sean Pavone - European Best Destinations ©Sean Pavone Porto Portugal Where? Avenida dos Aliados, in front of the Porto City Hall. Why? New Year’s Eve in Porto can be celebrated in several locations around the city. On December 31st, there are many street parties and more elaborate programs that serve as options for the thousands of tourists that choose to celebrate the New Year in Porto. The largest party takes place on Avenida dos Aliados, in front of the Porto City Hall. This is where the largest number of people gather together and the night always features musical entertainment and fireworks. However, if you prefer, you can spend New Year’s Eve in a different manner: on board one of the various cruise ships that fill the Douro River on this night, for example. Porto’s nightclubs, on the other hand, prolong the night’s excitement until dawn. (©Visitporto&norte) Best new year'eve destinations in Europe - Brussels - Copyright VisitBrussels - European Best Destinations Brussels Belgium Where? All around the city! Why? Experience delirious tourist and cultural activities such as the Atomium and the Manneken Pis. Discover the charming city streets of the Fashion District shopping, packed with clothing and concept stores and a variety of authentic and trendy bars, each with their own selection of renowned Belgian beers. More than 60 DJs in 15 New Year’s Eve parties around the city. A range of parties for all tastes, going from rock 'n' roll, hip-hop to house and techno, as well as gay friendly parties for which Brussels is known for." (©happybrussels). Dubrovnik new year's eve - European Best Destinations ©Sergey Novikov Dubrovnik Croatia Where? Stradun (the main street of Dubrovnik). Why? You can arrive in Dubrovnik from all the corners of the earth. You can leave it for the most different corners of the earth too, but you can also come back to Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is not a city for one time, it’s a gift for a lifetime. Great entertainment on New Year's Eve 2015 is provided by the selection of the most famous Croatian performers. Dubrovnik residents and their guests will start welcoming the New Year with a rich music and entertainment program. (©dubrovnik.hr). Vienna New Year's Eve © WienTourismus - Peter Rigaud Vienna Austria Where? City Hall Square and in the Prater Why? At the change of year, the whole of Vienna is given over to partying and dancing. The New Year’s Eve Trail in the Old City is the highlight. A great ambience can be enjoyed as much at a gala dinner or festive ball as it can at a concert, the opera, in a hip club or a sophisticated bar. (©wien.info) Rome new year's eve - European Best Destinations © salvo77_na Rome Italy Where? Imperial Forum Why? The province of Rome is a matching frame for the many treasures of the capital, and the surrounding area has, more or less directly, experienced the influence of the history of the Eternal City. Rome is probably one of the most romantic places for your New Year's Eve, the Eternal City of love. Best destinations to celebrate New Yaer - Prague New Year Copyright Marten_House- European Best Destinations ©Marten_House Prague Czech Republic Where? Letná Gardens Why? Prague has been considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the world since Middle Ages. Adjectives such as “golden“, “city of a hundred spires“, “the crown of the world“ were attributed to Prague, which is located right in the heart of Europe. Prague welcomes the year with a traditional fireworks display. The fireworks will be launched from Letná Parks and can be best watched from the bridges and embankments. (©praha.eu). Best destinations to celebrate New Year in Europe - Lisbon - Copyright Sean Pavone - European Best Destinations Sean Pavone Lisbon Portugal Where? The Terreiro do Paço. From 9pm (metro station: Terreiro do Paço). Why? On December 31st Lisbon dresses up to welcome the New Year. Thousands of people fill the city main streets and public squares to celebrate amongst the New Year friends. The Terreiro do Paço will be the giant party hall for the city’s New Year’s celebrations featuring lots of entertainment to mark the passage into the New Year. Lisboa has begun the countdown to its big New Year's Eve night, which will be held in Terreiro do Paço. But this New Year's Eve promises much more. To mark the entry of the New Year Lisboa's skies will light up with a fabulous fireworks display and musical entertainment. Do not make any more plans for New Year ... and enter Lisboa's largest "living room", Terreiro do Paço, with a fabulous view of the River Tagus and the best Portuguese music. (©Visitlisboa). 21 Incredible Cities Around The World to Spend New Year’s Eve By K.C. Dermody 126.4K+ SPONSORED Around the world, people celebrate the coming of the New Year in similar ways, typically with a spectacular display of fireworks, street parties, music and dancing, and lots of fabulous food and drinks. Yet each destination has its own unique twist as well as a distinctive setting. From New York City’s Time Square to the ultimate dance party in the land Down Under, you’re sure to find one that’s right for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration. Paris Credit: y.caradec Paris Paris, France (Hotel Prices & Photos) It doesn’t get much more romantic than watching the amazing light show and fireworks display at the iconic Eiffel tower in Paris – or taking one of the New Year’s Eve boat cruises along the Seine if you’d like a more intimate venue and a little privacy. No matter what your idea of a perfect New Year’s Eve celebration, you’ll find the streets of the City of Light truly comes alive with thousands of people celebrating with plenty of champagne and dancing the night away. In addition to the big show, smaller fireworks can be legally bought and sold in Paris, which means an abundance of color and sound all night long.