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Top Destinations for New Year’s Eve

Natalie Howard
Natalie Howard - Celebrity Cruises writer
22 December 2017
New York, USA

With seasonal festivities just around the corner, here at Celebrity Cruises, we've been thinking about the best worldwide destinations to celebrate the New Year and a fresh start. Whether you’re more of a cosy-night-in or a fireworks-and-champagne kind of person, check out our top five places around the world to ring in the New Year. Will you spend yours relaxing on the beach, or ticking an item off your bucket-list at Times Square?

1.

Dubai

If there’s anywhere that knows how to throw a spectacular party to round off your year, it’s Dubai. One of its top draws is, of course, its dazzling fireworks display. For a more laid-back experience, head to one of Dubai’s public beaches to watch them. Sunset Beach offers one of the most panoramic views – just make sure to arrive early to get your spot!

If you prefer dressing to impress, opt for a lavish dinner at one of Dubai’s many famous hotels and watch the show as you tuck into a three-course meal. The wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel offers unparalleled views of the Burj al Arab, as well as a delectable selection of restaurants to choose from. We love the Mediterranean cuisine at Cap Roig, which is named after a local fish.

2.

New York

Experiencing New Year’s Eve in New York's Times Square is an event which should make everyone's bucket-list. You can't beat it in terms of atmosphere – an estimated one million people attend each year. One of the main attractions is the ball-drop. The giant ball is placed atop One Times Square, before being lit up at 6 pm. Sixty seconds before the big New Year's countdown, the ball begins to descend. Be prepared for a crowd, and don't forget your camera!

If you still want to enjoy all of the glitz and glamour of New York, just on a slightly smaller scale, why not try a trip out into New York Harbour? You’re guaranteed a stunning view of the firework display over New York’s unmistakeable skyline.

3.

Edinburgh

New Year in Edinburgh isn’t actually New Year at all – it’s Hogmanay. Every year, Scotland’s historic capital city pulls out all of the stops for its three-day Hogmanay party, which encompasses concerts from world-renowned artists, a torchlight procession through the city’s gothic-inspired old-town, and a rip-roaring street party that goes onto the early hours.

New Year’s in Edinburgh also has a distinctly Scottish twist. Why not attend the Ceilidh under the Castle, where you can take part in traditional dances with a backdrop of one of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks, or be brave and try the Loony Dook? In the chilly morning of the 1st January, revellers dunk themselves in the freezing Firth of Forth to get the New Year off to a (literally) fresh start.

4.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is another destination which counts a jaw-dropping fireworks display amongst its New Year’s Eve festivities. There’s so much more going on here besides. Throw yourself into the Rio experience by heading to the famous Copacabana Beach. Over two million revellers head here each year to enjoy music by Brazilian DJs as well as an unobstructed view of the fireworks. Don’t forget to wear white – a custom thought to bring peace and prosperity for the year ahead.

If you’re feeling adventurous, make your way through the crowd to take part in the tradition of jumping seven waves. It’s said to honour Lemanjá, the goddess of the ocean. Jumping the waves to a soundtrack of samba rhythms and singing is an unforgettable way to ring in the New Year.

5.

Saint Lucia

In the mood for a slightly quieter celebration this year? Get away from it all and come with us on a Caribbean cruise. You can spend the evening admiring the sights from the top deck of your Celebrity Cruises ship, enjoying a three-course meal in any one of our diverse restaurants, or exploring a quaint Caribbean town.

The best part? While everyone else is sleeping off the night before, you can have that idyllic beach, with its fine white sand and turquoise waters, all to yourself. We recommend St Lucia, where you’ll find the postcard-perfect Marigot Bay. Enveloped on three of its sides by dramatic, forested hills and looking out to a crystal clear ocean, there’s no place quite like it for hitting the reset button in preparation for the year ahead. 

For an unforgettable New Year’s Eve, check out our Dubai, USA and Canada, and Caribbean cruises. 

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