If you want to join some of the hottest New Year’s Eve parties from around the world we have picked out ten of the best destinations. Head out to these parties and we promise you’ll have a new year you’ll never forget.

1. Rio de Janeiro

Photo: Luiz Filipe

It’s estimated that around 2 million party-goers will head to “Reveillon” on Copacabana beach this new year’s eve to eat, drink, watch fireworks and dance into the early hours of the morning. Rio is a great place to party-the atmosphere is lively, the scenery is incredible, the weather is hot and the people are beautiful. For many of the locals the occasion has a religious meaning and offerings of flowers, rice and perfume are made to the Goddess of the Sea. Live music is played throughout the day but the party really kicks off around 7pm when the entertainment starts on the official main stages. Be sure to wear white and you’ll blend in perfectly.

2. Edinburgh

Photo: Hettie McFarlane

The annual Hogmanay in Edinburgh is legendary and often cited as the world’s best NYE party. Hang out with some very drunk Scots and 100,000 other revellers and expect to be entertained for four days of fun and free events. There is something for everyone from the traditional torchlit procession to street performers, concerts, ceilidh and the massive Hogmanay Street party. The beautiful city is also illuminated by a firework display at midnight – bring your warmest clothes.

3. Times Square

Photo: UB1

If you like crowds, join an estimated one million people in Times Square on NYE to see the legendary crystal and electric light ball drop from the top of One Times Square (a tradition since 1906). The event is free and apparently the atmosphere is definitely worth standing around in the cold for. If you are thinking of going, arrive early and be prepared to be barricaded into areas where you’ll have to stay for the duration of the evening.

4. London

Photo: Tom Bennett

London is another extremely popular place to party on NYE and has a wide range of clubs, bars and restaurants to choose from. Most venues are ticketed but many stay open to early the next morning and some feature live music and special guests to welcome in the new year. In the past most people gathered in Trafalgar Square for NYE (even though nothing at all was happening there!). Now the main focus is the London Eye on the South Bank where thousands watch a spectacular firework display. The best spots to watch the fireworks are from Westminster Bridge and the north embankment of the River Thames.

5. Reykjavik

Photo: Arnar

Pretty much everyone I know wants to go to Reykjavik, and joining the party here on New Year’s Eve would be a great time to experience this unique and happening city. Iceland now has a reputation for having hot night life -  must be something to do with those long dark nights. The celebrations on NYE start with a gathering round a large bonfire in each quarter of the city, at midnight everyone watches beautiful displays of fireworks and heads down town to party until the morning. Most bars and clubs in Reykjavik offer live music until at least 5am on New Year’s Eve.

6. Tokyo

Photo: SBSZine

Japan’s capital is an incredibly cool and exciting city and “Omisoka” or New Year’s Eve in Tokyo should be experienced at least once in your lifetime. Celebrations start early on 29 December and the fireworks, dancing and singing continues until 4 January.  The hip and young go to the trendy clubs to see their favourite DJ but if you want to celebrate in a more traditional way head for the Zojoji Temple where locals drink sake, build bonfires and bring loved ones to be blessed.

7. Seattle

Photo: Heather Joy

Seattle – a laid back cosmopolitan city home to grunge, great rock bands and ooh.. Starbucks. Seattle transforms itself into party town on New Year’s Eve and would be a great place to welcome in the new year. If you want free entertainment watch the large firework display in the city centre and then choose from the 35 bars to grab a drink from. If you like to party on a larger scale join 3,000 other revellers as they rock out at the Experience Music Project Museum (EMP) “Indulgence Party“. Buying a ticket will gain you entry to the pre-party singles cocktail hour, a museum tour and a chance to dance the night away right underneath the iconic Space Needle.

8. Goa

Photo: AleReportage

Goa is still a great place to party and New Year’s Eve is no exception. If you like to party really hard try Anjuna beach resort where rave/beach parties last for 3-4 days! At New Years Eve the parties get even bigger and all the resorts join together for one massive celebration. Dance like a madman amongst palm trees, sacred cows and locals selling space cakes, then chill out at one of the many beachside cafes and watch the new year sunrise.

9. Niagara Falls

Photo: FocusedOnLight

Be the envy of all your friends and party at Niagara Falls. “Party in Niagara” is a huge organised free event that attracts 30,000 people each year. As well as the amazingly beautiful scenery the organisers provide party-goers with an outdoor alcohol-licensed area, food and drink stalls and an incredible firework display over the waterfalls. Live music performed by local and international musicians can be found in nearby Clifton Hills.

10. Melbourne

Photo: Mugley

Melbourne is a beautiful and friendly city and Australians really know how to throw a party. Book a trip to Melbourne and greet the new year with a series of celebrations at six city venues stretching along the Yarra River. Watch a massive firework display from Victoria Harbour Promenade, keep the kids amused with a family-friendly movie showing on a giant screen in Alexandra gardens and then head down to Birrarung Marr Parklands to heckle comedians and dance the night away to live bands.

Tags: celebration, December, January, NYE, party
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