Wow, what a year 2022 was.  Kati and I traveled to Italy, Sicily, Uganda, Kenya, Ecuador and the Galapagos.  We explored areas that we have always wanted, and our families even traveled with us on some destinations. Now it is close to the end of the year, and many people love to celebrate the New Year at some of the most iconic places in the world.  Kati and I unfortunately live in a town where once the small ball drops for the New Year the town basically shuts down and people go home.  In these locations, the New Year celebration starts once it strikes midnight. Some countries are known for their phenomenal new year celebrations. But what are the best places to celebrate the New Year?  We turned to friends to find out the top locales for New Years celebration!

• Celebrate the New Year with Big Ben

More than 250,000 people gather on the banks of the Thames as Big Ben rings for New Year’s Eve. It is the signal to start a magnificent spectacle- Lights and fireworks over the South Bank and illuminating iconic locations such as the London Eye.

Many after-parties last until morning, and on New Year’s Day, a fantastically festive parade is completed by costumed dancers, marching bands, clowns, acrobats, colorful floats, horses and more. Moreover!

• Join the Most Famous Party in New York

New York is world-famous for its New Year’s Eve festivities.

You will have the chance to enjoy world-famous artists, spectacular neon lights and the famous ball game in Times Square.

You can also expect over a million cheery people to take in the celebration in the streets, a fireworks display and a wall of wishes where people write down their New Year’s resolutions.

If you are looking for an even more unique experience, consider chartering a boat ride in New York Harbor when the festivities begin, so you can enjoy breathtaking views of the fireworks.

• Be the First to Ring in the New Year in Sydney

Sydney is considered by many to be one of the top New Year’s Eve destinations.

Due to its location, it is the first major city in the world to welcome the New Year, and the locals enjoy this status.

The Sydney party has some of the biggest fireworks displays in the world (Dubai is the biggest), with one starting at 9 pm and the other at midnight.

More than a million people from all over the world come to watch the seaside festivities each year. These festivities also include aerial acrobatics and native ceremonies, as well as a parade of lighted boats.

• Walk along the Berlin Mile Party

There are a variety of bars and clubs you could frequent in Berlin, often known as the city where the party dies.

You could do much worse than walk down the Party Mile, two bars, tents, food stalls and even music stages.

The Party Mile is located between the Victory Column and the Brandenburg Gate. It is where most of the action takes place, with over 1,000,000 people drinking, eating and merry until 3 am.

There is no shortage of entertainment and DJs, and maybe even a few names, you know!

Admission is free, including the fireworks, but expect to pay top dollar for your evening’s drinks.

• Marvel at the Hong Kong Skyline

Hong Kong has a skyline not to be missed. But as you might expect, places can get crowded if you don’t know where to go.

The main fireworks display is in Victoria Harbour. It combines music, laser shows and choreographed lights to create a unique audio-visual treat.

However, if you go to the water’s edge, you will never get a good view.

Our top tip is to head to the Wooloomooloo Prime steakhouse in Tsim Sha Tsui. Indeed, this place is on the 21st floor. It then offers a fantastic view of the show. No matter where you are in the restaurant, the view will be unique. 

• Enjoy the Crazy Street Party in Edinburgh

The Scots are also known to hold a three-day party called Hogmanay.

It all starts on December 30 with the Torchlight Procession. During the latter, thousands of torchbearers light up the streets from the Royal Mile to Calton Hill. It is also the place where spectacular fireworks take place.

Then, on New Year’s Eve, you will have the most fun on Princes Street, where the party overflows with more than 80,000 people. This crowd gathers for Scotland’s biggest street party. 

• Host a Three-Day Party in Cape Town

We then travel east to South Africa and the beautiful city of Cape Town.

For New Year’s Eve, you simply can’t go anywhere but the Victoria & Albert waterfront. Midnight fireworks are world-famous. Plus, there are plenty of great places to eat, dance, and have fun.

However, in Cape Town, the fun doesn’t stop on New Year’s Eve. The celebrations continue through January 2. Thousands of revellers take to the beach, and thousands more head into the city center to watch 10,000 performers dance as part of the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival.

• Wear White in Rio

Rio de Janeiro is a top pick for several reasons.

First of all, it’s the end of summer in South America. You’re not going to stay in the midnight cold then. On the other hand, you can enjoy the night heat on the beach. In fact, about 2 million people do it every year!

Copacabana Beach is a 2.5 km beach. It is where all the action takes place, from live entertainment to impressive fireworks.

However, you will have to get there early in the evening to find the right place. In fact, stay away from the Copacabana Palace hotel as it is the busiest spot on the beach. Instead, head to Rescue Stations 5 and 6 at the end of the beach. This place will be much quieter.

It is believed that wearing white brings good fortune for the coming year. So do not hesitate to take a seat on board the tradition. But know that your shiny new white outfit will likely be destroyed during the festivities.

Our Final Word

Almost every country ring in the New Year with something spectacular.  Fireworks, parties and friends getting together to celebrate the end of one year and new beginnings and new starts with the New Year.  Kati and I will be with family this year and cannot wait to see what 2023 has in store for us.  Happy New Year and have a healthy and fun filled 2023.

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