It’s almost time to bid adieu to 2013 and set your sights on what 2014 might have in store, but before you set sail into the new year, you’ll have to decide where to celebrate New Year’s Eve. If you’re still looking for a New Year’s Eve getaway, check out these five New Year’s Eve parties around the world.
New York, N.Y.
One of America’s most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations, the party in Times Square tops many a traveler’s bucket list. Ambitious party-goers who stake out a spot early in the day will have the best views when it comes to watching the iconic ball drop as the East Coast counts down to the new year. Of course, if you don’t want to spend the entire day camped out in Times Square, you can always head to a local hot spot for a wild night of entertainment and cocktails.
Sydney, Australia
Not only is Sydney the first place to ring in the new year, but it also boasts the world’s largest New Year’s Eve fireworks display. An amazing array of exploding lights brightens up the harbor on Dec. 31, following two aerial acrobatics shows over Sydney Harbour and a Harbour of Light Parade that floats down the waterway. All of this leads up to midnight fireworks, a 12-minute show that, for the first time in 10 years, will also include fireworks set off from the Sydney Opera House.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
There’s no doubt that Rio de Janeiro knows how to party (Carnival, anyone?), and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Come Dec. 31, the shores of Copacabana host around 2 million revelers as traditional performances, concerts and cheap booze fuel a dance-filled party that lasts well into the next day. Locals don white clothing (believed to be lucky) and toss flowers into the sea as an offering to Iemanja, the goddess of the sea. Midnight fireworks kick off the new year.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Scots don’t leave New Year’s Eve celebrations to a single night; in fact, they celebrate for four days during an annual festival known as Hogmany. This wild party in the street includes folk dancing, Celtic parties, concerts and no shortage of parties throughout Edinburgh. Fireworks light up Edinburgh Castle at midnight, and the partying goes well into New Year’s Day.
Las Vegas, Nev.
Sin City pulls out all the stops when it comes to ringing in the new year. The strip becomes car-free as the celebrations pour into the street, and fireworks are shot from several of the towering Vegas casinos. Parties also abound in Las Vegas, hosted this year by the likes of Maroon 5, T-Pain, Ne-Yo, Paris Hilton and John Legend.
(Main image: nigelhowe)
