Another year has flown by, and it’s hard to believe we’re already talking about New Year’s celebrations. You’re probably familiar with a lot of the top U.S. celebrations, such as the ball drop in New York City, but there are other destinations around the world that throw a big party, making them great spots for your first trip of the New Year. Below you’ll find a list of some of the best destinations in the world for New Year’s.
New York City, New York. While you’re certainly familiar with the New Year’s Eve party in Times Square, have you ever been? This is one of those rare experiences that you just have to be there for. However, if you want to find a spot near Times Square, you’ll have to get there early in the day, as it starts filling up quickly. Most importantly, wear plenty of layers as you’ll be in the New York City cold for hours.
Melbourne, Australia. As one of our favorite destinations in the world, we had to have an Australia city on this list. Melbourne puts on a great event for New Year’s that goes beyond just fireworks. Head to the Yarra River waterfront and find one of the many local venues that features live comedians and musicians. Afterward, make sure to be outside for the fireworks display over the water.
Barcelona, Spain. There are so many great European cities that host smashing New Year’s celebrations, but few compare to Barcelona. One of the best parts about New Year’s in Barcelona is that you can celebrate it multiple ways, depending on your interests, such as celebrating at a wine lounge, going salsa dancing, or hitting the streets of Barcelona. Find a handful of grapes when the clock strikes midnight to take in the tradition of eating one grape per chime.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. While New York City often gets the spotlight for their New Year’s celebration, Rio de Janeiro might just be the grandest party. Millions of people head to Copacabana on New Year’s Eve to experience the rich traditions of Brazil’s New Year’s festivities. Best of all, it’s warm compared to so many other New Year’s destinations this time of year. Get to the beach early if you want to jockey for prime position for the fireworks spectacular.
Reykjavik, Iceland. Reykjavik is the wild card on this list, as many people don’t even consider Iceland this time of year. Furthermore, you won’t have the crowds of people like you have in Rio de Janeiro or New York City. New Year’s Eve begins as a very low-key evening, as many locals celebrate by enjoying dinner and bonfires together. However, you’ll want to make sure you’re outside before midnight for the fireworks display. On a clear night, you may even see the Northern Lights.
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