Europe for New Year's Day

I was in Europe for New Years a few years ago. We landed in Amsterdam on 12/26. We were only there for one night. We would have skipped Amsterdam altogether (my hubby and I had previously been there), but our daughter wanted to go to the Anne Frank house. We then spent 3 nights in Bruges, where we found a Christmas Market open for 2 days. We finished up in Paris, where we spent 10 nights. We were there for New Years. We didn't find things shut down in any of those locations. I would definitely choose a place that has plenty of indoor activities. It was bitterly cold the year we were there, with the highest temp being 33 degrees.

Brittany, Berlin has a reputation of being a fun place for young people and over the New Year's holiday.

The wildest, scariest New Year Eve that I ever encountered was on the beach at Cannes. I would go south along the Med for decent temperatures other wise it will be cold. Two years we were in Prague and it was cold but great. Ten years ago in Paris and it rained hard. But it was Parish.

Ralph, have you been to New Years Eve celebrations around the world that lets you so confidently say that they are the best in the US? I beg to differ. They are actually quite boring there. At least in Ohio they are. Just a bunch of drunks, with funny hats, some horns, and a few leftover sparklers and firecrackers from the 4th of July. Have you been to Berlin?

Jo, there's a world of difference between NYC and Ohio! But in answer to Brittany's question, I've been in Spain for a couple of New Years nights, round Malaga. and it's been great. Weather's nicer too.

Berlin!!! Yes, it might be cold there but Berlin offers a lot indoor of options for tourists to explore. And partying with 1 or 2 million others on the streets in front of the Brandenburg Gate is just incredible. The fireworks are great, too. That city does never shut down, in fact, this is one of the busiest times and hotels book out early. This would be the time to make your reservation.

Brittany, Jo and Beatrix are correct. Go to Berlin. The New Year's Eve celebration is just OFF THE CHAIN! You will never experience anything like it, especially close to the Brandenburg Gate. It is the biggest open-air party in the world. I don't know how old you are, but get there a couple days before and locate Pariser Platz. Find out where the best pubs are, check 'em out, locate bathrooms to use, which is important. If you are with a friend or friends, have a predetermined rally point if you get separated. It is a 2 Kilometer, (1.2 miles,) series of dancing floors, bars, music venues, stages, and food kiosks. Get there way before the 18:30 opening time to get a spot. The fireworks, laser show starts on the dot at midnight. Lots of food and drink specials at the pubs and hotels around there too. Get hotel reservations months before, and keep checking your confirmation. My wife and I had so much fun, waaaay better than Times Square. The cold wind was blowing pretty good all night. But, I remember having cold faces, cold beer, warm spiced wine, great snacks and food, huddling with the masses for warmth. People were from all over the world. Really good conversation too.

Brittay, Scotland is BIG on New Years. They call it Hogmany. Hubby and I are hoping to go this year. It is on my 'bucket list'. The celebrations start on Dec. 30 and include street parties, multiple parades, and multiple fireworks sites, concerts, formal balls, special dinners, etc. The highlight that I'm hoping not to miss is a torch/fireball march. "Everyone" in the city (at least alot of them) purchases a torch (proceeds go to charity) and walks together from the Royal Mile to Arthur's Seat (I think that is the route). Then there are the 'trained' marchers who twirl huge iron balls that are a-flame. Part Viking and part Celtic! It's supposed to be very special. Hogmany is more 'important' a holiday for the Scots than Christmas, due to problems/restrictions during the clearances after the 1715 and 1745 risings (think Bonnie Prince Charlie and his father). Here is a link to the official site. http://www.edinburghshogmanay.org/