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New Year's Eve is a spectacle every year. This year, how about spending your celebration in another country?
We have compiled the best tips for a prosperous New Year's Eve around the world for you. Get inspired!
Why do we celebrate New Year's Eve?
Originally, New Year's Eve was a Christian festivity named after Pope Silvester I. He led the church in Rome until the year 355. The 31st of December is considered a special day for him. He was appointed pope on this day in 314 and died on the same day in 355.
Since the change to the Gregorian calendar in 1582, the 31st instead of the 24th of December has been the last day of the year. Thus the tradition of celebrating New Year's Eve was born.
Nowadays, of course, very few people know this, but the festivity is still celebrated in a big way everywhere.
Which country celebrates New Year's Eve first?
Although New Year's Eve is celebrated in many countries on 31 December and the New Year at 00:00 on 01 January, there are, of course, different countdowns due to the time difference.
The first places in the world to celebrate the New Year are both on the continent of Oceania. Christmas Island, part of Australia, and the Republic of Kiribati celebrate the New Year on 31.12.22 at 10:00 a.m. UK local time.
Which country is the last to celebrate New Year's Eve?
On the other hand, some places celebrate the New Year long after it has begun over here.
Baker Island and Howland Island, both part of the outer territories of the United States, are the last to start the New Year. Thirteen hours later than we do in the UK. On 01.01.23 at noon UK local time, the time has come for the two islands.
Where to celebrate New Year's Eve?
So, where is a good place to celebrate New Year's Eve? We present our favourites to make your decision easier. Where will you go for New Year's Eve 2022?
New Year's Eve in New York
Whether in one of the bars that let you look out over the whole city or in Brooklyn, New York has a lot to offer. The city that never sleeps is especially wide awake on New Year's Eve. Shortly before midnight, the famous countdown begins in Times Square, and countless people celebrate the start of the new year together.
Would you like to go somewhere else in the United States? Check out these five underrated places for your New Year’s Eve.
New Year's Eve in Berlin
Welcome the New Year with your loved ones at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin! An extensive programme accompanies you through the evening until the turn of the year.
If you prefer a more intimate celebration, we recommend booking a restaurant and going to one of the many bars in the city. The districts of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain are particularly suitable for this.
New Year’s Eve in Sydney
Australia is also one of the countries that slips into the New Year early. We all know the famous pictures of the fireworks over the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House! So how about joining in the spectacle this year?
You'll need to plan ahead if you want a good view of the fireworks. Many people flock to the most popular vantage points in the morning to get the best view.
New Year’s Eve in Prague
Like almost everywhere else, Prague celebrates exuberantly on the night of 31 December. But to experience the real highlight, you'll have to wait until New Year's Day. On 1 January, you can watch and admire the official family fireworks display, which is well-known among locals, from 6 pm. The reasons for holding the fireworks in the early evening of New Year's Day are plausible: noise pollution, animal protection, and lower costs.
New Year’s Eve in London
London, a pompous city even outside the festive season, turns into one big party on New Year's Eve. To see the best of the New Year's Eve celebrations at the London Eye right on the Thames, you need a £10 ticket. That way, the city provides a little more security on what is already a hectic night.
Get inspired and discover more destinations for your New Year's Eve holiday in the UK, whether in the countryside or the big city.
New Year’s Eve in Barcelona
The great thing about Barcelona is that you are in the middle of the city and yet surrounded by mountains and the sea. What's more, the temperatures are still mild here, even in December. So no matter what mood you're in for your party, you'll find the right place here.
Fireworks aren't as big here, but you'll also find grand festivities and settings in Barcelona. Head to Placa Espanya for the New Year and enjoy live music throughout the evening. The fountain at the foot of Montjuic is colourful, and its show will amaze you.
An extraordinary New Year's Eve tradition: in Spain, a grape is eaten every time the bell rings at 00:00. If you manage to eat all 12 grapes by the last chime, you can look forward to good luck in the new year.
New Year’s Eve in Vienna
Vienna has some traditions on the "night of the first of January". Check out an extensive programme and the New Year's Eve fireworks at the New Year's Eve Trail in Vienna's Old Town. If you prefer something more pompous, you should visit one of the glamorous balls. These have a long history and take you back in time.
New Year’s Eve in Paris
Paris is one of the cities that does not set off fireworks at midnight. Nevertheless, it doesn't lose its charm and is still a spectacular destination over New Year's Eve. Enjoy the evening in one of the many luxurious restaurants or a chic bar, and head outside shortly before midnight. At 00:00, the Eiffel Tower sparkles brightly and can be seen from all over the city.
Who knows, in good weather, you might spot the Disneyland® Paris fireworks in the distance.
Of course, France has a lot more to offer on New Year's Eve. Check out what you need to know for a successful New Year's Eve in France.
New Year’s Eve in Rome
Fascinating traditions also exist in Italy, and we present a few of them to you. Do you want to be happy and content in the New Year? Then you should wear red underwear on New Year's Eve! Don't worry if you don't have any, because you'll find red lingerie in abundance in the many boutiques in the centre of Rome on this night. There is one catch, however, as they are only a gift, and if you dispose of them on New Year's Day, they will bring you luck.
Many locals celebrate New Year's Eve with their families and good food. Only shortly before midnight do they go out to the biggest squares in the city to watch the fireworks.
New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam
In the winter, Amsterdam shines in a sea of lights reflected in its many canals. The city is beautiful to behold on New Year's Eve and worth a trip for that reason alone. There are no longer any official fireworks displays due to noise and pollution, but the Dutch capital has another spectacle up its sleeve for you. The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place from 01.12.22-22.01.23, and during this time, you will find countless light installations on the canals and can discover them on a boat tour.
Discover more places in the Netherlands where you can spend your New Year's Eve.
So, have you found the right destination for you yet? Book your trip now with your Flightgift and throw on a chic New Year's Eve outfit.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
