Top 10 Ultimate Destinations for an Unforgettable New Year’s Eve Celebration
After 12 months of seeking the world’s beautiful places we finish the year with a round-up of the most scenic places to spend New Year’s Eve 2014. From balmy beaches to Nordic firework displays, here are some of the world’s best events with the most impossibly beautiful backdrops…
Niagara Falls, Canada
“Party in Niagara” is a huge organised event that attracts 30,000 people each year. As well as the beautiful scenery, enjoy the free extravaganza in Queen Victoria Park with performances by stars like Nelly Furtado, Dragonette and Vancouver’s Hedley. The outdoor concert celebration includes two stunning firework displays which shower their light over the famously beautiful falls.
- Clifton Hills
Edinburgh, Scotland
Few places do New Year’s Eve (or Hogmanay) better than Edinburgh. Join merry Scots and 100,000 other revellers and expect four days of fun and free events. Enjoy all the traditions of Hogmanay including the torchlight procession, concerts in Princes Street Gardens, fireworks, bagpipe-playing and whisky tasting. Then get the wind up your kilt to Gaelic folk music at a traditional ceilidh. The celebrations begin on the 30th December 2012 with the torchlight procession and continue until New Year’s Day. This year’s event has been heavily promoted through the #Blogmanay so this year it looks like it’s going to be one hell of a party. Just make sure you bring your warmest clothes.
- Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
For a great atmosphere, scenery and of course beautiful people, head to Copacabana Beach with about 2 million party-goers this New Year’s Eve. Second, only to the world-famous carnival, the annual ‘Revellion’ event sees people gather to watch the mind-blowing fireworks and create some sparks of their own! Expect dancing and live music from international performers. There are multiple stages set up on the beach and live music typically begins at 8pm. Be sure to wear white and you’ll blend in perfectly.
Sydney, Australia
Imagine fireworks launched from Harbour Bridge and seven city buildings as well as the Harbour of Lights Parade with 52 illuminated boats; 3,000 boats on the harbour and spectacular shows. With a budget of $6.6 million, it is sure to be a spectacle like no other.
Prague, Czech Republic
Go wild with the crowds in the Old Town Square or join the more romantic crowd on Charles Bridge as the fireworks are shot over the river with the hilltop castle as a backdrop. ‘Silvestr’ is celebrated with champagne in Wenceslas Square, on party boats, and in bars and restaurants with a vigour unmatched by most cities. January 1st is highly significant for the Czech people as it commemorates the 1993 break-up of Czechoslovakia and the establishment of the Czech Republic.
The Bahamas
For a week from Christmas to New Year the ‘Junkanoo Carnival’ is celebrated in the streets of Nassau with costumed dancers and music created with bells, whistles and goombay drums. Enjoy the sunny December weather on the islands by taking boat trips or even diving with sharks.
Seville, Spain
Seville’s Plaza Nueva is the place to be on New Years, when the town bells ring and the locals eat one grape for every chime of the clock. Fiestas are held in many of the small neighbourhood communities and over 80 streets and squared are lit up as parties continue until dawn in this beautiful ancient city.
Goa, India
For a hippy-style laid back celebration check out some of the most outrageous beach parties on the planet. Shacks and bars in the bamboo forests sell the brewed ‘fenny’ drink made from coconut or cashew apple juice. You can find some great offers on air travel to this popular destination so now it’s easier than ever to get there. Dance the night away with backpackers and travellers from across the globe around roaring bonfires, with palm trees draped in fairy lights and then chill out on the beach until the sun rises.
Aspen, Colorado
If you’re dreaming of a White Christmas (or New Year) then Aspen could be for you. Aspen offers a classic holiday season with sleighs, log fires, mulled wine, reindeers, pancake breakfasts and lots of snow. Crowds gather in Ruby Park to watch the firework display with its mountain backdrop and then dance the night away in the many bars and clubs as they rub shoulders with the beautiful A-listers.
Reykjavik, Iceland
One of our favourite cities, this cosy compact capital wows visitors each year with a spectacular firework display to rival the natural Northern Lights. Iceland has a reputation for having excellent nightlife, which might have something to do with their long dark nights. The celebration starts early, beginning with 6pm mass at Reykjavik Cathedral, then the locals normally share a meal with family and friends before heading outdoors for neighborhood bonfires. The historic buildings are lit up and bonfires are dotted throughout the city as the street parties rave on. The city is famous for its dynamic nightlife and New Year is celebrated with 10 times the fervour, with most heading to the bars and clubs to dance to live music until at least 5am.
Have fun, where ever you choose to be!
