Archive for October, 2011
Top Cities for New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Tired of having a party in your own living room on December 31st? Been going to the same house every year for as long as you can remember? Why not try a different location this year? The fact is, there are top cities for New Year’s Eve celebrations all over the world. No matter whether you’re in the mood to fly across the country or to the other side of the globe, you will find good times in these ten locations:
1. New York
It’s impossible to make a list about New Year’s Eve destinations without talking about the Big Apple. Every year, the celebration in Times Square is broadcast all over the world, attracting thousands of revelers to the bright lights of this two-block-long plaza.
2. Rio de Janeiro
Much like its counterpart to the north, Rio is the epicenter for celebrating the changeover from one year to the next. For many, the day is spent on Copacapana Beach, enjoying the sun and staking out a spot for the party. When the clock strikes twelve, fireworks erupt over the ocean as partygoers dance to samba rhythms.
3. Edinburgh
The Scots hardly have a reputation for a rollicking good time, but history lovers will find the festivities enchanting. Local musicians begin playing early in the evening near Princes Street Gardens, then all attention turns to the ancient castle, from which a massive pyrotechnic display pops high into the night sky.
4. Las Vegas
Something about the backdrop of The Strip makes New Year’s Eve all the more electric. The streets are filled with visitors from all backgrounds and the casinos – attempting to outdo each other as best they can – find all sorts of creative ways to grab your attention, from raucous parties to swanky dinners.
5. Sydney
The Australian capital has one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and its operahouse makes a lovely decoration alongside a huge fireworks show arising from nearby Harbor Bridge. The summertime weather and plentiful viewing areas – King’s Cross and Bayswater Road are best – make it tough to beat. Plus, it’s one of the first major cities to celebrate!
6. Berlin
You might find the winter winds a bit cold, but the German capital hosts one of the hottest open-air bashes in the world. Nearly a million people pack between the infamous Brandenburg Gate and Victory column, watching in amazement as a flashy laser light show dances across the sky to popular dance hits.
7. Hong Kong
If you’re in the mood for a blend of cultures, then you’ll want to head to this former British protectorate in the People’s Republic of China. Find a good spot in one of the restaurants on the Avenue of Stars, then enjoy the magnificent Symphony of Lights emanating from the city’s striking skyline.
8. New Orleans
A city with a party reputation, New Year’s Eve is no different. After walking up and down Bourbon Street all day, crowds line both sides of the Mississippi River to countdown to midnight. When the calendar rolls over, the night explodes into an array of sparkling colors.
9. Amsterdam
There is a do-it-yourself feel about the celebrations in Holland’s capital – right up to the big moment at midnight. Residents gather in town squares all over the city, bringing with them personal recipes for firecrackers and firing their homemade wares into the smoky air.
10. Orlando
Though rightly regarded as a family-friendly destination, there are plenty of options for people of all ages in this theme park haven. Watch a parade featuring Mickey and friends, catch a rock concert, or pull up a seat at ICEBAR, a pub filled with fixtures carved from blocks of ice.