What are the best New Years Eve locations?

No replies so far, I guess I'll point out that in Spain Jan 1 is still in the middle of the Christmas season. Their big day is Jan. 6th, the epiphany or Three Kings Day. The season starts 12 days before - our Christmas.

Well - I guess it all depends on what it is you enjoy? Its kind of hard to answer a question like this because its all very subjective. I was in Vienna last New Year's Eve and didn't enjoy it. Been to Paris - loved it there. For me - its more about enjoying the city I'm in first - and then enjoying the festivities as opposed to going mainly for the festivities.

I have not been personally, but I've read that Edinburgh has one of the best New Year Celebrations in the world. Plus, it's an awesome city!

New Year's Eve in Berlin was on my bucket list - and I really enjoyed it a few years back. The street party with well over one million in front of the Brandenburg Gate is special. And fantastic fireworks. If you don't mind crowds ... It can be very cold as well but we dressed up for it. Or you party indoors at one of the many clubs.

More info here

Thank you so much for the feedback!!! We looked into all three and decided to go to Berlin...they said the street fireworks and celebration is fantastic. Anyone have recommendations on specific activities and/or closings and what should be avoided??? You guys rock!

Alex

Tamara, my understanding of the Edinburgh New Year is 80,000 drunks in a street party. Unfortunately I might have to be in Edinburgh at that time and I am looking for accommodations in the country; far from the city. If someone wants to correct my impression I would love it to be otherwise.....

It seems the large crowds of drunk people make up most New Years celebrations that I've seen, but maybe the fireworks over the castle will be worth braving the party for a bit? I read about a candlelight service in St. Giles that sounds interesting. Crowds that large aren't really my thing though. Hope you can find something interesting to do to pass your time there, James!

Well of course there are drunk people. It New Years Eve. Its' what people do. But there is more to Hogmanay then the drunks. Check out what Visit Scotland has to say. There music. There is dancing. There is a street party. At least they are not putting you in corals as they do in Times Square in NYC!

I would add that Vienna would be interesting for New Year's. Here's a link.

In my opinion, if you are looking to avoid drinking on New Year's Eve, you had best just stay in your hotel room. :)

Pam

I've never been to Berlin, but you should investigate how you will be getting home from wherever the celebrations are held.

In Paris, transportation is free all night, but it's a dangerously crowded zoo, and most people end up walking many kilometres back to their lodging. For the record, there are no fireworks in Paris, and nothing much to do except walk around until midnight.

When we celebrated New Year's Eve in Berlin, we picked a hotel that was within walking distance from the Brandenburg Gate. Of course, the U-Bahn is running all night and there are stops close by - but those stops and the trains are VERY crowded. Book as early as you can as this time is high season for hotels in Berlin.

Berlin has a host of indoor places to go to before and after New Year's Eve. Especially the museums. And we had a guided tour of the Reichstag at noon on January 1 (do make reservations!). Mind you, most places will be closed from noon on Dec 31 to noon on Jan 1. But that's the time you'll probably be busy with other things and sleeping in ;-) You probably also should make dinner reservations for Dec 31 as many places will be at top capacity.