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Get planning your New Year holiday with our countdown of the best New Year's destinations for 2024. Why spend New Year 2024 in the UK when you could spend it in an exotic, far-flung destination? Our list is packed with unique, international destinations for New Year so you can ring in the bells like never before. But before that, let's uncover exactly why we even celebrate New Year and unpack the unique New Year celebrations of specific countries.
Why Do We Celebrate New Year's Eve?
New Year's Eve, the ultimate global party, has a fascinating history rooted in tradition and change. Originally tied to Christian tradition, it was named after Pope Silvester I, who led the Roman Catholic Church with zeal. The date, December 31st, marks his appointment as pope in 314 and his passing in 355.
Fast forward to 1582, when the Gregorian calendar took centre stage, moving the official last day of the year to December 31st. This shift ignited the worldwide tradition of celebrating New Year's Eve, giving people a reason to come together and celebrate fresh beginnings. While the historical link might be obscure today, the spirit of this joyous occasion still unites us all.
How Different People Celebrate New Year Around the World
New Year's Eve is a time when people from all corners of the globe come together to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another. It's fascinating to see how different cultures and communities put their unique spin on this festive occasion. Here's a glimpse into how people celebrate New Year's Eve in various parts of the world:
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- Japan - Ringing Bells and Noodles: In Japan, New Year's Eve, known as "Omisoka," is a time for reflection and cleansing. People visit temples and shrines to ring large bells 108 times, symbolising the 108 human sins in Buddhist belief. Additionally, it's customary to enjoy a bowl of "toshikoshi soba," or year-crossing noodles, to ensure good luck and longevity in the coming year.
- Spain - The Twelve Grapes: Spaniards have a unique tradition of eating twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight, one for each chime of the clock. It's a fun and challenging tradition, and if you manage to eat all the grapes in time, you're said to be in for a year of good luck and prosperity.
- Brazil - All-White Attire and Offerings to Yemanjá: In Brazil, many people dress in all-white attire on New Year's Eve to symbolize peace and purity. At midnight, crowds gather on beaches to offer flowers, candles, and small boats filled with offerings to Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea. It's a beautiful and spiritual way to welcome the new year.
- Scotland - First-Footing: In Scotland, the first person to enter a home after the stroke of midnight is called the "first-footer." This tradition holds that the first-footer should bring symbolic gifts like coins, bread, salt, and whisky to ensure good fortune for the household in the coming year.
- Greece - Pomegranate Smashing: Greeks have a playful tradition of smashing a pomegranate on their doorstep as they enter their homes on New Year's Eve. The bursting of the fruit's seeds is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
- Philippines - Round Shapes for Prosperity: In the Philippines, round shapes are considered lucky, symbolizing coins and wealth. Families often display round fruits on their dining tables, and many people wear polka-dotted clothing for good luck.
- Denmark - Plate Smashing: In Denmark, it's customary to save old dishes and plates throughout the year and then throw them at the doors of friends' and family members' homes on New Year's Eve. This symbolizes the letting go of the past and embracing new connections.
- Thailand - Water Festival: Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, is celebrated with a water festival that symbolizes purification and renewal. People splash water on each other, clean their homes, and visit temples to make offerings.
These diverse New Year traditions highlight the richness of human culture and the universal desire to welcome the new year with hope, joy, and a touch of magic. Whether you're eating grapes in Spain, smashing plates in Denmark, or splashing water in Thailand, New Year's Eve is a time for unity and celebration across the globe. Now that we know the cultural richness and diversity of celebrating New Year around the world, let's dive into our recommendations of the best New Year destinations worldwide.
The 14 Best New Year Destinations Worldwide
1. New Year's Eve in New York City, USA
New York City, often referred to as "The City That Never Sleeps," comes alive on New Year's Eve. Whether you choose to revel in the breathtaking views from one of the city's rooftop bars or opt for a cosy celebration in Brooklyn, New York offers an array of options. The iconic Times Square countdown, just moments before midnight, is a must-see spectacle that brings together countless revellers making it truly one of the best New Year destinations.
2. New Year's Eve in Hawaii, USA
Embrace the New Year's spirit on the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Hawaii offers a unique blend of cultural traditions and natural beauty. You can celebrate on the beach, enjoy a luau feast, or even participate in a torchlight procession. With a backdrop of swaying palm trees and the sound of ocean waves, Hawaii provides a serene and memorable way to welcome the New Year (and many beautiful beaches to nurse off the hangover on afterwards).
3. New Year's Eve in Sydney, Australia
Australia ushers in the New Year early, and Sydney's fireworks over the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House are world-famous. To secure a prime spot for viewing the fireworks, it's advisable to plan ahead and arrive at popular vantage points early in the morning.
4. New Year's Eve in Prague, Czech Republic
Next on our list of the best New Year destinations is Prague. Prague, like many other cities, celebrates exuberantly on December 31st. However, the real highlight awaits on New Year's Day when you can witness the city's official family fireworks display at 6 pm. The choice of an early evening fireworks display is driven by considerations of noise pollution, animal welfare, and cost efficiency.
5. New Year's Eve in Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona offers a unique New Year's Eve experience, surrounded by mountains and the sea with mild December temperatures. While the city's fireworks may not be as grand as some, you'll find vibrant festivities and live music at Placa Espanya. As mentioned previously, an intriguing Spanish tradition involves eating a grape with each bell toll at midnight, promising good luck for the coming year if you can finish all 12 grapes in time.
6. New Year's Eve in Vienna, Austria
Vienna boasts rich traditions on the "night of the first of January." The New Year's Eve Trail in Vienna's Old Town features an extensive program of events, including spectacular fireworks. For those seeking a more opulent experience, Vienna's glamorous balls with their historical charm offer a trip back in time.
7. New Year's Eve in Paris, France
Paris, often associated with romance, eschews fireworks at midnight but maintains its enchanting allure. Enjoy the evening at one of the city's luxurious restaurants or chic bars and head outside shortly before midnight. At the stroke of midnight, the Eiffel Tower sparkles brilliantly and can be admired from various vantage points across the city. On a clear night, you might even catch a glimpse of the Disneyland Paris fireworks in the distance.
8. New Year's Eve in Rome, Italy
Rome offers captivating traditions for welcoming the New Year. To ensure happiness and contentment in the coming year, locals wear red underwear on New Year's Eve. If you forget to bring your own, don't fret; you can find an abundance of red lingerie in the city's boutiques on this special night. Romans typically celebrate with family and indulgent feasts, heading out to the city's major squares just before midnight to watch the fireworks illuminate the sky.
9. New Year's Eve in Bali, Indonesia
At number 9 on our list of the best New Year destinations is Bali. Bali, with its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, offers a New Year's Eve experience with an island vibe. Celebrate on the beautiful shores or at beachfront parties with live music and fireworks. Bali's warm hospitality and tropical charm make it an ideal destination to welcome the New Year in a relaxed yet festive atmosphere.
10. New Year's Eve in New Orleans, USA
Let the good times roll on New Year's Eve 2024 in the lively city of New Orleans. Known for its rich musical heritage and vibrant street life, New Orleans offers a truly incredible way to welcome the New Year. Whether you're strolling through the historic French Quarter, savouring Cajun and Creole cuisine at renowned eateries, or joining a lively jazz parade, New Orleans' spirited New Year's Eve celebrations promise an unforgettable start to the year in a city that knows how to have a good time.
11. New Year's Eve in Cape Town, South Africa
For a unique way to celebrate New Year 2024, head to Cape Town and witness the spectacular fireworks display at the V&A Waterfront. The stunning backdrop of Table Mountain and the glittering city lights create a picturesque setting for welcoming the New Year. Enjoy a delightful evening of music, food, and festivities along the waterfront promenade.
12. New Year's Eve in Miami, USA
Up next on our list of the best New Year destinations is Miami. Miami's vibrant culture, diverse communities, and lively nightlife create a one-of-a-kind celebration for New Year 2024. Whether you're dancing beneath the starlit skies of South Beach, toasting with champagne at an opulent gala, or gazing at the fireworks over the bay, Miami's vibrant New Year's Eve celebrations promise an unforgettable beginning to the year in a city drenched in sunshine and alive with energy.
13. New Year's Eve in Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, offers an exciting New Year's Eve celebration. Enjoy spectacular fireworks along the Chao Phraya River and join the lively street parties in areas like Khao San Road. Bangkok's energetic atmosphere and delicious street food make it a fantastic place to ring in the New Year.
14. New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Last on our list of the best New Year destinations for 2024 is Rio. Rio de Janeiro knows how to throw a party, and its New Year's Eve celebration, known as "Réveillon," is legendary. Join millions of locals and visitors on Copacabana Beach for a night of live music, samba dancing, and a mesmerising fireworks display over the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain.
Buy a Gift Voucher for Travel this Christmas
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