It is that time again where the world is gearing up for the biggest night of the year. Your idea for welcoming the New Year could be either sipping beer on a rooftop while watching fireworks or going a bit wild and hitting the usual party hubs in the city….
Wait! You’ve already done that? Well, then this time, do away with the norm and add these lesser-known destinations to your travel list to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style.
- Goa, India
India attracts travelers from all over the world for its exotic culture but it is hardly known as a party destination. Or is it? you will be surprised by the hard-core festivities in this lesser known trance capital of India, Goa.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Goa will hardly take a chunk out of your wallet as there are plenty of free open beach parties with epic music and dancing. You could join the legendary beach bonfire celebrations or visit the chic nightclubs, perfect for a boisterous all-nighter.
On New Year’s Eve, you could head out to the most awaited party, VKP – Sunkissed hosted at the La Cabana resort.
- Newquay, England
For those who love traditional celebrations, Newquay has a unique custom of celebrating New Year’s Eve with residents and visitors alike dressed up in cool fancy dresses and costumes for the special day. Keeping this tradition alive, many of the hotels and pubs have theme based parties, open to all.
Central Square is the place to be, as it has musical treats for visitors throughout the afternoon, followed by fireworks at midnight.
- Dublin, Ireland
Known as one of the friendliest cities in the world, Dublin welcomes the New Year with an immense three-day affair known as the New Year Festival. This extravaganza is centered on Dame Street and is rich in Irish style and glamour.
The Procession of Light is a major attraction that pulls in spectators from all over the world, and the outdoor Countdown Concert in Custom House is a must-visit destination for all New Year party-goers.
You can also take your pick of other spectacular light shows, street parties, and live performances that take place throughout the day and night. To top it all, Dublin is a welcome haven for foodies and shopaholics.
- Siloso, Singapore
Siloso Beach hosts the only New Year’s Eve countdown party in Singapore, drawing every party reveler in that region. With a host of local and international celebrities attending this massive event, this promises to be an iconic travel destination to ring in the New Year.
Other than all-night parties and live concerts, you can choose to enjoy a quieter New Year’s Eve at Clarke Quay or visit the tallest Ferris Wheel, The Singapore Flyer, all decked up for the celebration.
- Madrid, Spain
Madrid is not a rare destination for regular parties but New Year’s Eve celebrations are a must visit for the exceptional affair held at the main plaza, Puerta Del Sol, where there’s a giant, historic clock tower offering an exciting countdown with numerous locals and tourists alike, and some exciting views of the dynamic firework display held for this occasion.
As per the Spanish tradition, if you eat 12 grapes before the clock chimes 12; your new year will be filled with 12 months of bounty and happiness.
- Puputan, Bali
If you want to get away from the local parties and enjoy New Year’s Eve in tropical style, Bali is the place to be. The weather around this time is lovely and accommodating for celebrations throughout the city.
The big countdown takes place at Puputan Badung Square where the locals assemble for the amazing fireworks. There are parades held by children and adults alike in true traditional style. For the party-goers, you may travel to Legian, a trendy beach front, or visit Potato Head Beach Club for a 12-hour binge party, filled with music and dancing.
- Barcelona, Spain
Compared to the New Year’s Eve party capitals of the world like Paris and New York, Barcelona has only recently been added to the New Year travel destination radar.
The official New Year’s Eve event is free for all and there is a splendid pyrotechnic display that adds color and pomp to the bash. Same as Madrid, the city has a fun tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight before the clock finishes chiming, denoting 12 new months of good luck and prosperity.
Many of the restaurants and clubs pull an all-nighter for party-goers and there are hundreds of parties to choose from.
- Northern Lights, Greenland
Want something out of the ordinary? Escape the crowded parties and visit the world’s most dazzling light show. Every traveler should have the Northern Lights on their bucket list.
Spending New Year’s Eve in Greenland for this visual delight is a fantastic way to kick off the New Year. The best part is, there are many areas in the country from which you can view the northern lights. The best viewing locations though are rumored to be Kulusuk and Ammasalik.
Wherever and however you choose to ring in the New Year, I hope you have a fantastic night, and I wish you a New Year filled with laughter, love, and adventures…
