Where is the best place to celebrate the New Year
2019 is quickly coming to an end, and with that comes the anticipation of a new year – what better way to ring in the New Year than with one of the biggest celebrations in the world? This year the celebrations are guaranteed to be bigger, as we celebrate not just a new year, but a new decade. We’ve put together a list of the best places to count down to 2020 so you can start as you mean to go on and kick off the next decade with a bang.
Sydney, Australia
Being the first major city in the world to tick over into 2020, Sydney is renowned for its New Year celebrations and stunning fireworks displays. With dozens of ticketed events from music festivals and club nights to more upscale and exclusive events such as dinner parties and banquets, you’re guaranteed to find your dream way to spend the first moments of the year. There are also several free events including a range of family-friendly activities with music, entertainment and foods, as well as a number of vantage points where you can view the famous fireworks display as the clocks hit midnight – so be sure to take a look around and see what catches your eye. If you’re looking for bright carnival lights and a fun way to start the year, Sydney’s Lunar Park Harbour Party is the perfect place to enjoy the fireworks and have a whole load of fun, with the amusement park open until 1am for the celebrations.
For something a little more peaceful and family friendly, you could always pack up a picnic and head somewhere slightly further afield – such as the display at Darling Harbour which is specifically designed to be family friendly. This is a free event, with light shows every hour and the traditional midnight fireworks display, as well as a slightly earlier one at 9pm – meaning that those with younger families don’t necessarily have to stay out all night to join in with the celebrations.
New York City, USA
Arguably one of the most famous NYE celebrations in the world, dating back well over 100 years, they really do know how to throw a party over in New York’s Time Square! Millions of people across the world tune in to see the New Year’s Eve Ball drop, so why not start your year in the best possible way and join the festivities in person?
It’s certainly a bucket list worthy celebration, but this is one of the biggest celebrations in the world, so do be prepared for quite a lot of queuing! If you’re looking to celebrate in style with something a little more subdued, bars and venues across the city are offering everything from Gatsby themed roaring 20s parties to kick off the New Year with a bang, to high class, black tie dinner parties with unbeatable views of the fireworks display at midnight.
For something a little different, head to the harbour for the range of cruises that are available to watch from the water as the clock strikes midnight, or stop by Brooklyn Bridge for their walking tour that will give you a wonderful view of the city’s skyline as the fireworks start.
Paris, France
Where better to start a new year than in the city of love? New Year’s Eve in Paris promises a stunning firework display at the Arc de Triomphe, with more than 100,000 people gathering annually along one of the world’s most famous avenues to celebrate the new year.
For something away from the big crowds, why not see a cabaret show at the famous Moulin Rouge, or take a look at the range of parties and cruises available across the city to find your perfect way to celebrate? Most of Paris’ biggest clubs and venues throw unforgettable parties with a variety of themes, and many have rooftop terraces for a perfect view of the midnight fireworks against the city’s skyline.
London, UK
Here in England, there’s no bigger New Year’s celebration than the one that takes place on the banks of the Thames, with Big Ben ringing in the start of the new year and the stunning display of fireworks broadcast across the country from the famous London Eye. Head down for the annual fireworks display, set to the biggest musical hits of the year against the beautiful backdrop of the city. Each year the party rings in the year with a renowned musical guest – this year Craig David will be performing in the run up to the countdown.
London really does have something for everyone looking for a unique way to start their new year – from immersive West End theatre experiences to your own night at the museum, all of London’s best loved attractions are pulling out all the stops to make this new year the best one yet. If you’re after something more celebratory, the city will be filled with parties all night – including the Christmas in New York New Year’s Eve ball to celebrate USA style (perfect if you can’t make the ball drop!) or for a more elegant affair, The Petersham offers an elegant Victorian evening, with classical music and champagne to ensure a high class start to the year.
Edinburgh, Scotland
New Year’s Eve is certainly a celebration in Scotland – their annual Hogmanay festival is one of the biggest events in the Scottish calendar. The word itself translates as ‘the first day of the new year’ and as their festival shows, they know how to make it count!
Their 3 day long festival kicks off on the 30th with a torchlit procession through Edinburgh and down the famous Royal Mile to Holyrood Park, where the crowds form the iconic image of two people shaking hands and are captured by an aerial camera to be shown across the globe. On the big night itself, the 31st is marked with a unforgettable street party against the backdrop of the breathtaking Edinburgh Castle, complete with fireworks and the worldwide tradition of Auld Lang Syne. Musical performances are scheduled throughout the night to keep the party going, with Mark Ronson performing as the clock strikes midnight.
On New Year’s Day, wake yourself up with the annual tradition of a cold-water dip at the Loony Dook, where participants run into the freezing river to raise money for charities.
Here at Indigo we’re able to offer rentals across the globe for customers with a range of requirements – so if you’re heading out for the New Year and want to make your travel that little bit easier, then get in touch and we can help you find your perfect rental. But better make it quick – rentals are popular over the festive period and availability may be limited!
Whether you’re heading out to a world-famous party or staying in on the sofa with those leftover Christmas chocolates, we here at Indigo hope all of our customers have a great start to 2020 – Happy New Year!
