Top Party Places to Celebrate the New Year

Another year gone by and it's time to make new resolutions and celebrate the New Year. All around the world the New Year is ushered in with hope and new possibilities. People celebrate the advent of the New Year differently; some like to spend time with family and old friends, but many like to party and celebrate. Get ready to welcome in the new year 3, 2, 1…let the party(ies) begin!

Sydney
Be among the first to usher in the New Year, Down Under at Sydney. Thanks to the earth’s ‘rotation’, the Australian clocks are amongst the first in the world to strike the midnight hour, bringing in the New Year. And how! The firework displays at the stroke of midnight at the Sydney harbor, near the famous Opera House are truly dazzling and amazing. Catch the show from one of the boats from where you can get the best view. The colourful and jovial celebrations are the best way to greet the coming year.

Goa
New Year celebrations in Goa are legendary. People not only from India, but from all around the world, flock to Goa to be a part of the New Year festivities. Parties full of dance and music are organised everyday and New Year balls take place in almost every town and village of Goa. Goa’s parties are legendary and the people here really know how to rock! Whether it’s a beach party, a swinging party at the newest club or party hopping, Goa is just the place to bring in the New Year!

New York
The bustling and ever busy city of New York is known as the Mecca for New Year celebrations, with its tradition of the ‘ball drop’. The time honoured Waterford Crystal New Year’s Eve ball descending the flag pole at Times Square with the count down to midnight, is witnessed by millions and the spectacular fire works are the cherry on the top! With the celebrations going on long after midnight, New York knows the perfect way to welcome the coming year!

Tokyo
For the more adventurous celebrating New Year’s in Tokyo is apposite! The city streets are bubbling with energy as music dance and fireworks become the norm. The Japanese start their celebrations from December 29 and go on till January 4. Eat toshikoshi soba, New Year’s Eve noodles and listen to juya no kane, the watch-night bell which rings 108 times prior to the countdown at all temples. Visit the Japanese Imperial Palace on January 1, as its one of the two days in the year that the palace is open to the public.

London
Head to London for a brilliant display of fire works set off from the London Eye just as the Big Ben strikes 12. The show, which lasts for 15 minutes, engulfs and illuminates the entire city. You can get the best view from the Westminster Bridge or you can take the river cruise where, amid the fireworks shower you can have that perfect New Year’s kiss. The pubs and restaurants are open till the wee hours of the morning and have special New Year’s parties for you to rock all night long!

Barcelona
The Spanish celebrate the coming of the New Year in traditional style, starting with dinner, ano nuevo, with close family then - as the clock strikes midnight get ready to stuff your mouth with 12 grapes - one for each stroke of 12 - to ensure prosperity in the new year. Afterwards, head to the Gothic Quarter and the Las Ramblas, for a night of fun and celebration. Also don’t forget to catch the Cabaigata los Reyes Magos, the traditional parade where three kings come to the city by boat and throw candy for the children. Spain is just the place if you want to celebrate New Year’s with your wife and kids.

Paris
New Year’s in Paris is exactly what dreams are made of! With great food, awesome wine and excellent pubs and clubs, celebrating the New Year here is an unforgettable experience. Take part in the celebrations by joining a street party. Go to Champs- Elysees for the mind blowing fireworks launched from the Eiffel Tower and see the entire city come alive, bathed in the light. Or you can catch the show from the Sacre Coeur at Montmarte from where you can see the fireworks exploding and working their charm on everyone around.

Las Vegas
Bring in the New Year with style at the, unarguably, party capital of the world. Experience Paris, New York, Venice and London all in one place! Have a frolicking time at the parties held on the Las Vegas strip, witness magnificent fireworks, be a part of the awesome parties held at every club and see the best of Vegas entertainment. Have the time of your life in this city which is always on the move. Viva Las Vegas!

Rio de Janeiro
Think Rio and the first thing that comes to mind are beaches, babes and parties. And it’s no different on New Year’s! Say hi to the coming year while hanging out at one of the beach parties at Copacabana, wearing your swimsuits (it's summer in this part of the world!) while lolling in the sand and having fun with some of the world’s best party animals- Brazilians! Now this is a party that no one would want to miss.