When New Year's Eve approaches, many people spend some time thinking about their resolutions, but it's also a great moment to pack and explore new places. It's the perfect way to dive into a different culture, as almost every country has its own tradition for the evening, and some have small rituals for bringing luck in the coming months.
Although popular places tend to be crowded and overpriced, it's possible to find spots that guarantee a memorable night thanks to incredible fireworks, unique traditions, or fabulous parties.
10 New York, The U.S.
It's impossible to talk about the New Year's Eve celebration and not mention New York, as it has become a global tradition. While most people spend the evening gathering to watch the Ball Drop at Times Square or the concerts at the Lincoln Center, there are other ways to celebrate.
Many holiday cruise ships are heading to New York Harbor, and people can easily find party cruises, family-friendly itineraries, or formal attire yacht cruises. For those who prefer to stay ashore, there are many restaurants with special menus and open bars for New Year's Eve. Another original way to celebrate is by joining the traditional Midnight Run at Central Park.
9 Sydney, Australia
Everyone should spend New Year's Eve in Sydney, Australia, at least once. The country celebrates it a little earlier than the rest of the world, but that isn't the only reason to be in Sydney. More than one million people attend the fireworks at Sydney Harbor, and one can also make reservations at a waterfront restaurant. In this case, the best decision is to book a table outside. Another great way to experience it is by booking a luxurious Coast Harbor Cruise, where party-goers can enjoy the open bar and dinner while waiting for the countdown.
8 São Miguel dos Milagres, Brazil
Travelers can't go wrong when deciding to start the new year on a paradisiac beach in the Brazilian Northeast. São Miguel dos Milagres, Alagoas, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, featuring many palm trees and turquoise waters. Although it's a quiet place to visit year-round, things change in December when Milagres receives hundreds of tourists from all over the country to attend their famous Reveillon dos Milagres. The celebration starts on December twenty-sixth and lasts five or six days, and the party ends around 9 a.m.
There are a lot of traditions around the celebration in Brazil. The most important of them is that almost everyone wears white clothes, as it means peace.
7 Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa, is one of the most vibrant places to visit, and travelers can find from Carnival-themed parts to fancy dinners. Most people gather at the V&A Waterfront, overlooking the Table Mountains and the ocean, where they can find spots with music, dining, and fireworks. Locals prefer to spend New Year's Eve at a beach club at Clifton 4th Beach. One can also schedule a cruise and have a privileged view of the fireworks.
6 Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh's Hogmanay Festival lasts for three days, and it starts with an impressive torchlight procession along the Royal Mile on December thirtieth. The celebrations on the following day include a massive outdoor street party, concerts, and a firework at Edinburgh Castle. On January first, dozens of people attend the Loony Dook and dive into the freezing waters of the Firth of Forth. Those who still have the energy to celebrate can still find concerts and small events in the city in the coming days.
5 Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is an excellent place to visit year-round, thanks to its cobblestone streets and colorful houses. There is always a party in the evening, but it gets even better on New Year's Eve. Many restaurants put tables on the streets, which is perfect for large groups. Most locals and tourists head to the city center to watch the fireworks, and a different party is on almost every street. Most of them don't demand a reservation, so it's possible to attend a few during the evening, but be ready to party until sunrise.
4 Dubai, UAE
Dubai is all about extravaganza and New Year's Eve isn't an exception. There are outstanding fireworks across the city, and people can attend the performances at the iconic Burj Khalifa and the live water music at the Dubai Fountain. Of course, every club in the city has parties, and travelers can also schedule a Dhow Cruise to avoid crowds. Travelers looking for something unique can spend the night on a safari desert and celebrate it traditionally.
3 Reykjavik, Iceland
The streets of Reykjavik, Iceland, become lively at 11:30 p.m. when the most traditional satiric TV show ends. Everyone brings their own fireworks, purchased from the national search-and-rescue unit, a successful fundraising campaign. Families and friends often head to the city center, but Klambratún park and Landakotstún park are also popular. The boats on the harbor also join the celebration by ringing their bells. It's an excellent way to celebrate with family.
2 Koh Phangan, Thailand
The islands in Thailand are home to wild parties year-round, but Koh Phangan, famous for its full-moon party, is the place to go for New Year's Eve. Visitors can expect to find parties in every club along the beach, where they will find performances, live music, glow-in-the-dark paints, buckets of alcohol, and many people wearing neon clothes. It's ideal for people looking to party until sunrise and wake up at one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia.
1 Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
During New Year's Eve, three million people head to Copacabana, the world's most famous beach, to watch the fireworks. Although people can watch it on cruises, seeing people wearing white on the beach is incredible. In Rio de Janeiro, many people honor Iemanjá (goddess of the sea) by bringing small boats with white roses and gifts to the sea.
When it comes to parties, there's no other place like Brazil. There are concerts on the beach and private parties until the sunrises, and the pre-carnival parties start on the first week of the year.
