Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve Around the World
There are few occasions better suited for a party than New Year’s Eve. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the ending of a year while expressing hope for the future and allows us to gather with millions of other world citizens celebrating the same occasion. Needless to say, New Year’s Eve is a celebratory event deserving of proper planning and preparation. As you begin the countdown to midnight this year, check out some of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world.
Non-Stop New Year’s Celebration & Parade in the Bahamas
Not the largest parties in the world but no less spirited, the Bahamasget in on the act too. The Bahamas celebrate on New Year’s Day with parades called junkaroos. A scene reminiscent of Mardi Gras, revelers don colorful costumes and party the day away. The tiny island of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands throws one of the largest parties in the Caribbean, forty-eight nonstop hours of live music, food and drink and much needed naps on the beach.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve and Day in London
Big Ben chimes at midnight in London as fireworks explode over the London Bridge and the London Eye giant Ferris wheel. The party spills over into the following day for the New Year’s Day Parade stretching through downtown London.
Silvester “Party Mile” New Year’s in Berlin, Germany
Germans call New Year’s Eve “Silvester,” and Berlin plays host to the “Party Mile;” just that, a mile-long party of beer gardens, street foods, and live music stages showcasing international acts. Expect fireworks at midnight and dancing until dawn.
World’s largest firework display honors New Year’s in Sydney
As the world turns, Sydney hosts the first major New Year’s Eve party and the second largest in the world. More than one million celebrants come together for the world’s largest fireworks display. Running nearly fifteen minutes, more than 30,000 pyrotechnics light up the sky above the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
NYE Entertainment, Theme Parks & Parties in Orlando, FL
Disney World in Orlando wouldn’t be the Magic Kingdom if they didn’t celebrate New Year’s Eve in style. There are numerous parties to choose from across the many parks, most concluding with a dazzling firework display. Epcot presents a light and laser show; Disney’s Hollywood Studios hosts the “Spectacle of Dancing Lights,” complete with artificial snow; and Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers “Disney Countdown to Midnight,” an adult affair of dancing, fireworks and one of the largest champagne toasts in the world.
Brazil’s Reveillon NYE White Party in Rio de Janeiro
By far, the largest celebration takes place in Rio de Janeiro. More than two million revelers crowd a two-mile stretch of famous Copacabana Beach for an annual party Brazilians call Reveillon. Dressed all in white for good luck, party-goers throw flowers into the ocean to honor Lemanja, the goddess of the sea.
Classic NYE Night in New York City
New York City hosts what is undoubtedly the most famous celebration on the planet. Every December 31, since 1904, Times Square has been the setting for the last great party of the year. More than one million people assemble to watch the six ton, 12-foot-wide crystal ball descend a 77-foot flagpole. Expect live performances from internationally famous recording stars and heaps of confetti.
New Year’s Cruise with Norwegian
But don’t discount a New Year’s Eve cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line. Celebrate the new year under the stars with loved ones and new friends. No crowds or traffic to contend with. Enjoy a special dinner at one of the many gourmet restaurants and then ring in the New Year with champagne and dancing to live music. Those New Year’s resolutions can wait until you get back home. Better yet, set a resolution to come back next year.