World
19 Remarkable New Years Celebrations Across the Globe
By Matt De Vlieger · December 31, 2023
Cape Town, South Africa
The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town hosts a vibrant New Year's celebration with live music, parties, and a breathtaking fireworks show over the iconic Table Mountain. Also, the Cape Minstrels Carnival have to be seen and heard to be truly appreciated. South African Tourism
Tokyo, Japan
In Japan, New Year's celebrations include visiting temples, enjoying traditional foods like toshikoshi soba, and watching the ringing of the Joya no Kane (New Year's Eve bells). peaceful-jp-scenery/Flickr
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is famous for its spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Hai Linh Truong/Flickr
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh hosts one of the world's largest New Year's Eve street parties, known as Hogmanay, featuring live music, fireworks, and the traditional "first-footer" custom. Visit Britain
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazilians celebrate New Year's on the famous Copacabana Beach with a massive fireworks display, live music, and traditional white attire believed to bring good luck. Flavio Veloso/Flickr
New York City, USA
The iconic Times Square New Year's Eve ball drop attracts millions to the heart of Manhattan, with celebrities, confetti, and a countdown to midnight. Anthony Quintano/Flickr
Berlin, Germany
Berlin's New Year's Eve party at the Brandenburg Gate is renowned for its live music stages, light shows, and a grand fireworks display at the stroke of midnight. But the real un happens on the streets, where pedestrians shoot fireworks off into the sky and across the river Spree.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, features a dazzling fireworks show, complemented by synchronized music and light displays. Bengin Ahmad/Flickr
Havana, Cuba
Cubans celebrate by burning life-sized dolls, known as "Año Viejo," symbolizing the old year. The act is believed to bring good luck for the coming year. Etienne Le Cocq/Wikimedia
Amsterdam, Netherlands
New Year's Eve in Amsterdam is marked by fireworks over the city's canals, festive street parties, and the tradition of oliebollen, a type of Dutch doughnut. Amsterdam Sights
Bangkok, Thailand
In Thailand, people celebrate the traditional Thai New Year, Songkran, with water fights, religious ceremonies, and vibrant street parties. Nik Cyclist
Valparaíso, Chile
Valparaíso's New Year's Eve fireworks display is renowned as one of the most spectacular in South America, lighting up the sky over the Pacific Ocean. Davidlohr Bueso/Flickr
Vienna, Austria
The New Year's Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, held at the Musikverein, is a classical music tradition enjoyed by millions worldwide. Gregor/The Vienna Blog
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul's New Year's celebrations feature lively street parties, fireworks over the Bosphorus, and special events in iconic locations like Taksim Square. Wikimedia Commons
Cologne, Germany
Germans celebrate Silvester (New Year's Eve) with fireworks, parties, and the custom of Bleigießen, where molten lead is dropped into cold water to predict the future. Wikimedia Commons
Seoul, South Korea
New Year's celebrations in Seoul include the striking Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony, cultural performances, and a spectacular fireworks show at the Bosingak Belfry. Yong-Un Bae/Flickr
Marrakech, Morocco
Moroccans celebrate the Islamic New Year, known as Ras as-Sanah al-Hijriyah, with special prayers, family gatherings, and traditional festive foods. Eco Desert Morocco
Reykjavik, Iceland
In Iceland, the celebration is unique with locals embracing the tradition of "Áramótaskaup," a satirical comedy TV show that humorously reflects on the events of the past year. The evening also involves community bonfires and stunning fireworks displays, creating a lively and festive atmosphere against the winter backdrop. Visit Iceland