Top 12 Exciting Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

It’s almost time to say goodbye to 2014 and welcome in a New Year! The celebration of a new year has been celebrated for millennia, and is steeped in tradition, culture, and heritage (both old and new) all across our planet.

Wherever you are from, or whatever you call it; New Year’s Eve, St. Sylvester’s Day, a Réveillon, or Old Year’s Day – New Years is a time for celebration! To make the most of this time of year, we have created our hand-picked selection of venues, places, and things to do for this New Year to start with a bang!

1- Party your night away at Hogmanay in Scotland

Hogmanay is perhaps one of the most well-known ways in which people celebrate New Years. Traditionally, Hogmanay can date back to the celebration of the Winter Solstice many years ago, and it’s great to see that some of the old traditions are still alive and well in modern-day Hogmanay celebrations. Celebrate in style this Hogmanay in Edinburgh! Wrap up warm, grab yourself some ‘Hot Toddies’ or “Warm Spiced Apple Cider” and head to Princes Street. Each year, there is music, both traditional and new, alongside the most epic fireworks in all of Scotland! Don’t forget to learn ‘Auld Lang Syne’ before you head out for the night!

2- Eat your way through a Réveillon in New Orleans

A Réveillon is a tradition that has been followed in many French-speaking countries and territories. It consists of a long hearty dinner and, of course, an obligatory party! One of the greatest things about a Réveillon is that the dinners are usually opulent—filled with the finest lobsters, escargots, and truffles that give a sense of occasion and tastiness to your evening.

3 – Cheese your way through a traditional Calenning in Wales

A Calenning in Wales starts at 0000 Hours on New Years Day. Traditionally, this day was filled with gift-giving and the exchange of money between family and friends. Nowadays, most people like to exchange bread and cheese in a family setting at home. What a great way to spend time with family and friends, indulging in cheese and all things delicious!

4 – Sparkle the night away in a crisp New York

Since 1907, the sphere in Times Square has been lowered to signify the coming of a new year! Each year since, hundreds of thousands of people have flocked to Times Square to celebrate this moment in one big street style celebration. Dress up warm, take a water bottle if you must, but enjoy the night partying with some champagne and friends surrounded by the joyful cheers and glee of New Yorkers!

5 – Love London this New Years!

If you want to fall in love with a city this New Years Eve, London is the place to be! Millions of Londoners and tourists alike swarm the streets of central London to the cheering bands and buskers that entertain the crowds. Head towards the London Eye well before 12; Westminster becomes so crowded that streets are closed, so arrive early, grab a Gin and Tonic or a heated Cider, and watch one of the most incredible fireworks displays in all the world.

6 – Celebrate under a blanket of stars in Abu Dhabi

If you seek a more intimate New Years, why not head to the UAE. One of the greatest things about New Years Eve in Abu Dhabi is that you are almost guaranteed a clear night sky. Journey away from the city and take an excursion into the midnight desert with your closest friends and family. Once deep in the desert, you can ride camels, watch belly dancers, or even head to the tranquil slopes to gaze upon the millions of stars above you! Perfectly romantic and truly original.

7 – Head to Copacabana Beach in Rio

In the blisteringly hot heat of the day (and warm nights), New Years Eve is a truly outdoor affair in Rio. Head to the beach and mix with the locals who enjoy some of the best Brazilian dancing in all of… well… Brazil! Traditionally, it is seen as good luck to wear white for New Years in Brazil. So dress up, enjoy the heat and Brazilian Samba, and remember to take some of your favorite fizz!

8 – Watch the fireworks from an infinity pool in Singapore

One of the greatest ways to relax while still enjoying all the fireworks and entertainment of New Years Eve is to stay at The Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore. This hotel boasts the highest infinity pool in the world, offering a perfect view of the fireworks going off below you!

9 – Take a Cruise in Sydney

Enjoy the fireworks and the chance to dance on water? Look no further; a New Year’s Eve cruise in Sydney Harbour is what you need. Though these cruises can be expensive, they often include a fabulous meal and drinks on board, allowing you to skip the dreaded guest list for a party. Dance like no one is watching, scream like no one is listening, and eat to your heart’s content!

10 – Bring some Burlesque in Paris

For the ultimate Parisian experience, head to the Moulin Rouge – a burlesque show that is famous around the world. A great evening can be spent here, but be warned… tickets are not cheap and can be as much as £600 each! Here’s hoping there is lots of Champagne!

11 – Fire yourself up at the Allendale Tar Bar’l Ceremony, UK

If you fancy trying something a little different this New Years, head to Northumberland in the UK to enjoy some local British pub culture. Eat pickled onions, Scotch eggs, and the finest local ales and beers. Once midnight looms, head into the streets and enjoy the famous procession of flaming tar that lights up the area! Just don’t get too close… the tar is real and hot!!

12 – Watch the Northern Lights in Iceland

What better way to soak up the atmosphere of New Years than in Iceland? Yes, it’s cold, but what an amazing experience to set out into the national parks or even on one of the many boat excursions that leave Reykjavik on New Year’s Eve. You’ll feel unbelievably warm and cozy celebrating New Year with the streams and swirls of the Aurora Borealis.