December 31st is one of the most dazzling nights of the year especially in the world’s largest cities, where ladies in sequined party dresses and men in dapper tuxes flank the vibrant city streets. But it’s not only the people, fashion and city lights that illuminate these centers; in five major cities add an explosively sparkling NYE party and revelers are in for one bright night! From Oz to Sin City, here’s a list of the flashiest places to spend your NYE.
Rio De Janeiro
Although second to Sao Paulo in size, Rio ranks on top when it comes to ringing in the New Year with a BANG. The city’s most famous stretch of sand, Copacabana Beach, hosts one of the world’s most exciting NYE parties that blends old world traditions, like eating fish to represent moving forward in the upcoming year, with modern-day marvels, like one of the best firework shows in the world. Starting the party at 10pm, celebrations go until the next morning as the millions of Brazilians dressed in white dance on the beach all through the night.
Las Vegas
As the biggest party city in the world, NYE in Vegas is hard to beat. While there are plenty of posh places to party, sip sumptuous cocktails and dance the night away, the Las Vegas strip is a festivity in itself: the Boulevard closes for traffic, allowing a free-flow of pedestrians (and liquor) to enjoy the dizzying amount of lights, entertainment and fireworks.
New York City
No NYE destination list would be complete without the ever-popular NYC Times Square ball drop. With hours of anticipation to build, crowds begin to flood the streets at 3pm, three hours before the ball is ceremonially lit up and ascended to its perch. Party favors like hats and noisemakers are handed out by an official crew, which adds to the festive atmosphere during live stage performances. Following the shows, the excitement of the ball drop is heightened when a massive burst of confetti showers the crowd at the stroke of midnight.
Sydney
One of the first cities on the planet to actually ring in the New Year, Sydney shows us how it’s done right. Spectacular, world-famous fireworks are only half the fun; several entertainment acts wow the crowd, and the Sydney Harbor Bridge is lit up with fabulous new images that change annually.
Hong Kong
A leader in technology and lighting specialties, Hong Kong really knows how to put on a show to welcome in the New Year. An eight-minute extravaganza ensues, complete with music and what must be the most bangin’ firework show in the world and celebrations that last long into the early morning.
