If you were to ask anybody “Where is THE place to celebrate the New Year?” more often than not you would hear something about Times Square in New York. But outside of the East Coast, not many people actually get to experience Times Square in person. I have lived in California my whole life so the closest I ever get to Times Square is watching the replay on TV hours after the actual celebration has occurred.
What I do get to experience is the Rose Parade and the gigantic floats in person. I’ve gone to see them on New Year’s Eve when people are still scrambling to get the finishing touches on the floats and they are all just lined down the street on display. TV does not do them justice and you don’t get the exotic smells.
But like Times Square, most people only experience it through TV. So I did some snooping around and found out what other places do for New Year’s Eve and I found out that flowers and a dropping ball aren’t exactly the coolest thing compared to other worldly events.
So while your kids will certainly ask about Times Square, check out Gayot’s (pronounced ‘guy-OH’) list of Top 10 Spots for New Years Eve and maybe you’ll make some new travel plans for next year and to let them know New Year’s Eve is celebrated world wide.
- Las Vegas- With more than 100,000 people packed onto The Strip this is the the party of the year in the town that parties all day everyday. The Strip is closed to traffic making the entire area one massive block party. Definitely not a place to bring the kids though.
- Austin, TX- Everything is bigger in Texas and this fireworks display proves it and ranks among the best in the world. A family friendly environment throughout all of downtown makes this a cool destination to celebrate.
- Niagara Falls, Canada- The grand awesomeness of Niagara Falls coupled with a huge fireworks display. The colors, sounds and feeling will be something you’ll never forget.
- Prague, Czech Republic – With a few less restrictions than here in the U.S., the Czech sky literally is a blaze with fireworks. Go to Old Town Square and experience the site in a place more than 200 years old.
- Paris, France- The City of Light is always putting on a light display but on New Years they take it to a whole new dimension. Head to The Champs-Elysées to partake in the free flowing champagne and festivities.
- Reykjavik, Iceland – The northernmost capitol of the world and it sees the most night time of any so this place knows how to party at night. Celebrate around huge bonfires as fireworks light up the sky throughout the entire night.
- Cape Town, South Africa- This entire city is a big rooftop party with dancers, delicacies and spirits flowing freely. The Waterfront will provide the most picturesque New Years you’ll ever have.
- Edinburgh, Scotland – With almost the entire country celebrating in one place it will surely be a party to remember. Parades, pubs, dog races, golf, and much more to go along with your drinking.
- Barcelona, Spain – Their New Year’s Eve traditions include nonstop wine drinking and food with friends and family. Plus, you’re in Spain!
- Bangkok, Thailand - This country actually celebrates three different New Year’s. The Western, the Chinese and then a Thai festival. You get three chances to make a fool of yourself.
What are you going to do on New Years? Comment below and let us know.
