Top 10 New Year's Eve destinations for 2012

Bringing in the New Year is a significant occasion for most people. It’s how we celebrate the year that’s been and it’s a time for thinking about what will be in the year to come…but let’s be honest, it’s mostly just a good reason to plan an amazing evening with the people we love (so amazing, that we usually feel the effects for days after!) This year, why not make it extra special with a trip somewhere. LUXOS has put together our picks for the top 10 New Years Eve destinations. No matter what you’re looking for, music, culture, fireworks, romance, serenity, food, you’ll find the perfect fit right here…

Sydney, Australia
Sydney is renowned for having one of the best firework displays in the world, it takes place over the Sydney harbour bridge and continues into the early hours of the morning. The other plus is that you’ll find yourself in the middle of Australia’s hot summer at this time of year which makes it a lot easier to soak in the atmosphere around you and be in the festive mood.

Berlin, Germany
People from all over the world gather around the Brandenburg Gate to celebrate the coming of a new year which is particularly significant to the German people. Here you will find an impressive fireworks display as well as an array of international food stands, and an endless flow of beer. Celebrations continue well into the morning with DJ sets, concerts and light shows along the Strasse des 17th Juni, known as the ‘party mile’. Find a hotel in Berlin.

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Reykjavik, Iceland
Yes, Reykjavik is a little out there but that just makes your Icelandic New Year’s Eve more unique! The evening begins quite casually with bonfires in every quarter of the city before the majority of people head to the bars and clubs downtown which offer live music. And with more hours of darkness than most other cities in the world, here, the party continues long into the next day.

New Orleans, USA
For great jazz, casual bars, decorated streets and buildings, and talented musicians performing at every turn, New Orleans is one of America’s top New Year’s destinations. Choose between Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street for huge outdoor parties and street parades, you may even want to join in with the locals by wearing a crazy costume!

Goa, India
Not only do you have the weather on your side in this part of the world but you’ll feel like you’re celebrating New Year’s in paradise amidst the beautiful beaches of Goa. For the evening, all the resorts along the coast join together to make one huge celebration. So if you’re after a place to dance, mixed with some local culture and the perfect setting to recover the next day, this is the place for you!

Edinburgh, Scotland
Arrive five days earlier to take full advantage of the annual Hogmanay. This free event combines old tradition with the local spirit showcasing street performers, a band competition, outdoor parties and fireworks displays all over the city. We recommend you head towards the castle before midnight for the best view and all the action.

Niagara Falls, Canada
Start the afternoon in Queen Victoria Park where you can eat, drink and watch the annual concert which includes top international artists, the perfect event for the family or a group of your closest friends. Few things can beat the stunning sight of fireworks at midnight over the Niagara Falls.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
As you can imagine, Brazil, the home of sexy, just gets better at New Years especially in Rio. The event known as ‘Reveillon’ is an all-day carnival of music on several different stages, dancing, eating and even a little tradition with offerings of flowers, rice and perfume, all taking place on the world famous Copacabana beach. Be sure to wear all-white to blend in with the locals. A New Year’s beach party in Brazil, how can you go wrong?

New York, USA
In the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, New York transforms itself for the festive season. In the day’s leading up to it, be sure to check out the Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center and the shop windows along Fifth Avenue. Of course, the place to be at midnight is Times Square which drops over 900kgs of confetti at midnight, arrive early for a close look at the NYE ball drop. There are also events all over the city with performances by the world’s best artists. Find a hotel in New York.

Austrian Alps, Austria
New Year’s Eve doesn’t necessarily mean a crazy party for everyone. One way to spend it that is still totally unique is in the Austrian Alps, where you can enjoy some of the best slopes in the world for a reasonable price as well as the local specialties. And if the mood should strike, there are lively local bars nearby to the main ski resorts; you can even find some of Europe’s wildest NYE parties in St. Anton.