2024 is fast approaching and everyone is on the hunt for the best New Year’s Eve bash! Have you considered that your perfect end of year party may be far from home? If you are interested in celebrating abroad, here are our top 5 places to ring in the new year:
New York City
Head to the big apple to see the iconic Times Square Ball Drop. Revelers have been counting down and watching a ball drop since 1907. The current ball is made of 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles, illuminated by 32,256 LED lights. It weighs almost six tons! While you wait for the drop, you will enjoy a variety of star-studded musical performances, light shows, and other entertainment projected on the big screens in Times Square. Other popular New Year’s options in New York City include the fireworks display by the Statue of Liberty, the bash at The Roxy, and The Soho Grand’s Annual Black & White Masquerade Ball.
Sydney
The 12-minute fireworks display over Sydney Harbor is spectacular. The annual fireworks show began in 1976 and is now one of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world. You will see unique lighting effects and projections on the famous opera house, and impressive pyrotechnics launched from Harbour Bridge. The two rounds of fireworks (9 pm and midnight) cost approximately $7 million, and involve launching over eight tonnes of fireworks. You may want to book a boat cruise to enjoy the festivities, or attend a New Year’s Eve party at a nearby hotel or restaurant. For more details about the event, visit Sydney’s official New Year’s website.
Rio de Janeiro
If you want a wild New Year party or “Réveillon,” get dressed in white and make your way to Copacabana Beach. Millions of people congregate in the sand to ring in the New Year with concerts, dancing, and an eye-popping 15-minute fireworks display. When the fireworks are finished, people jump into the water. It is a tradition to jump over seven waves and make seven wishes. Some revelers also launch little boats with flowers, candles, or other offerings to please the water goddess Lemanja, in the hope that she will grant them prosperity for the upcoming year.
Dubai
Downtown Dubai is full of exciting events on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy colorful fireworks and lasers, with the Burj Khalifa as a backdrop. 15,682 pyrotechnic elements will fire in 2,800 different directions, making it one of the largest fireworks displays in the world. You can also watch a specially-choreographed water and music presentation at the Dubai Fountain. You will be able to see fireworks from a variety of public spaces. However, if you are willing to splash some cash, you could attend a lavish party in one of the city’s high-rise hotels or skyscrapers. The Burj Khalifa itself hosts a rousing party on the 122nd floor.
Paris
The City of Lights is magical at any time, but especially on New Year’s Eve. Parisians and tourists alike head to the Champs-Elysées for a huge block party. You will find live entertainment, a colorful light/projection show, and of course fireworks over the magnificent Arc de Triomphe. For a quieter celebration, you can enjoy a gourmet prix-fixe dinner followed by a cabaret show. If you are looking for a family-friendly New Year’s event, you can take the kids to Disneyland Paris to watch the fireworks show at Sleeping Beauty’s castle.
Wherever you decide to celebrate New Year’s Eve, we hope you will raise a glass of champagne with us. Everyone at Borderless Pair wishes you nothing but the best for the year 2024!