LONDON
One of the most famous fireworks displays light up next to the London Eye
in the wintry capital. Be part of a legendary crowd to see the magnificent show
of pyrotechnics and lights along the River Thames.
Fancy splashing out? Who knows which celebrities you’ll meet at the upbeat
champagne-in-hand party at the London Sky Bar, which guarantees you the best
view of the fireworks, or at the Battersea Park party, which includes free
food, drinks, funfair dodgems, fire eaters, trapeze artists, a casino and a
disco.
Alternatively, book yourself on a river cruise, so you can whiz past
London’s breath-taking landmarks and admire the fireworks from the water.
On New Year’s Day, dismiss any possible hangovers and venture out into
London for the traditional New Year’s Day Parade, in which thousands of
performers celebrate 2014 through dance, acrobatics, cheerleading and musical
shows. Also, the arrival of January always brings the London sales. Advice to
shoppers: abuse them well.
NEW YORK
If you can stomach standing squashed in a fun crowd in between frozen
skyscrapers, then witness the famous ball drop at Times Square in New York at
midnight, and thus earn full gloating rights upon coming home.
But you can top this. You can “sea” in the New Year aboard a 1920s-style
yacht (in flapper dress?). Champagne, hors d’oeuvres, jazz band against a
firework-lit Manhattan backdrop: top scores for originality.
Dressed elegantly, you can hop on land at 1am to grace one of the many parties
with your presence, as Manhattan “never sleeps”.
Rio
Starting over? Then start in Rio. In the midst of their Brazilian summer,
the party-crazed cariocas (locals) wear white, symbolising new beginnings, and
throw flowers into the surf. If they don’t reappear, their wish is granted.
Brazilians know how to set the dark night alight. Bravely stick it out on
Copacabana Beach like a happy herring in a tin, buy drinks with money kept in
your shoe, watch the fireworks and enjoy being part of the festivity.
Or watch from your beach hotel balcony, or from one of the many parties
organised by the beach hotels.
SYDNEY
MORE than 1.5 million people will flock to Sydney Harbour to experience the
universal fireworks displays as they illuminate the famous Sydney Bridge,
Sydney Opera House and the beautiful waters on New Year’s Eve.
This year, Sydney’s theme is “Shine”. There are multiple vantage points,
each offering unique advantages (see website), but one of the most original
ones must be Clark Island. A short boat ride will take you to the island off
the tip of Darling Point, which renders excellent views of the harbour: a
premium position from which to see the fireworks soar up at night. Lounge
exclusively on Clark Island, and relax with food hampers, music and
entertainment (ferry transfers also included in ticket).
DUBAI
Dubai is becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination, and it is
especially magical on New Year’s Eve. In the heart of Dubai, where the daily
fountain shows are held, the Burj Khalifa (the world’s highest building) towers
over you. And at the foot of this tower, the city will present you with a
firework show so dashing and glittering, it will light up both the Emirate and
the surrounding desert.
As Dubai breathes skyscrapers, most hotels will provide brilliant vantage
points for this magnificent spectacle. Afterwards, Dubai’s many posh hotels
(Atlantis, The Palm) and clubs (Cavalli Club) will offer you the chance to
celebrate the coming year in style and luxury.
Pick one of these destinations to herald the next year in your life and
have the best New Year’s Eve ever with, of course, fabulous memories. -
Saturday Star
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