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Top 10 Lesser-Known Destinations For New Year’s Eve
nye celebrations introNew York and Sydney aren’t the only acts in town – which is good news for anyone who prefers to avoid the inevitable stress of mass celebrations. We’ve scouted out alternative destinations that offer just as much character without all the crowds. [Photo: Zhaohua Yang/iStock]
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Top 10 Lesser-Known Destinations For New Year’s Eve.
Vienna, AustriaVienna, Austria: For those seeking a little culture with their New Year’s celebrations, Vienna is the place to be. The Austrian capital is famous for its swanky New Year’s Eve Grand Ball at Hofburg Palace, attended by a who’s who of Europe dressed in their finest. For the rest of us, Vienna has plenty to offer at the various Christmas markets and the Silvesterpfad (New Year’s Path) of live entertainment in the historic city centre. On New Year’s Day, the Vienna Philharmonic performs its renowned New Year’s concert – one of the most-watched musical performances in the world. Unable to secure sought-after tickets? Join fellow music lovers at Stephansplatz or Riesenradplatz for an open-air public viewing. [Photo: amriphoto/iStock]
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Top 10 Lesser-Known Destinations For New Year’s Eve.
Niagara Falls, CanadaNiagara Falls, Canada: This might come as a surprise, but Niagara Falls is a great place to celebrate, especially for those in search of family-friendly options. The party starts early at Queen Victoria Park and includes two firework shows – the first at 8pm for the kids who can’t keep their eyes open until midnight. Alternatively, you can enjoy the festivities at Clifton Hill amusement park; between the dinosaur mini golf, indoor waterpark and iconic SkyWheel, there’s more than enough fun for both the kids and the slightly tipsy grown-ups – so everybody wins! [Photo: bloodua/iStock]
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Top 10 Lesser-Known Destinations For New Year’s Eve.
Mount Takao, JapanMount Takao, Japan: While millions of people across the globe flock to big cities for a rowdy night of revelry and fireworks, others choose a night away from the noise. For them, climbing to the top of Mount Takao (just an hour from Tokyo by train) to watch the sunrise is literally a breath of fresh air. Join fellow adventurers and natives at the mountain’s peak, as local priests conduct a “festival to welcome the light”. You’ll gaze out onto the new horizon with the chanting of sutras in your ears and a beautiful new year’s morning sun warming your face… it doesn’t get more euphoric than that.
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Top 10 Lesser-Known Destinations For New Year’s Eve.
Göhren, Rügen, GermanyGöhren, Rügen, Germany: The idyllic Baltic Sea island of Rügen is home to a collection of small seaside towns, each with its own New Year’s Eve traditions. In Göhren, people celebrate the “beach basket New Year’s Eve” (Strandkorb Silvester), which sees revellers relaxing in wicker beach chairs along the shoreline to watch the fireworks. The event also features mediaeval markets, fire juggling, pirate shows and, of course, live music. Take in the salty sea air and toast the new year with a warm mug of mulled wine. [Photo: TG23/iStock]
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Top 10 Lesser-Known Destinations For New Year’s Eve.
Auckland/Wellington, New ZealandAuckland/Wellington, New Zealand: If you’d like to be among the first to welcome the new year, Auckland and Wellington are prime options. Both are located in the second time zone, meaning you’ll get to raise your glass at midnight before most anyone else across the globe – plus they’re easily reached with direct flights from major cities around the world. While you’re there, take a tour of some of New Zealand’s incredibly beautiful landscapes, where parts of the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. [Photo: denizunlusu/iStock]
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Top 10 Lesser-Known Destinations For New Year’s Eve.
Weymouth, United KingdomWeymouth, United Kingdom: If you like to party in style, head over to Weymouth. This harbour town on the Dorset coast is home to the biggest fancy dress New Year’s Eve party in the UK. The town pubs and restaurants along the waterfront host an all-night party called The Front Live event, where live music, flowing drinks and good food keep the party going until sunrise. Join the fancy-dressed merrymakers in Hope Square or around the Jubilee Clock to count down to midnight before dancing the rest of the night away. [Photo: rajatk/iStock]
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Top 10 Lesser-Known Destinations For New Year’s Eve.
Homigot Sunrise Festival, South KoreaHomigot Sunrise Festival, South Korea: Homigot means “village on a tiger’s tale”, which makes sense, given its location on the easternmost point of the Korean Peninsula. The Homigot Sunrise Festival brings together thousands of people from around the world, as they watch the new year’s first sunrise over a giant hand sculpture on the waterfront. Sample some tteokguk (rice cake soup), a traditional New Year’s dish, and launch a hope balloon into the sky with hopeful wishes attached for a fresh start. [Photo: AP Tolang/iStock]
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Top 10 Lesser-Known Destinations For New Year’s Eve.
Tornio, Finland and Haparanda, SwedenTornio, Finland and Haparanda, Sweden: If ringing in the new year only once isn’t enough for you, we have good news: you can do it twice in the same night! Tornio, Finland and Haparanda, Sweden are a short walk away from each other, and happen to be in different countries as well as different time zones. You can start celebrating in Tornio and then head across the bridge for a second countdown in Haparanda. Two New Year beginnings, two rounds of fireworks, in two different countries! [Photo: Roland Magnusson/iStock]
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Top 10 Lesser-Known Destinations For New Year’s Eve.
Reykjavik, IcelandReykjavik, Iceland: Iceland is a hot spot for adventure travellers everywhere, but New Year’s Eve is one of the best times to visit the land of fire and ice. The Icelanders themselves set off fireworks all over the capital city, meaning you can party pretty much anywhere and get a great show. Locals also gather to sing around the bonfires that light up across the city – a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. After watching an annual New Year’s TV special (Áramótaskaupið – try saying that three times fast), the friendly people of Reykjavik celebrate long into the night, with many bars staying open until 5am. [Photo: dannikonov/iStock]
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