There are several different ways to celebrating the coming of the New Year and every family does it differently. Most of us would be contented with simply sitting at home with the family and a glass of bucks fizz, or celebrating the countdown with friends at the local pub. However some of us are more adventurous, and like to spend the New Year off celebrating in a tropical location, or simply chilling on the other side of the world while sipping a cool cocktail. In readiness for the New Year we have put together a top five places to visit that host the best New Year’s parties worldwide.
5. Sydney – Australia
A country renowned for its beauty, Sydney in Australia puts on a fireworks performance that is like no other. The capital of Australia, which is famous for its Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, offers a huge selection of parties, fair rides and nautical parades that ensures that there is something suited for every member of the family. Buy yourself a ticket to one of the Royal Botanic Gardens show, but hurry, because the spots sell out fast!
4. Cardiff – UK
Cardiff’s Flybe Winter Wonderland, the Christmas and New Year themed park, is open from the 14th November to the 5thJanuary, with an open air ice rink, a variety of different fairground rides and spectacular lights and fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve. Plus from 2013 Cardiff Winter Wonderland has opened a new traditional festive dining experience in the Alpine Village. German Beer and Bratwurst all around!
3. Disney Theme Parks – Various
Widely known for their cheery celebrations and performances, a great place – especially for the kids – to spend New Year’s Eve is at one of Disney’s theme parks. Disney World in Orlando, Florida has a great variety of entertainment on, from Disney parades to the fantastic fireworks displays. Tokyo Disneyland is an extremely popular attraction on the 31st December, which is home to the special New Year’s Parade (Beginning at 11:30). Disneyland California is also celebrating the New Year with its “Ring in the New Year” fireworks spectacular.
2. London – UK
With the fantastic fireworks show illuminated by a backdrop that hosts spectacular sights such as Big Ben, the Tower Bridge and the London Eye, sometimes the best place to celebrate the New Year is closer to home than you think. Just be prepared to arrive early if you want a good spot seeing the festivities!
1. Watching the Ball Drop; Times Square – New York (USA)
For over 100 years the huge disco ball has marked the final countdown into the New Year in New York, USA, and although several hundred other cities in America have adopted their own ‘ball drop’, New York still holds the prize for its significance. Arrive around lunchtime in the iconic New York taxi, or by hired car, as the streets will become extremely packed in order to follow the ball’s 70 foot journey down towards the New Year. When the moment finally arrives, confetti is released into the air, accompanied by the excited shouts and screams of attendees welcoming the New Year. An unforgettable experience!
