As NYE fast approaches, the panic of organised fun sets in. Who to celebrate with, what to wear, and most importantly, where to go?!
If you’re looking for an excuse to escape to a city of celebrations, these are the party places which will fulfill all your NYE fantasies…
Edinburgh
Hogmanay is the annual Edinburgh festival which sends the whole city into celebrations. Translated as the ‘last day of the year’, the annual festival in fact lasts 3 days (kicking off on December 30th), giving you ample time to soak up all the festive party vibes. Expect outdoor concerts, street parties, fireworks over the Edinburgh castle, and even open-air Kelidh (traditional Celtic party). And for New Year’s Day? Instead of eating yourself into a pizza coma the Scottish run down the legendary Royal Mile, and dive into the ice-cold waters of the River Forth … a refreshing way to start the year for sure.
Amsterdam
If you’re after a party, Amsterdam is your answer – the capital of the Netherlands is after all at the forefront of the European nightlife scene. With nightclubs galore, a heap of bridges to watch the fireworks displays from and organised parties in just about every public space (think Rembrandtplein, Nieuwmarkt, Museumplein and Dam Square), you’ll be spoilt for choice on things to do in this vibrant city.
Rio de Janeiro
This city by the sea takes it to a whole new level for NYE. If heading to the midsummer sunshine isn’t enough of an incentive, the carnival style celebrations definitely will be. Hit up Copacabana Beach for the world’s largest NYE party and dance your way into 2018 on the half-mile stretch of sand. With the infusion of Brazilian culture expect live music, dance performances, flowers and of course an incredible fireworks display.
Sydney
Maybe the most iconic place to celebrate NYE, Sydney really does know how to bring in the new year in style. Leading the way as the first country to make it into 2018, this city is pretty epic when it comes to its NYE celebrations. Not only does it put on the largest fireworks display in the world over the famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, it also has a dance party at Bondi Beach, the Harbour of Light Parade (a flotilla of more than 50 illuminated boats in the harbour) and a show featuring aerial acrobatics. And the next day? Head to the beach and soak up the sun during the height of the Australian summer. Yasssss please!
Berlin
An all year party spot, the German capital is renowned for its party culture. Head to ‘Party Mile’ (you read that correct) for a 2 kilometre stretch of food stalls, bars, laser shows, music stages and party tents. And if its fireworks you’re after then the Auld Lang Syne lights up with plenty of local fireworks displays. And then it’s all about starting 2018 in the overload of Berlin bars and clubs. Sounds good to me!
New York
This list wouldn’t be complete without the city that never sleeps. Renowned for throwing one of the most iconic parties, NYC takes it to the streets with parties throughout all of the boroughs. Watch the 12,000-pound sparkling ball drop in Times Square and listen to a performance from one of the hottest musicians of the moment. If you don’t fancy getting as involved in the action, why not get a good view of the fireworks from Liberty Island or dine out in one of New York’s many tasty restaurants or sleek bars.
Bahamas
The Bahamas is always a good idea, especially when it means bringing the new year in on a beach full of street performers, colourful costumes, music, and parades. And the parties continue all the way into the new year – Head to Junkanoo on January 1st and get down with the locals, as street parades head to informal beach gatherings and fireworks shows around the islands.
Las Vegas
Dancing, drinking and rolling the dice until sunrise is business as usual for this desert party town. Expect unlimited amounts of entertainment with stage shows, casinos, and legendary residencies filling up the club scene, plus seven midnight firework displays from the rooftops of the strip. And during the day, did someone say pool party? The iconic Las Vegas four-mile-long strip will no doubt have you dancing away from sunset to sunrise.