Top 5 Places Around the World to Celebrate New Years

By Wyn-Lyn Tan

Say goodbye to 2014 and hello 2015 partying at some of the biggest bashes in the world!  From sombreros to shiny balls, here are some epic places to ring in the New Year.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations Around the World

New Years Countdown in Las Vegas, United States of America

It seems even bigger, bolder and brighter than normal in Sin City on New Year’s Eve. On the Las Vegas Strip, the entire six-and-a-half kilometre stretch will be closed to traffic, and filled with revellers out to party. Come midnight, more than 80,000 fireworks will go off from seven casino rooftops along the strip.

Snag a spot on a rooftop at, say, the Stratosphere Tower, for a bird’s eye view of the show. Or head downtown to the Fremont Street Experience, where tribute bands will be rocking non-stop throughout the night. Book your tickets online.

New Years Countdown in Times Square, New York, USA

Times Square, New York, is the classic destination for New Year’s Eve merrymakers, for both the huge crowds gathered there as well as the millions watching the city’s events via a worldwide live telecast. The Times Square Ball Drop is one of the most well-known New Years Eve celebrations around the world. At 11:59 on 31st December, the ball descends down a flagpole of The New York Times building, counting down the final minute of the year.

Expect a grand show of dazzling neon lights, lots and lots of confetti, world-class performers, and the famous ball drop from the flagpole atop One Times Square. We hear Taylor Swift will be headlining Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve countdown show, along with other renowned musical acts this year.

It would be truly something to be part of this tradition which started way back in 1904 and has grown into a global tradition shared by over 1 billion viewers worldwide watching the celebrations in New York.

New Years Countdown on Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia

Be among the first (together with more than a million other people) to usher in 2015 Down Under, at Sydney Harbour.

What are the big draws? Spectacular fireworks exploding from the Sydney Harbour Bridge and over the Sydney Opera House, along with a breath-taking light parade of around 50 illuminated vessels sailing around the Sydney Harbour. For front row seats, we suggest taking a cruise on the waters, for up-close views of this not-to-be-missed spectacle.

New Years Countdown on River Thames, London, UK

Midnight countdown in London is an extravaganza of show-stopping pyrotechnics on the Thames, along with Big Ben chiming, and a massive group sing-along to “Auld Lang Syne”.

This year’s celebrations are ticketed, so remember to book early. Best spots for viewing the fireworks include along Victoria Embankment and South Bank. Alternatively, take a Thames dinner cruise and see the fireworks from the river. In true Brit-tradition, head to the pub afterwards for more “Auld Lang Syne” celebrations.

New Years Celebrations in Zocalo, Mexico City, Mexico

New Year’s Eve partying in Zocalo, the city’s main square, starts in the afternoon and continues through to the wee hours of the morning. Zocalo is among the largest city squares in the world and some call it the Times Square of Mexico, except here, you’ll probably be partying the day and night away in shorts and sundresses instead of thick winter gear.

It’s certainly a carnival atmosphere, with dancers, festive floats, blaring music, and entertainment from some of the country’s biggest names in Latin music.

Feature Image: Sydney Harbour Bridge

Image Credits: Expedia, Shutterstock