It’s almost time to say goodbye to 2014 and welcome in a New Year! The celebration of a new year has been celebrated for millennia and is steeped in tradition, culture and heritage (both old and new) all across our planet.
Wherever you are from, or whatever you call it, New Year’s Eve, St. Sylvester’s Day, a Réveillon or Old Year’s Day – New Year is a time for celebration! To make the most of this time of year, we have created our hand-picked selection of venues, places, and things to do for this New Year, starting with a bang!
1- Party your night away at Hogmanay in Scotland
Hogmanay is perhaps one of the most well-known ways in which people celebrate New Year’s. Traditionally, Hogmanay can date back to the celebration of Winter Solstice, many, many years ago – and it’s great to see that some of the old traditions are still alive and well in modern Day Hogmanay celebrations. Celebrate in style this Hogmoney in Edinburgh! Wrap up warm, grab some ‘Hot Toddies’ or “Warm Spiced Apple Cider’ and head to Princes Street. Each year, there is music, both traditional and new, alongside the most epic fireworks in all of Scotland! Don’t forget to learn ‘Auld Lang Syne’ before you head out for the night!
2- Eat your way through a Réveillon in New Orleans
A Réveillon is a tradition that has been followed in many French-speaking countries and territories. Consisting of a long hearty dinner and, of course, an obligatory party! One of the greatest things about a Réveillon is that the dinners are usually opulent… filled with the finest lobsters, escargots and truffles that give your evening a sense of occasion and tastiness.
3 – Cheese your way through a traditional Calenning in Wales
A Cleaning in Wales starts at 0000 Hours on New Year’s Day. Traditionally, this day was filled with gift-giving and money exchange between family and friends. Nowadays, most people like to exchange bread and cheese in a family setting at home. What a great way to spend time with family and friends, getting filled with Cheeses and all things delicious!
4 – Sparkle the night away in a crisp New York
Since 1907, the sphere in Times Square has been lowered to signify the coming of a new year! Each and every year, hundreds of thousands of people have flocked to Times Square to celebrate this moment in one big street-style celebration. Dress up warm, take a water bottle if you must, but enjoy the night partying with champagne and friends surrounded by the joyful cheers and glee of New Yorkers!
5 – Love London this New Year
If you want to fall in love with a city this New Year’s Eve, London is the place to be! Millions of Londoners and tourists swarm central London streets to the cheering bands and buskers that entertain central London. Head towards the London Eye well before 12, Westminster becomes so crowded that streets are closed, so arrive early, grab a Gin and Tonic, or a heated Cider and watch one of the most incredible firework displays in all the world.
6 – Celebrate under a blanket of stars in Abu Dhabi
If you want a more intimate New Year’s, why not head to the UAE? One of the greatest things about New Year’s Eve in Abu Dhabi is that you are almost guaranteed a clear night sky. Head away from the city and take an excursion into the midnight desert with your closest friends and family. Once deep within the desert, you can ride camels, watch belly dancers or even head to the tranquil slopes to gaze upon the millions of stars above you! Perfectly romantic and truly original
7 – Head to Copacabana Beach in Rio
In the blisteringly hot heat of the day (and warm nights), New Year’s Eve is a truly outdoor affair in Rio. Head to the beach and mix with the locals who enjoy some of the best in Brazilian dancing in all of… well… Brazil! Traditionally, wearing white for New Year’s in Brazil is seen as good luck. So dress up, enjoy the heat and Brazilian Samba and remember to take some of your favourite Fizz!
8 – Watch the fireworks from an infinity pool in Singapore
One of the greatest ways to relax but still enjoy all the fireworks and entertainment of New Year’s Eve is to stay at The Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore. This hotel has the highest infinity pool in the world, giving it a perfect view of the fireworks going off below you!
9 – Take a Cruise in Sydney
Enjoy the fireworks and the ability to dance on water. Well, look no further; a New Year’s Eve cruise in Sydney Harbour is what you need. Although these cruises can be expensive, they often include a fabulous meal and drinks while on board… and guess what? No need to queue or get yourself on some dreaded guest list for a party.. these cruises have it all contained! Dance like no one is watching, scream like no one is listening and eat like… well, just eat loads!
10 – Bring some Burlesque in Paris
For the Ultimate in Parisian experiences, head to the Moulin Rouge – a burlesque show that is no doubt famous to most around the world. A great evening can be spent here, but be warned… tickets are not cheap and can be as much as £600 each! Here, I hope there is lots of champagne!
11 – Fire yourself up at the Allendale Tar Bar’l Ceremony, UK
Wanting to try something a little different this New Years? head to Northumberland in the UK to enjoy some local British pub culture. Eat pickled onions, Scotch eggs and the finest in local ales and beers. Once midnight looms, head into the streets and enjoy the famous procession of flaming tar that lights up this area! Just don’t get too close… the tar is real and hot!!!
12 – Watch the Northern Lights in Iceland
What better way to soak up the atmosphere of New Years than in Iceland. Yes it’s cold, but what an amazing experience to set out into the national parks or even on one of the many boat excursions that leave Reykjavik on New Years Eve. You are sure to feel unbelievably warm and cozy one you are celebrating the New Year in with the streams and swirls of the Aurora Borealis.
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