Christmas is the time of year we generally spend time with our nearest and dearest, but when the New Year rolls around, it’s time for fun with friends. Cities around the world have wildly different ways of celebrating the start of 2017, and if you’re thinking of combining a New Year party with a few days away, here are some of the best.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
The Scottish capital has hosted New Year celebrations for decades, and the action is centred on the Castle. Fireworks displays, concerts, street parties and thousands of partying locals and tourists can all be found on the three days between 30th December and 1st January. Most events are ticketed and often sell out, so get online to book your place and start looking for accommodation, which can be at a premium. If you’re feeling particularly brave, you can even take part in the traditional New Year’s Day “Loony Dook” – a swim in the icy waters of the Forth to blow the Hogmanay cobwebs away.
New York’s New Year
Across the Atlantic, New York is the city on which the New Year’s celebrations are firmly focused. Entry into Times Square for the iconic ball drop and ticker tape celebration is free, but get there early as prime viewing spots quickly fill up. Remember that New York in December can be bitterly cold, so dress appropriately and leave the champagne or beer at home – drinking in the streets of New York City is banned and Police will confiscate any alcohol. Some of the hotels surrounding Time Square host parties on New Year’s Eve and this may be a better, if more expensive, choice for people who want to stay warm and see in the New Year with a glass of wine.
Berlin
Known as “Silvester” in German, Berlin’s New Year’s celebrations are definitely all about the party. The festivities all centre on the 2km stretch of the 17th June Street between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column, where over a million people get together to listen to the live music performances and DJs and drink at the various bars. Entry is free but get there early as once the street is at capacity, gates are closed. You won’t go hungry either, as the festival is well-known for its great selection of street food.
Porto
Portugal’s biggest New Year party is in Porto, which is easy to get to from the UK on budget airlines. Join in with one of the many local street parties, or if you’d prefer to see in the New Year from the water, book a dinner cruise on the Douro river. Head to the streets in front of the Porto City Hall, where there is plenty of musical entertainment, bars and restaurants. While you’re in the city, don’t miss the historical Palacio da Bolsa and if you’re feeling brave, take one of the walking tours to the top of the Porto Bridge for unrivalled views back over the city’s rooftops.