WHERE TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR
New Year’s Eve is a time of magic and fairy tales. The aromas of tangerine and pine needles, the clink of glasses, the crunch of snow underfoot and a festive atmosphere reign around. There is very little left until “the most important night of the year”, which means it is time to prepare your ideal scenario for a winter celebration. One of the oldest holidays on earth dates back to ancient times. It is based on centuries-old rituals, reflecting the national characteristics of each state. That is why it is high time to discover new countries and recharge with energy for the whole year ahead. Someone wants exoticism and romance, someone wants snow peaks outside the window and outdoor activities. We have prepared ten destinations where you are guaranteed to get an unforgettable holiday experience.
- RIO DE JANEIRO
With warm sunny weather, panoramic views and the seductive rhythm of samba, the New Year in Rio de Janeiro turns into a real celebration. Holidays here are on a par with the city’s famous carnival. It all ends at Copacabana Beach, where an estimated two million revelers flock to listen to music, swim, play soccer, barbecues and massive fireworks. The restaurants along the beach fill up quickly, so it is worth table reservation in advance if you are planning a New Year’s Eve dinner. Once in Rio, enjoy live music at Bip Bip, and stop by Pavão Azul for octopus rice and batida de coco, a cocktail of coconut cream, condensed milk and cachaça. Small beaches such as Ipanema and Flamengo are also worth considering.
- NEW YORK
Times Square’s iconic sparkling Ball Drop is one of New York’s most iconic events. Despite this, queues usually start only from noon on December 31st. With show and midnight New York performances, this is a great place to celebrate the New Year. However, this is far from the only place to party in NY. Brooklyn Prospect Park is perhaps the best place to see New Year’s fireworks. Be sure to take in the Manhattan skyline on your river cruise, where fireworks, entertainment and food await. New York’s rooftop bars are another great place to party. Magic Hour is the city’s largest rooftop overlooking the city’s entertainment section and the Empire State Building.
- TOKYO
Celebrate an alternative New Year’s Eve in Tokyo with a bell ringing ritual at one of the city’s Buddhist temples. According to custom, the first 107 beats are heard in the old year, the last, 108th beat falls on the first seconds of the new year. The strikes of the bell cleanse a person and the world before the coming year from misfortunes, unworthy actions and thoughts. The ancient temple of Zōjō-ji, which dates from 1393, attracts both locals and tourists for the hatsumode tradition and pilgrimage to the first shrine of the New Year. If you prefer a party atmosphere, located across Tokyo Bay, Yokohoma offers laser and light shows and bay cruises. The Roppongi area is another hot spot with lots of New Year’s Eve events and of course music.
- CAPE TOWN
New Years Eve is the perfect time to visit the South African city of Cape Town. At this time, summer is just beginning here. The impressively beautiful place opens up incredible opportunities for tourists for spend the New Year’s holiday. The V&A Waterfront hosts the biggest party of the year, a free event with musical performances, light shows and great food from over 80 restaurants and food trucks. Cruise the harbor to see the last sunset of the year, then board the cable car to the top of Table Mountain – the perfect observation deck for fireworks.
- SYDNEY
In anticipation of the winter holiday, all attention is focused on Sydney. New Year’s fireworks are watched by millions of people along the harbor and billions of people around the globe. There are many viewing platforms around the city. Do not forget to check online the time of their filling and the possibility of drinking alcohol. The Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney are a great place to celebrate the new decade. Sydney Harbor National Park lets you party across three islands or parks on either side of the harbor. A very glamorous option is a night at the Sydney Opera House, where Puccini’s La Bohème and the Australian Opera are scheduled.
- BANGKOK
Known for its vibrant nightlife, the Thai capital won’t disappoint on December 31st. Bangkok’s Central World Plaza with its beer garden and live entertainment is the focus of much of the fun, while Asiatique’s open-air night market is another popular destination where restaurants offer special menus for the evening. Bangkok has many impressive rooftop bars and restaurants. Get to the stars at the Lebua Hotel in State Tower. It has four unrivaled height-defying restaurants and bars and the world’s tallest outdoor bar. If you’re looking for a romantic evening, take a river cruise on a converted rice barge and taste a 10-course Thai dinner.
- DUBAI
Dubai definitely knows how to party. The fireworks at Burj Khalifa are so bright that they can be seen all over the country. There are many great spots to enjoy fireworks, including the breathtaking Kite Beach. A plethora of glamorous galas and sophisticated evenings await, such as the luxurious Atlantis Hotel with free pouring champagne, live cooking stations and monolithic fireworks, and the much-anticipated party at Zero Gravity. Having visited Dubai, one cannot but go shopping in the Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall, which can turn the head of even the most sophisticated visitors.
- ST. PETERSBURG
Moscow is known for its epic New Year’s Eve parties. However, if you want to celebrate the New Year more calmly, visit the winter wonderland – the city of St. Petersburg. The official fireworks display takes place in front of the Peter and Paul Fortress on the banks of the Neva, and Palace Square in front of the State Hermitage – is the place where all the celebrants gather. Other must-see places are Strelka with stunning views of the city and the Catherine Palace – the summer residence of the tsars, located 25 km from the city. PI Tchaikovsky’s magical masterpiece “The Nutcracker” – is the main Christmas decoration all over the world. You can enjoy ballet in St. Petersburg at the Mariinsky Theater, where it was first performed in 1892.
- QUEBEC
In winter, the average temperature in Quebec is -9 ° C, but on New Year’s Eve, the city heats up thanks to heated terraces and open fireplaces. The combination of red wine, hard liquor and maple syrup in the famous “Quebec’s caribou” cocktail will also help keep you warm. The main New Year’s Eve party takes place at the Grande Allée with live music, street dancing, Ferris wheels and fireworks, and on New Year’s Eve a large open-air dance floor awaits you! Visit Terrasse Dufferin for a sleigh ride, or visit the skating rink under the stars at Youville Square. Then sample Quebec’s famous regional cuisine at the Auberge Saint Antoine’s Chez Muffy’s Chez Muffy.
- LAS VEGAS
The Las Vegas Strip becomes centerpiece on New Years Eve. Traffic is closed at exactly 18:00, and the streets are turning into the largest party in the world. Fireworks are launched from seven different casino rooftops, lighting up the Nevada sky. In addition, the Freemont street party features a pyrotechnic show, bands and an EDM stage, aerialists and dancers, and a performance by Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman. Hang out at MGG Park, Mandalay Bay and Planet Hollywood for performances by the hottest artists in the area. Another great idea is to order a capsule on the High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel for awe-inspiring views of Sin City.
In anticipation of the real New Year’s magic, we want to wish our beloved readers the fulfillment of their most cherished desires. May all your undertakings and ideas be crowned of great success, and the days of the coming year will be as bright and colorful as toys on the New Year tree!
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