Top 10 Locations To Spend New Year Around The World

Whether you’re looking for a raucous party or relaxing evening with family and friends, celebrate somewhere new this New Year’s Eve.

1. Mexico City, Mexico

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Take to the streets of Mexico’s capital and ring in the new year with music, fireworks, bells, and confetti. Traditionally, celebrations in Mexico City involve a gathering at the Plaza de la Constitución, where, as the countdown begins, revelers eat 12 grapes - representing 12 wishes - to welcome the New Year.

2. Sydney, Australia

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As one of the first places to welcome in the New Year, Sydney’s celebrations know no bounds. With air and water displays, light projections onto the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and of course numerous fireworks displays watched by over one billion spectators, Sydney is considered one of the best places in the world to spend New Year’s Eve.

3. Cusco, Peru

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If a beach party or big city fireworks are not your thing, try taking a trip to Cusco, a stunning city in southeastern Peru. Spend the day exploring Peru’s historic capital, trekking to the Sacsayhuaman ruins, or wandering around the remains of the palace of the Incas, Qurikancha, and the Temple of the Virgins of the Sun. As the sun sets, crowds gather in the stunning Plaza de Armas, to hear the church bells ringing. As the clock strikes midnight, revelers move around the fountain in the Plaza seven times in a counter-clockwise direction, to bring luck for the coming year.

4. Manila, The Philippines

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Experience a traditional Filipino New Year and gather with locals to make as much noise as you can. Hoot horns, hit pots and pans, set off firecrackers and help to ward off any evil spirits before 2015 arrives. If you want an exciting, loud start to the new year, Manila is the perfect location for you. To make sure you fit in with Philippine tradition, wear polka dots on New Year’s Eve, as round objects signify prosperity.

5. Berlin, Germany

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Looking for a celebration that goes on all night? Look no further than Berlin’s Brandenburger Tor and its annual ‘Silvester’ festivities. The Strasse des 17th Juni, which connects the famous monument with the Victory Column 1.2 miles away, transforms into ‘Party Mile,’ an enormous street party, with famous DJs and fireworks keeping the crowds entertained.

6. Bali, Indonesia

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Welcome 2015 surrounded in Bali, surrounded by incredible scenery. Experience beach parties, afternoon carnivals and parades and enjoy the fireworks as the clock strikes midnight. Head to Puputan Badung Square for the annual New Year festival, and amazing view of the pyrotechnics. If you’d rather spend New Year on the mainland, Jakarta plays host to tens of thousands of revelers as they countdown the end of the year.

7. Merzouga, Morocco

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Is your New Year’s wish to escape the crowds? Take a trip to the Sahara desert and celebrate the end of 2014 by walking among the beautiful Erg Chebbi sand dunes, exploring the Berber markets, and experiencing camel treks. Celebrate the beginning of 2015 with traditional Moroccan feasts and live music, before sleeping beneath the stars.

8. Edinburgh, United Kingdom

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Hogmanay - as the last day of the year in Scotland is known - is one of the biggest and loudest New Year’s celebrations around the world. With festivities beginning on December 30th and continuing well into January 1st, hundreds of thousands of revelers descend on the Scottish capital to sing Auld Lang Syne, watch the fireworks and welcome the new year.

9. Lagos, Nigeria

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Nigeria boasts one of the biggest December celebrations in Africa - the Lagos Countdown. With events throughout the month, leading up to New Year’s Eve, the Lagos Countdown celebrates culture, language, and the coming of a new year. Expect concerts, discos, karaoke, and an abundance of fireworks as over 100,000 people come together to welcome 2015.

10. Reykjavik, Iceland

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Experience the magic of Iceland this New Year’s Eve by escaping to the remote countryside of Reykjavik. Relaxing away from the city lights, you can hope to witness not only the wonder of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, but the stunning scenery surrounding Iceland’s capital. If you want a livelier start to 2015, the city has fireworks and bonfires in the days running up to December 31st, building up to an explosive display at midnight.