Whether you are the first to see in 2019 from Kiribati, or the last to set off the fireworks in American Samoa, there are numerous opportunities worldwide to get the New Year off to a flying start! Here are some you may like to consider for your seasonal break:
Edinburgh, Scotland
Where better to visit at this time of year? The Scottish capital’s Hogmanay celebrations last for three days, with fantastic events and great music. The celebrations kick off on 30th December with a torchlit procession. There are many options for New Year’s Eve itself, including a Concert in the Gardens headlined by Franz Ferdinand, the Hogmanay Street Party, the Hogmanay HQ dinner and entertainment, and a traditional Ceilidh under the Castle. Then start the year with a splash, by dipping into the Firth of Forth in fancy dress for charity on New Year’s Day.
Sydney, Australia
As the first major city to see 2019, Sydney’s fireworks display at the Harbour offers the iconic backdrop of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Plus, summer will just have started there, so you can turn your trip into a beach holiday too!
Funchal, Madeira Islands
These islands certainly get the New Year off to a bang - in 2006, they entered the Guinness World Records with the largest display of fireworks in the world!
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Burj Khalifa, standing at 828 metres as the world’s tallest building, puts on an astounding fireworks show with crowds gathered at its feet. Or visit one of Dubai’s excellent rooftop bars for stunning views over the city and be in prime position to see many of the fireworks shows on offer - these take place at Dubai Festival City, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Al Arab, to name but a few.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Gather on Copacabana beach for one of the biggest parties in the world! Around 2 million people are expected to descend on the sand for several shows on New Year’s Eve, which will feature some big names in both national and international music. To top it off, there will be about 17 minutes of pyrotechnics synchronised to music.
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Although it’s full of lights and a party atmosphere throughout the year, this city goes all out for New Year’s Eve. The Strip is shut off to traffic and 300,000 party-goers descend. At midnight, a choreographed fireworks display launches from the casinos. Why not celebrate at the Hard Rock Cafe Party, the Brooklyn Bridge Party, or see the celebrations from above with a trip up the Eiffel Tower?
Title Image Credit: VirtualWolf (Image Cropped)