New Years, the most famous time of the year to promise yourself a new beginning and a new year full of firsts. Why not end the year in a positive way and start the New year in a new place full of adventures? Here is a list of some of the best New Years Eve festivals around the world.
Reykjavik, Iceland
The party starts around 4:00 pm, when the sun has set and it is dark, and lasts until the early hours of the morning. There are fireworks, bonfires (to symbolize burning away the troubles of the prior year), and a high possibility of spotting the northern lights. Rejuvenate and rehydrate the next day by soaking in the hot springs, and having a traditional Icelandic plate.
Niagara Falls, Canada
If lights are your thing, you'll need to spend a New Years in Niagara falls. The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights, with more than 3 million lights lasts well through the New Year. In between your time taking in the beauty of the falls, or ice skating, you can get lost in the international musical acts. As midnight approaches, there are two firework shows that are displayed overtop of the famous Horseshoe Falls.
Vienna, Austria
In the city center there is mulled wine and toffee apples to snack on throughout the day long party. You can listen to the bell's ring from St. Stephen's Cathedral while watching the firework display. Or you can dine on a "palace on rails", an Imperator train. That hosts a black-tie affair on board. It takes a stop at Danube bridge for you to watch the fantastic firework display. On New Years day, you can celebrate by eating Glücksschwein, good-luck pig.
Edinburgh, Scotland
In Scotland, New Years, or Hogmanay, celebration lasts three days. Starting on December 30th, there is a torchlight parade that marches through the city. They offer 40,000 tickets for you to participate in the parade. On New Years Eve, there are concerts, dinners and Ceilidh, as well as a street part on Princes Street. After the clock strikes midnight there is a firework display set off on the castle hill. "Auld Lang Syne", written by Robert Burns, is sung throughout the streets in Edinburgh. On New years day, those courageous enough will go for a dip in the River Forth for an annual charity event.
Sydney, Australia
This city hosts one of the largest New Year parties in the world. With more than just a firework show. There is a party that lasts all day, and into the early mornings. With acrobatic, air water and fire tug displays and a Harbor of Light Parade. Better yet, December is prime summer in Australia. So taking a break from the cold weather is enough of a reason to go. Because why not celebrate New Years day on the beach learning to surf?
The most common New Years destination spot in the United States. You can bring in the New Year by site seeing in New York City through the day, go ice skating at Rockefeller center and do the final countdown in Times Square while watching the famous crystal ball drop.
