Travel

[World Traveler]

A recent article by Annalise Mantz, 12/19/17, on Stacker, had some beautiful pictures, starting from the very first place in the world (and the very last place in the world) to welcome the New Year. Photos by pixabay, Wikimedia, Flickr, and Max Pixel.

BEST PLACE TO SPEND NEW YEARS

Americans associate New Year’s Eve with the ball dropping in Times Square, Brazilians with wearing all white for the legendary parties on Copacabana Beach, and Australians with the enormous fireworks display bursting over the Sydney Opera House. Every city in the world has its own way to ring in the New Year—some with the traditional midnight countdowns and fireworks, others with more surprising local customs.

After carefully considering local New Year’s Eve celebrations, cultural traditions and tourist attractions in each city, we picked the best city to celebrate New Year’s Eve in every time zone around the world. Stacker related each time zone to Eastern Standard Time as a means of comparison to the world-renowned ball drop in New York City. Whether you’re looking to travel no more than a few hours from home or you’re ready to jet halfway around the world, let this list serve as inspiration for your New Year’s Eve plans.

#1: CHRISTMAS ISLAND, KIRIBATI (UTC + 14 HOURS; 5:00 AM EST DEC 31)

Also known as Kiritimati Island, Christmas Island is the biggest island in Kiribati and the first inhabited location in the world to experience the New Year. Though it’s not a big party destination, you can make the most of a winter trip to Christmas Island by hiking through the national park, scuba diving off the sandy beaches, fishing for wahoo, sailfish and tuna and witnessing the spectacular red crab migration.

#2: CHATHAM ISLANDS (UTC + 13 HOURS 45 MINUTES; 5:15AM EST DEC 31)

This archipelago off the coast of New Zealand is just 15 minutes behind Christmas Island. With a population of only 600 people, you won’t find much in the way of nightclubs or bars, but you can spend the New Year strolling along the islands’ pristine beaches, hiking through nature preserves and checking out the bizarre Basalt Columns rock formation.

#3: AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND (UTC + 13 HOURS; 6:00 AM EST DEC 31)

New Zealand’s largest city boasts plenty of fun things to do on New Year’s Eve, including two massive music festivals (Northern Bass and Wondergarden). Don’t want to spend all night moshing with several hundred concertgoers? Climb to the top of Mount Eden or One Tree Hill for a killer view of the Sky Tower Fireworks.

#4: FUNAFUTI, TUVALU (UTC + 12 HOURS; 7:00 AM EST DEC 31)

Head to the laid-back capital of this tiny island nation for a relaxing New Year’s Eve vacation. Instead of packed clubs and grimy bars, you can expect to find turquoise waters, villages with thatched roofs and locals selling handcrafted cowrie shell jewelry. While you won’t be partying the night away, you can take the opportunity to explore this string of 13 islets.

#5: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (UTC + 11 HOURS; 8:00 AM EST DEC 31)

There’s a reason why TV networks always show the fireworks over the Sydney Opera House on New Year’s Eve. Sydney’s fireworks display is usually one of the largest in the world. An estimated 1.5 million partiers stake out spots all around the harbor to watch the pyrotechnics every year, so better find a location early if you want a good view of the show.

#6: ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA (UTC + 10 HOURS 30 MINUTES; 8:30 AM EST DEC 31)

This cosmopolitan city on Australia’s southern coast puts on an impressive fireworks display over the River Torrens at 9:00pm and midnight. Grab a spot in Elder Park for a picnic and enjoy live concerts all night long.

#7: BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA (UTC + 10 HOURS; 9:00 AM EST DEC 31)

Brisbane’s Story Bridge is the focal point of the city’s New Year’s Eve celebration. Thousands of tiny lights illuminate the bridge’s frame, providing a gorgeous backdrop for the 30,000 fireworks launched from rooftops and barges in the Brisbane River. Want an even better vantage point? Rent a private gondola on the giant Wheel of Brisbane for a sky-high viewing party.

#8: DARWIN, AUSTRALIA (UTC + 9 HOURS 30 MINUTES; 9:30 AM EST DEC 31)

The New Year’s celebration in this city in the Northern Territory is geared toward families. Expect to find kid-friendly activities like face painting and free outdoor concerts before the first of two fireworks displays kicks off at 9:00pm. Adults can stay up for the late-night pyrotechnics show at midnight.

#9: TOKYO, JAPAN (UTC + 9 HOURS; 10:00 AM EST DEC 31)

Known as Shogatsu in Japanese, the New Year holiday is traditionally a time of quiet reflection. At midnight, Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times (eight to end the old year and 100 to welcome the new one). People typically wake up early on New Year’s Day to view the first sunrise of the year (hatsuhinode in Japanese) and visit their local temple or shrine for the first time. Still, the city does host some Western-style celebrations, including a midnight countdown at Tokyo Tower and fireworks at Tokyo Disney.

#10: EUCLA, AUSTRALIA (UTC + 8 HOURS 45 MINUTES; 10:15 AM EST DEC 31)

Though this time zone isn’t officially sanctioned, the small town of Eucla and the surrounding area on Australia’s coast decided to split the difference of the 90-minute time gap between Western Australia and South Australia. You won’t find too many raging parties, but you can ring in the New Year by taking in views of the stunning Bunda Cliffs.

#11: PYONGYANG, NORTH KOREA (UTC + 8 HOURS 30 MINUTES; 10:30 AM EST DEC 31)

North Korea observes Pyongyang Time, its own time zone a half hour behind neighboring countries like Tokyo and South Korea. The secretive country actually celebrates the New Year three times: the Gregorian New Year on January 1, the Lunar New Year in late January or February, and the Junche New Year from the official state-sanctioned calendar on April 15. On December 31, you can expect to see photos of North Korea's annual fireworks display above Kim II Sung Square.

#12: HONG KONG (UTC + 8 HOURS; 11:00 AM EST DEC 31)

Like New York City, Hong Kong holds its own ball drop at midnight in its own version of Times Square. A spectacular fireworks display will also occur over Victoria Harbor.

#13: CHIANG MAI, THAILAND (UTC + 7 HOURS; 12:00 PM EST DEC 31)

Thailand’s northern capital goes all out for holidays and festivals, including New Year’s Eve. In addition to live music and the usual fireworks show, revelers release thousands of lit paper lanterns into the sky at midnight. The sight of candlelit lanterns floating into the dark night sky is truly something spectacular.

#14: YANGON, MYANMAR (UTC + 6 HOURS 30 MINUTES; 12:30 PM EST DEC 31)

One of Myanmar’s largest New Year’s Eve celebrations takes place in Kandawgyi Park, a peaceful garden that’s home to an enormous reservoir that dates back to colonial times and the gorgeous Shwedagon Pagoda. A massive crowd gathers there every year to watch the fireworks go off at midnight.

#15: DHAKA, BANGLADESH (UTC + 6 HOURS; 1:00 PM EST DEC 31)

In 2016, Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal banned all public gatherings on New Year's Eve, citing safety concerns. Still, the capital city usually does put on a fireworks show—though you might want to find a hotel rooftop or friend’s apartment rather than a bar to watch them from.

#16: POKHARA, NEPAL (UTC + 5 HOURS 45 MINUTES; 1:15 PM EST DEC 31)

This lively city in central Nepal attracts tourists year round, thanks to its stunning waterfalls, peaceful temples, and striking mountain views. Things get even more exciting at New Year’s when a street festival takes over the city with food stalls, folk performances, and games.

#17: GOA, INDIA (UTC + 5 HOURS 30 MINUTES; 1:30 PM EST DEC 31)

If the idea of ringing in the New Year by partying barefoot on the beach appeals to you, book a trip to Goa. The party destination goes all out with midnight parties and fireworks all along the coastline.

#18: LAHORE, PAKISTAN (UTC + 5 HOURS; 2:00 PM EST DEC 31)

Pakistan doesn’t do much to celebrate New Year’s Eve, so you might as well turn your trip into a sightseeing one. Don’t miss historic sites like the impressive Mughal structure at Shahi Qila, the beautiful Badshahi Mosque, and the pristine Shalamar Gardens.

#19: KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (UTC + 4 HOURS 30 MINUTES; 2:30 PM EST DEC 31)

Afghanis don’t celebrate New Year’s Day on January 1 either. Nowruz, the Afghan holiday known as Farmer's Day that starts the first day of the Afghan New Year, actually takes place on March 21. If you do feel the urge to visit Afghanistan (and feel safe doing so), book a guided tour of the country’s largest city with Untamed Borders or one of the other few travel companies who operate there.

#20: DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UTC + 4 HOURS; 3:00 PM EST DEC 31)

Dubai’s over-the-top fireworks display at Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, is legendary. In fact, the show set the record as the world’s largest pyrotechnic show back in 2014. This year, the developer behind Burj Khalifa has hinted that they'll be putting on an innovative light show instead. Though many locals are bummed, you can expect this new show to be equally impressive.

#21: TEHRAN, IRAN (UTC + 3 HOURS 30 MINUTES; 3:30 PM EST DEC 31)

Like in Afghanistan, Iranians also celebrate Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, on March 20. If you find yourself in Tehran on Gregorian New Year’s Eve, you won’t find many parties or public celebrations. Instead, spend that time visiting city landmarks like the Grand Bazaar, National Museum of Iran, and Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art.

#22: MOSCOW, RUSSIA (UTC + 3 HOURS; 4:00 PM EST DEC 31)

Thousands of revelers crowd into Moscow’s Red Square every year, eager to get a good view of the fireworks over St. Basil's Cathedral.  

 

#23: ATHENS, GREECE (UTC + 2 HOURS; 5:00 PM EST DEC 31)

For the best view of the fireworks bursting above Athens, climb up Lycabettus Hill, the highest location in the city. If a steep trek isn’t your idea of a good time, stake out a spot in Syntagma Square to take part in the free public party.

#24: BERLIN, GERMANY (UTC + 1 HOURS; 6:00 PM EST DEC 31)

Every year, nearly 1 million people pack into the mile-long stretch between Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column for a huge public street party on New Year’s Eve. Live DJs, countless food stalls, laser shows and the fireworks display at midnight make it one of the world’s most popular celebrations.

#25: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM (UTC; 7:00 PM EST DEC 31)

So many people crowd the viewing areas along the Thames for London’s annual fireworks show that revelers now must buy tickets to get a spot. If you can still snag one, the £10 tickets are well worth it for the opportunity to see the spectacular pyrotechnics and hear Big Ben bong for the first time since he went under renovation earlier this year.

#26: MINDELO, SAO VICENTE, CAPE VERDE (UTC - 1 HOUR; 8:00 PM EST DEC 31)

Spend a warm New Year’s Eve watching fireworks on the beaches of this island nation off the western coast of Africa. After partying the night away and taking a New Year’s Day dip in the ocean, check out the museums, shops, and restaurants in the cultural capital of the archipelago, Mindelo.

#27: RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (UTC - 2 HOURS; 9:00 PM EST DEC 31)

There’s no better place to celebrate New Year’s Eve—or Reveillon, as it’s known in Brazil—than Rio de Janeiro. Nearly 2 million people travel to Rio each year  for the legendary New Year’s Eve bash on Copacabana Beach. Revelers wear all white for good luck and dance the night away to Brazilian samba, rock and everything in between.

#28: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (UTC - 3 HOURS; 10:00 PM EST DEC 31)

New Year’s Eve in Argentina is often a family affair, with neighbors hosting blowout street parties for their extended families and friends. If you don’t know any locals, stroll through the ritzy Puerto Madero neighborhood for great views of the fireworks.

#29: ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR (UTC - 3 HOURS 30 MINUTES; 10:30 PM EST DEC 31)

The oldest and most easterly city in North America puts on a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration featuring fireworks and live music. Meanwhile, partiers looking for some more adult entertainment can take advantage of George Street’s many bars.

#30: SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO (UTC - 4 HOURS; 11:00 PM EST DEC 31)

This year’s New Year’s Eve celebration in Puerto Rico might be a little more subdued than usual while the country recovers from a devastating hurricane season. Even if hotels aren’t hosting the typical ritzy parties, you can still participate in local traditions like eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight for good luck in the coming year.

#31: NEW YORK, NEW YORK (UTC - 5 HOURS; 12:00 AM EST JAN 1)

An estimated 1 million people crowd into Times Square every year to watch the ball drop on December 31—some lining up as early as that morning for the midnight celebration. While the opportunity to watch the global tradition is truly something special, visitors who prefer not to stand out in the cold all night can get just as good of a view from a nearby rooftop bar. Just be prepared to pay a hefty entry fee for any party in the vicinity.

#32: CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (UTC - 6 HOURS; 1:00 AM EST JAN 1)

Though it’s hard to compete with the ball drop just one hour prior, chicago's fireworks off the Navy Pier still make an exciting way to ring in the New Year. The Windy City hosts a variety of New Year’s Eve parties, including soirees in the Congress Plaza Hotel and on yachts cruising the Chicago River.

#33: DENVER, COLORADO (UTC - 7 HOURS; 2:00 AM EST JAN 1)

The Mile-High City hosts two fabulous fireworks shows—one at 9:00pm and one at midnight. For the best views, stand along the 16th Street Mall, where you’ll also find magicians, stilt-walkers, balloon artists and other entertainers. Revelers looking for something swankier can buy tickets to one of Denver’s best parties, from a roaring ‘20s themed party at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House to the three-floor bash at the McNichols Civic Center Building.

#34: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (UTC - 8 HOURS; 3:00 AM EST JAN 1)

Vegas does New Year’s Eve big: The Bellagio alone expects to pop 900 bottles of champagne while the Aria will serve 1,600 plates of filet mignon and 15 pounds of caviar. Watch the fireworks from the strip, which will be closed to vehicle traffic after sundown, or ring in the new year from the dance floor of one of Sin City's hottest nightclubs. 

#35: JUNEAU, ALASKA (UTC - 9 HOURS; 4:00 AM EST JAN 1)

Alaska’s capital city celebrates the New Year with a variety of parties, including an annual block party at the Historic Merchants Wharf, a chef’s tasting at Salt and big band bash at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center. Brave souls can even join the annual Polar Bear Dip at Auke Recreation Area on New Year’s Day.

#36: NUKA HIVA, FRENCH POLYNESIA (UTC - 9 HOURS 30 MINUTES; 4:30 AM EST JAN 1)

This sparsely populated island in the Pacific Ocean makes a tranquil place to spend the holiday. Though you won’t find any nightclubs or concerts here, you can spend New Year’s Day snorkeling in the pristine waters, exploring the island on horseback or paying your respects at Notre Dame Cathedral. 

#37: HONOLULU, HAWAII (UTC - 10 HOURS; 5:00 AM EST JAN 1)

The last place in the United States to experience the New Year, Hawaii rings in 2018 after most New Yorkers have already gone to bed. The big fireworks show in Honolulu takes place on a barge just off Waikiki Beach. One announcement rocket explodes every midnight from 11:55pm to midnight, when the real show begins.

#38: MIDWAY ATOLL (UTC - 11 HOURS; 6:00 AM EST JAN 1)

This island’s name comes from the fact that it’s almost exactly halfway around the world from Greenwich, England. About 20 people live on the unincorporated United States territory, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel. If you want to visit the island, you m you must get a permit from the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument several months in advance and arrange transportation from Hawaii.

#39: BAKER ISLAND (UTC - 12 HOURS; 7:00 AM EST JAN 1)

Only two islands—Baker and neighboring Howland Island—fall in the time zone UTC-12. It’s completely uninhabited, covered in bird poop and nearly impossible to get to without the help of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which sends a boat there once every two years to check on the island. Still, if you’re looking for a remote location to hide out for the end of the year, there’s no better place.

[Goldengate8361]

I think the best place is anywhere INSIDE. It’s so freaking cold!

[World Traveler]

@Goldengate8361 LOL!!!! I am right there with you on that sentiment! 

[SandPiper]

The best place for me in my time zone is on my couch watching the frozen popsicles in NYC Times Square. 

[SANNA]

It should be fun to celebrate in Moscow. They are really big on New Year celebration there!!!! Always tons of fun and special food!!!! And dancing!!!!

But my real dream is to celebrate NY in Paris , inside, romantic dinner with good champagne and a view of the Eiffel Tower.......may be one day🍾🍾🍾🥂🥂🥂

[OKPrincess]

🥂I'd like to celebrate somewhere warm just once🥂