2010.12.30. - New Year’s Eve around the world

What are you doing for New Yew Year's Eve?   The night before 1-1-11

by Gerry Revai

It's that time of year again already – the end of it – and with the coming of the New Year there is a sense of hope and a fresh start.  Crossing cultural and religious borders, New Year's Eve is celebrated all over the world in many shapes and forms, but one thing is sure: it usually involves a big party!  Check out our selection of top places to be on the final day of the year, and in the words of poet Dylan Thomas, “Do not go gentle into that good night”!

Sydney

This is where it all starts, due toSydney's time zone. Over one million people gather roundSydney's Harbour Bridge to witness a spectacular fireworksdisplay in a spectacular setting.  If you are up for being down under this year, but it's just too damn far away, you can still catch a live broadcast of the festivitieson TV in many places throughout the world.

Amsterdam

If it's a party you're looking for, head to party central – Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Don't expect elaborate official fireworks here. Revelers take more of a hands-on approach and set off their own firecrackers, bottle rockets and other entertaining explosives. The epicenter of the party is Nieuwmarkt (Newmarket) Square, but the fun spills over into all parts of the city.  Get yourself a bottle of champagne, maybe some protective eyeglasses and gelukkig nieuwjaar ("prosperous new year")!

Paris

The city of light really lives up to its name on  "la Saint-Sylvestre", the French term for New Year's Eve.  The Eiffel Tower is simply gorgeous in the midst of Paris' pyrotechnics. After washing down some oysters and foie gras with a little bubbly, head down to the beautifully illuminated Champs Élyséees. All of this combines in making it the perfect place for a midnight kiss.

London

The activity is centered on the banks of the Thames and around the city's mammoth Ferris wheel, the London Eye, where they serve up a fireworks display fit for a king. Around a million cosmopolitan spectators are expected to attend this year, and if you drink too much and lose your money, don't worry. From the time Big Ben strikes 12 midnight until 5 am, the city known for expensive public transportation will actually provide free underground service to help get you home.

Rio de Janeiro

At the Copa, Copacabana – that's where it's at! Rio's famous beach glows with the light of thousands of candles for its New Year's celebration called Reveillon. It's the middle of summer there so pack your thong if you're planning on joining the 2 ½ million people ringing in the new year in Rio.