Edinburgh’s New Year’s celebration, Hogmanay, is legendary. This four-day long Edinburgh New Year’s party kicks off with a dramatic torchlight procession and fire festival and continues with spectacle and celebration for every one in the family.The volume of people that head to Edinburgh each year has become so great that some years back the local council had to make the huge street party a ticket only event. If you are headed to Edinburgh make sure you have a street pass or if doing an inclusive tour that the street party pass is included.
9. Las Vegas
There is a huge fireworks display planned for midnight and the electricity in the air is really difficult to comprehend. If you have never done it, you should park yourself right on the center of the strip and have a good time. The strip will be closed to vehicular traffic and the party is totally free. Each year, the Strip gets closed off to motor vehicles and thousands of pedestrians take over for America’s Party New Year’s Eve. The midnight fireworks show is fired from the roofs of the MGM Grand, Aria, Planet Hollywood, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, The Venetian and the Stratosphere.
8. Amsterdam
New Years Eve city breaks in Amsterdam is certainly bold, colourful and loud and nowhere better illustrates this that in the unlimited party options available in its infamous bar and club scene.On the big night, visitors gather in squares popular with tourists like Dam Square, Rembrandtplein, Nieuwmarkt and Leidseplein, or cram into bars to get extra gezellig (which roughly translates to cozy, warm, friendly). Those aforementioned independent fireworks displays will be in full effect, so wander about at your own risk .Once the New Year is welcomed in, the night is just beginning for most revellers and virtually everywhere will be packed out in its smoky jazz clubs, cavernous discos, designer bars and comedy clubs. Exclusive options include masked balls with sumptuous gala dinner, high class cabaret and ballet. Wherever you choose to see in the New Year in Amsterdam, it’s certainly not for the faint hearted.
7. New Orleans
New Orleans has New Year’s-specific bon temps, and has become an increasingly popular destination for the year-end holiday. It comes in the middle of Louisiana’s brief winter, but that never hinders the fun, and as for the open container policy, it’s practically mandatory that you have one. Are outdoor celebrations and big crowds not for you? Make a reservation at one of the city’s many fine restaurants and celebrate the evening over delectable meals and of course, lots of bubbly – ‘tis the season, after all. Many restaurants offer special deals or packages for the evening, so make sure you check ahead to ensure the perfect night for you, your loved ones and friends.
6. Sydney
Sydney New Year’s Eve is an annual multi-tiered event held every New Year’s Eve over Sydney Harbour, centring on the Harbour Bridge. Its main features are the two pyrotechnic displays, the 9pm Family Fireworks and the Midnight Fireworks; both of which are televised currently by the Nine Network.Fireworks bursting in air above Sydney Harbor, which is immediately recognizable due to the stunning iconic Sydney Opera House, is one of the visuals most associated with New Year celebrations aside from Times Square. Revelers converge at the vibrant and touristy King’s Cross area, as well as Bayswater Road and Victoria Street, Oxford Street between Hyde Park and Taylor Square, and Cockle Bay Wharf in Darling Harbor, says Fodor’s editor Maggie Kelly.
5. New York City
Times Square in New York City is synonymous with New Year celebrations. But here’s a little secret that’s not so secret: it’s not very enjoyable. It’s unbelievably crowded, it’s cold, it’s expensive, good luck finding a bathroom, and even after enduring all of these indignities, you still might not have a view of the ball drop. Whether you like your year-end fireworks with a side of debauchery, rock and roll, tradition, religion, as a family affair, or perhaps you’re seeking some combination of the above, there are world-class celebrations that may be up your alley.
4. Orlando
Orlando is a perfect place to spend New Years Eve for everyone, but of course, if you have kids, it is the best place to make New Years Eve unforgettable for them and for the entire family.One Street with nine venues. This annual December 31st Block Party is downtown Orlando’s largest New Year’s Eve event. Rock in the New Year with live music and an outdoor dance floor. Complimentary midnight champagne toast. Different packages include dinner and private party areas.
3. Toronto
Every year the Toronto Operetta Theatre makes a gala evening out of their current show by adding a pre- and post- performance party. You can still buy tickets to the performance only, but either way this New Year’s Eve tradition is usually a sold-out affair.Toronto has a lot of family activities to offer for New Years: from ice-skating to hay rides to shows and games at the Scarborough Civic Centre to Holiday Dreams at Ontario Place, the theme park in downtown Toronto. To ring in Toronto New Years Eve in romantic style, go on a fabulous Toronto Harbor cruise. With an exquisite dinner, you will dance the night away aboard a fully heated yacht enjoying beautiful views of Toronto from the Harbor.
2. Boston
A New Year’s Eve celebration doesn’t have to be a raucous affair. That’s why in 1976, a group of Boston artists and residents started First Night, an alternative to New Year’s Eve revelry that had seemingly become the norm. First Night provides a family-friendly atmosphere with a plethora of options throughout Boston to choose from.In addition to many other kid-friendly activities on the schedule, this series of events at the Hynes Convention Center is dedicated to families with younger children. Families can enjoy face-painting, music, puppet shows, and dance, among other events. The Downside Up Circus, a troupe of Hampshire College students, will perform, and singer/songwriter Ellis Paul will sing songs from his Parent’s Choice Award-winning CD, “The Dragonfly Races
1. Vietnam
Vietnamese are very particular about their New Year traditions and customs. They follow all the customs earnestly and rigidly. Vietnamese believe, on this day their fate and luck for the New Year is determined. Children are told not to cry or fight and people who are in mourning are avoided.When New Year is near, people of Vietnam start cleaning their houses and ancestral graves. Houses are decorated with Hoi Mai (yellow flowering plant) which is supposed to bring prosperity and well-being for the family. Some people also hang a traditional painting depicting a tale of two lovers. Vietnamese consider Tet to be the time to pay off all debts and to resolve conflicts.
