Finally, it’s time for the farewell of 2022, and we couldn’t be more eager for the coming year. So, we’ve compiled a list of popular cities hosting celebrations and fireworks and smaller communities offering secluded getaways, the outdoors, and wellness. Of course, the opening times and dates of attractions and events can change, so verify them before making travel arrangements.
Top 5 Better Places to be on New Year’s Eve
- Edinburgh, Scotland
There’s nowhere like Edinburgh to celebrate New Year’s — or Hogmanay as it’s known in Scotland — and, while it’s customarily held on the last day of the year, festivities frequently go into the night of January 1 and 2 due to the extended public holiday. Hogmanay puts Edinburgh to live and is the greatest party for adults and children, with ice-skating at St Andrews Square or Princes Street Gardens, concerts at St Giles’ Cathedral and the National Gallery, and last year a military band played outside the castle.
- Honolulu, Hawaii
The greatest site in Hawaii to ring in the new year is Honolulu on the island of Oahu, where you spend time with your family, attend one of the many parties held there, or just sit on the beach and watch the fireworks. A special New Year’s Eve dinner is available at Sarento’s at the top of The Ilikai, where you can also enjoy some of Honolulu’s best fireworks watching. Rumfire at the Sheraton Waikiki and Tiki’s Grill & Bar at the Aston Waikiki Beach both host fantastic adult events. You can take your celebration on the ocean for a dinner cruise to get a new perspective of the celebration.
- Berlin, Germany
Berlin, which has some of the greatest nightlife in Europe, gives wonderful parties any time, but New Year’s Eve should be on everyone’s bucket list. Locals recommend Kreuzberg or Neukolln as places to see, and many people organize house parties, so my favorite street party is between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column.
- Whistler, Canada
At New Year’s, Whistler transforms into a winter paradise, and the village, which is made into a pedestrian-only area with free public transportation day and night, comes alive with dance parties and music activities, according to Travel Manager consultant Merran Wiggins. In addition, the ski instructors participate in a spectacular fire-and-ice show at 11.30 p.m. in Whistler, followed by fireworks to welcome the new year. There is also an alcohol-free zone around the resort with family-friendly events, including a 9 p.m. countdown and fireworks.
- Rhine River, Europe
New Year’s Eve aboard a ship is a wonderful experience for something a little different. On a river cruise, it will be a more personal occasion with a formal supper followed by a champagne toast as the clock strikes midnight. Of course, the ultimate holiday experience is a river cruise through Europe. Viking Cruises has a fantastic seven-night option, which spends New Year’s Eve in Strasbourg while traveling along the Rhine River from Switzerland to Amsterdam.
