There’s one night every year (well two if you include your birthday) where you can throw on anything you want – from the highest of heels to the most casual of clothes – and party all night long.
That night, is New Year’s Eve.
Not only does this evening come with a new year, new goals and dreams but it also comes with places around the world that have serious celebrations. From beach parties to fireworks to epic foods and parades, New Year’s Eve is where you can really go full out in every way.
For all you travellers out there, we’ve done our research and have found the 11 best New Year’s Eve parties around the world, not including the incredible Las Vegas (because who doesn’t already know about that one?), to add to your bucket list.
1. Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
If you’re looking for a party that will blow you away, Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro’s most popular beach, attracts two million people each year for a reason. If you don’t think that’s a party, then I don’t know what is.
During the day before the party starts, you’ll find people gathering on the beach honouring Iemanjá (the Afro-Brazilian sea goddess of fertility and motherhood). People do this by placing flowers, candles, and other offerings in the ocean. Officially, the party starts at around 7:00pm along Copacabana Beach. At this time, you’ll see and hear various DJs and bands start playing on the official stages. These stages are scattered along the entire stretch of beach which is 4km long!
There are a few things to remember though. First off, everyone on the beach will be wearing white, so make sure you are too! Also, expect to see the most epic 20 minute fireworks show at the stroke of midnight.
2. Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia
If you’re looking for an epic fireworks show, Sydney is where you’ve got to be. At 9:00pm they hold the Family Fireworks and at midnight, the bigger celebration starts and is even televised across the globe. The midnight fireworks show happens at the Sydney Harbour Bridge and is synchronized with an impressive musical soundtrack.
If you’re looking for a crazy party that runs all night and into the morning, then head to Bondi Beach. Here, you’ll be partying into the wee hours of the night and will get that perfect sunrise selfie after a long night of celebrating the new year.
3. Times Square in New York City, United States
There’s some more incredible fireworks happening around the world and one of the most popular places to see them is the Big Apple itself. Times Square is certainly the hottest spot to watch fireworks, but other shows also happen at the Brooklyn Bridge and Prospect Park, all in New York City.
However, if you have never experienced it, Times Square is definitely the place to be so you can witness the famous Ball Drop in person. Broadcasted around the world and watched by millions of people, it’s a symbolic moment on December 31st every single year. The celebration in Times Square includes a star-studded show throughout the night to celebrate the previous year and ring in the new one.
4. Hogmanay in Edinburgh, Scotland
If you’re looking for a party that will allow you to learn about the country’s culture as well, head to Edinburgh, Scotland for the stunning Hogmanay Festival. This celebration lasts three days. Yes, THREE DAYS!
It all begins on December 30th with the famous torchlight procession. Here you’ll see thousands of people march through Edinburgh with flaming torches followed by a beautiful firework finale. Beneath the Edinburgh Castle on December 31st is the party of the year. Featuring live music, colourful lights and plenty of outdoor bars, ringing in the new year couldn’t be more fun. Once midnight hits, the famous firework show on the castle commences before people continue to party throughout the night. The morning after, get ready to participate in the Loony Dook, which is the perfect hangover cure. It’s an annual dip in the River Forth at South Queensferry. The cold water is sure to help with how you’ll feel in the morning!
5. Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong has a stunning fireworks display every New Year’s Eve at Victoria Harbour. Once the clock strikes midnight, get ready for a sensory overload as the area erupts in excitement and a beautiful show filled with special effects. The entire harbour is illuminated with a lights show and pyrotechnics that reflect off the waterfront and surrounding skyscrapers making for the world’s most impressive light show. Remember to wish upon one of the pyrotechnic stars and start the new year off right, because you never know, that wish might just come true!
6. Berlin, Germany
If you’re okay with being a bit chilly head to Berlin for the open-air party around the Brandenburg Gate, appropriately coined the “Party Mile.” Join the rest of the one million party-goers to celebrate the new year in style. You can expect the boulevards to be filled with multiple stages, party tents, tons of authentic German food along with lights and laser productions. At midnight, after the fireworks show, this party continues into the early morning hours. This epic celebration is, like others on this list, broadcasted across the globe on various television channels.
7. Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand
There are many things that Thailand is known for, one of the biggest being their absolutely incredible beach parties. New Year’s Eve is no exception! Taking place on Haad Rin beach, the party of the year in Thailand commences on December 31st. Head there to join more than 30,000 other crazy party people to have a night you’ll never forget on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Here, you’ll dance the night away with DJs all night (and early morning). It’s an experience everyone should have at least once in their lives.
8. Miami, USA
Miami is already known for epic clubs and party scenes, so obviously it’s a top spot to go for New Year’s Eve. These parties often bring big-name artists from across the globe to perform (from Justin Bieber to Skrillex and more) at different clubs in the city and Miami Beach. If you’re looking for somewhere to throw those high heels on and a dress or a button up shirt with a tie, Miami is the place you need to be for New Year’s Eve. One of the better-known parties in the city happens at the Clevelander South Beach, a must visit if you’re heading there to kick-off the new year.
9. Valparaíso, Chile
It’s said to be the biggest New Year’s Eve show in Latin America (yes, even bigger than Rio de Janeiro’s!) so Valparaiso has definitely earned its place on this list. With a 20 minute fireworks show and an insane dance party lasting until the sun comes up (or later if you’d like) it’s an obvious choice for anyone looking for something mind-blowing for New Year’s Eve. These festivities start as early as the 28th and culminate on the 31st when more than a million people have finally made their way to the city’s beach party. Locals do all they can for good luck on that night, from wearing yellow underwear, eating a dozen grapes right at midnight and putting a $1,000 peso bill in their shoe. There’s no reason you shouldn’t try these tricks too!
