When the New Year knocks on your door, you have to welcome it with both your hands, embrace it and celebrate it in a manner that you have never celebrated before. It is time to give rest to all the old memories and focus on creating new, unforgettable experiences that you will cherish for a lifetime. To do that you need to be in one of those top cities that shimmers with the New Year fervor and zeal which is exactly why we have come up with a list of 15 best cities to celebrate New Year's eve in an amazing fashion.
1. New York, US
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Call it a cliche or being redundant, Times Square in New York city is one of the best places to spend New Years in the US. Marked by a glittering ball drop from atop the roof of One Times Square, the New Year celebrations in New York kick off in a grand fashion. The streets are filled with plenty of enthusiasts and they all jump in joyous unison as the ball drops. More than a Celebration, the whole event has become a global tradition that is being followed for more than 100 years now. The event can be watched live on tv and is usually accompanied by music shows, and pyrotechnic light events.
Where to stay: The Knickerbocker , New York Marriott Marquis , Michelangelo Hotel.
2. London, England
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Set against a dramatic skyline, the city of London is one of the best places to spend New Years Eve. As the minute hand in the Big Ben tower strikes twelve, the fireworks display takes off and fills the sky with flashing colors. The eye-catching sight is witnessed by more than 250,000 spectators from along the banks of the River Thames and the celebration doesn't end there. It is followed by a three-hour long parade that involves over 8,500 performers from different countries and is complete with marching bands, costumed dance performances, colorful floats and the procession of the Queen's horses.
Where to stay: The Royal Horseguards , Sofitel London St James , Mondrian .
3. Paris, France
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Highlighted by River Seine, Eiffel Tower, and beautiful bridges, 'The City of lights' lives up to its name during the New Years. Shout Bonne Anne to the excited people out there in the brightly lit streets, exchange bises, and toast to a glass of Vin chaud. To be at the center of the New Year celebrations, head to Champs-Elyses and soak in the experience as you enjoy the Grand parade. From there the Eiffel tower is clearly visible and so you can catch a sight of the fireworks in full blast. There are also dinner cruises along the River Seine for a romantic ride. They come with sumptuous New Year Dinner courses that suit the mood perfectly.
Where to stay: Nolinski , Prince de Galles , Relais Christine
4. Sydney, Australia
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Home to one of the largest waterfront firework displays with an attendance of over 1 million visitors, Sydney is the place to be in, to experience one of the best New Year's eve parties in the world. It is particularly famous for the two major lightwork displays that happen over the Sydney Harbour - one at 9pm and other at 12, in the midnight. They happen in sync to a soundtrack and the fireworks can be seen exploding over the arches and the road walks of the Sydney Harbor bridge followed by aerial acrobatics, Harbour of Light Parade, and fire tug water show. Check out the best places to watch Sydney New Year fireworks.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel , Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel , Sydney Darling Harbour Waterfront .
5. Hong Kong, China
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Celebrations in Hong Kong kick off at the Times square shopping mall as a replica of the New York's famed ball drops as a way of paying homage to the festivities in New York. Having said that the main center of attraction in Hong Kong during the New Year's eve is the Victoria Harbour. The harbor comes alive in the night with savvy boat parties and pyro-musical display of lights occupying the night sky. The party atmosphere in Hong Kong can really be felt with the presence of the dazzling and frenzy scenes that add to the excitement.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel , Mandarin Oriental , The Ritz-Carlton.
6. Berlin, Germany
Berlin starts the New Year's day with an annual pancake race that sees the runners flipping flapjacks as they make their way to the finish line. And when the people of Berlin are all warmed up, the real celebration begins in the evening. While the major cities opt for huge, organized fireworks display, Berlin leaves the show to its residents. As the New Year comes in closer, huge groups of residents walk to the streets and light up thousands of fireworks, setting the sky ablaze. To get in the mood head to the Brandenburg Gate where the city's biggest party kicks in with performances from the renowned bands and listen to the loud thumping music played by the DJ's that fills up the air. Once you are done with Brandenburg, do explore Teufelsberg and Viktoriapark. Berlin is one of the best cities to celebrate new year in Europe
Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton , Hotel Adlon Kempinski , Regent Berlin.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland
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If there is one city that celebrates New Year for four days, it is definitely Edinburgh in Scotland. The beautiful Scottish city of Edinburgh puts on its annual Hogmanay hoopla, which simply means a celebration of the last day of the year. It lasts for four days and includes a torchlight parade throughout the city, concerts, and a huge street party on Princes Street. On January 1, activities include a run down the Royal Mile, a dive into the freezing cold waters of the River Forth, a dog sledding competition and the Loony Dook Parade.
Where to stay: Old Town Chambers , Destiny Scotland - Princes Street Residence , Destiny Scotland - Q-Residence .
8. St. Petersburg, Russia
While most parts of the world are exploding with New Year extravaganzas, the scene in St. Petersburg is something different but definitely enjoyable. Covered in a thick spread of snow during the time of December, St. Petersburg looks totally mesmerizing. But if you are looking for huge fireworks action to spring off in St. Peterburg like from the western countries, you will surely be disappointed. Yes, there will be a little show of the fireworks on the banks of the Newa but apart from that, there is none. But the flair and the environment that you get to experience in St. Petersburg is totally unique and will be a memorable one. And when you're here, be sure to catch the Nutcracker ballet in the Marinski Theater.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace , Majestic Boutique Hotel Deluxe , Belmond Grand Hotel Europe .
9. Reykjavik, Iceland
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Reykjavik in Iceland is one of those places that is already full of lights and so much beautiful in its natural setting. Just imagine how beautiful the city would be during the festivity of New Year. Head to Perlan or Landakotskirkja church for the best views of the city. On the other side, plenty of small, private parties keep things hopping, and bars and clubs remain open well after midnight. Since Icelanders tend to go out late anyway, youll often find revelers up until the wee hours of the morning, dancing the night away for an out of the world experience.
Where to stay: Old Charm Reykjavik Apartments , Rey Apartments , Opal Premium Apartments .
10. Goa, India
Highly influenced by the Portuguese, Goa is an amazing place in India to spend your New Year's eve. Being one of the favorite places for tourists from all over the world, especially during the period of New Year, Goa is culturally diverse and is an ideal place to welcome a New Year without any cultural and regional boundaries. The spirit of the people in Goa is always on a high and you get attracted to this amazing positive vibe that sticks with you as you begin the New Year. If you are in India at this time of the year be a part of new year celebrations in Goa.
Where to stay: Resort Coqueiral , Albuquerque Holiday Villas , Casa Da Praia .
11. Vienna, Austria
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New Year's Eve in Vienna means music. The hometown of the waltz offers a variety of New Year's concerts in elegant palace halls, ornate churches, and historic opera houses. At the change of year, the whole of Vienna is given over to partying and dancing. Vienna also turns the inner city into one big celebration. Starting at 2 pm on December 31 until 2 am on January 1, Vienna's old city center transforms into a vibrant party arena. Thousands of people follow the New Year's Eve Trail, in the city center, at City Hall Square, and in the Prater. Whether you start the New Year in style at the New Years Eve Ball at the Imperial Palace or celebrate it on the streets of Vienna, the choice is all yours.
Where to stay: Park Hyatt Vienna , Best Western Premier Kaiserhof Wien , Das Capri
12. Cape Town, Africa
Magical and multicultural, Cape Town is for those who are looking out for a chilled out celebration in a fantastic seaport city. Surrounded by some of the hippest and the hottest concerts and parties, welcome the New Year with a bang at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where one of the biggest parties in the city starts off with dazzling colors and a carnival-like atmosphere. Don't be just an onlooker and blend with the culture of the city and party harder on the top of the Table Mountain like there is no tomorrow! Incredible music, scenic views of the ocean, and the taste of absolute freedom, makes Cape Town one of the top places to go for New Year's eve.
Where to stay: Vineyard Hotel , Lawhill Luxury Apartments - V & A Waterfront , Taj Cape Town .
13. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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New Year in Rio de Janeiro goes live at Copacabana beach. The Iconic Copacabana Beach hosts the worlds largest (and arguably wildest) New Years Eve party, in which more than two million people cram onto the two-and-a-half-mile stretch of sand. Known as Rveillon, this uniquely Brazilian celebration that blends religious, traditional, and superstitious beliefs. The celebration also includes large oceanfront stages for live musical and dance performances, and a colorful fireworks display at midnight completes the scene. More than two million people fill the beach in a mass of white, with the color believed to bring good luck for the coming year.
Where to stay: Windsor Atlntica , Hilton Barra , Miramar Hotel by Windsor .
14. Nassau, Bahamas
If you want to spend a romantic holiday in a laid back atmosphere and at the same time experience an amazing New Year experience, then the Bahamas is your ideal destination. Most of the hotels in the island offer their own New Year parties that are complete with plenty of other exciting shows. But to get a taste of how the local celebration would be like, head to streets and follow the Junkanoo Street Parades. Junkanoo is a traditional Bahamian style of a celebration that has been carried on for more than a century. The locals dress up in colorful clothes and make the evening an amazing affair with various performances such as music, dance, and acrobats. And when you are full with the performances, fill your tummies with some delicious local Bahamian food.15. Las Vegas, US
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The party capital of the world is also the most sought-after party destination for New Year's eve. Attracting over 300,000 visitors during the New Year's eve, Las Vegas is a one big party destination that is populated by plenty of amazing hotels and bars that offer exclusive New Year special food and drink experiences. Cozy up in your hotel room with the drinks by your side or get on to the Vegas strip to watch the live performances of the bands, the cool light display and the array of the fireworks shot up in the air. Regardless of your choice, don't just forget to celebrate!
Where to stay: Marriott's Grand Chateau , The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino , Wynn Las Vegas .
It's time to forget the past, keep away the worries, and welcome the New Year with all our hearts.
