A new year and a chance to start afresh is almost here! If you’re fantasizing about a city with fantastic fireworks and an electric mood to celebrate New Year’s Eve in, then check out one of these 9 cities.
New Year’s Eve is celebrated with the taste of champagne, the sound of corks whizzing through the air and the smell of fireworks illuminating the skies. If you’re looking for a change of scenery this year then why not try the Spanish, French or Scottish way of celebrating? Read on for some inspiration on where to travel to for New Year's this year.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
The journey begins in Edinburgh, Scotland, with its world-renowned Hogmanay celebration. The party starts on December 30th and doesn’t stop until January 1st. Concerts, carousels, rides, an ice rink and parades are just some of the events you can partake in. Edinburgh has celebrated Hogmanay with style for the last 23 years. This year they are stepping up their game with an even bigger street party. This means new concert stages, additional entertainment and more space for the crowd to bring in the bells.
Every hour on the hour, from 9pm until midnight, a mesmerizing firework show lights up the night sky before the big finish when the clock strikes midnight. That’s when the “Midnight Moment” magic happens and a firework show like no other, choreographed to music, lights up the sky. This is all set against the incredible backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. This magical moment is concluded as the Scots join hands for the singing of Auld Lang Syne. This is one evening you won’t forget and don’t want to miss!
Happy Hogmanay! Stay at the nearby Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre in the heart of the old town.
Berlin’s Sylvester
In the German capital of Berlin, locals gather to celebrate Sylvester, named after St. Sylvester’s Day, and the celebration they put on is truly out of this world. The street, Straße des 17. Juni, is covered in crowds of festive Berliners, all the way from the Victory Column in the west and to Brandenburger Gate in the east. Dance the night away to the sound of live music accompanied by laser shows and sample a taste of Germany at the many food stands.
Berlin’s New Year’s celebration is one of the biggest street parties in Europe, drawing in close to one million participants. If you’re in town the day before, you can catch some of the sound checks for one of the many live bands. The main area opens at noon and the official program starts at 7pm. The best part of it all you ask? It’s completely free and has no closing time!
Happy New Year: Frohes Neues Jahr! Relax and unwind at the center of it all at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Berlin.
Rome’s San Silvestro
Rome is a spectacular sight all year round and New Year’s Eve, or San Silvestro as the Italians call it, is the highlight of the year. The Italian capital presents ample opportunity to celebrate in style. Whether you want a glamorous party or laid-back soiree, Rome is the city of a thousand celebrations. Every square and piazza is decorated for the holidays with lights in all shapes and sizes covering the streets.
The biggest party is found in Piazza del Popolo, where local bands play live music and fireworks light up the sky. If you want to enjoy the firework show above the roofs of the city then head towards the Colosseum or the Spanish Steps. Let Rome take your breath away as you welcome in the New Year in this historic city.
Happy New Year: Felice Anno Nuovo! Stay near the Colliseum with the Radisson Blu Es. Hotel, Rome.
Paris’ réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre
On New Year’s Eve, Paris’ legendary Champs Élysées is transformed and no cars are allowed to make room for the many partygoers that take to the streets. With a view towards the Eiffel Tower and the spectacular fireworks that fill the sky, this night will be one for the books. In previous years, the Parisians have shown their sense of style with a light show on the Arc de Triomphe, further manifesting Paris as a City of Lights. People from all over the world make their way here on New Year’s Eve so we recommend planning a little ahead. In fact, book your stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Champs Elysees and you'll have a direct view of the show on the Arc de Triomphe!
But there is much more to Paris then just fireworks. On New Year’s Day, the Champs Élysées is once again the place to be, this time for the Grande Parade de Paris. Bands and musicians from across the world gather to form a grandeur parade through the street, completely free of charge.
Happy New Year: Bonne Année! Pamper yourself at one of Radisson Blu’s Paris hotels.
Copenhagen’s nytårsaften
Make your way to Copenhagen and ring n the New year like royalty. Once the Queen makes her speech, the streets fill as the bells of City Hall chime and the champagne is opened. Make sure you try a piece of “kransekake” for the authentic Danish celebration.
The gates to the world-famous amusement park Tivoli are also open all day, a great opportunity to have some good fun with the park’s many rides and attractions. At 10pm, the park lights up with its very own firework show, followed two hours later by the city’s own firework display at City Hall Square. If you’re in Tivoli on this evening, you’ll be at the heart of the action.
Happy New Year: Godt nytår! Cool down after the celebrations at Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Copenhagen.
London’s New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve in London is a legendary affair. Festive fireworks over the river Thames liven up the city and put on an incredible show. Hundreds of thousands of spectators gather every year at the London Eye and at many spots along the river, but they are taken hours in advance. It’s recommended to purchase tickets for the different vantage points beforehand but you can always go on an adventure to find your own spot.
If you’re a fan of dance music then Fabric is the place to be. Feel the beats from the sets of dance legends such as Nina Kraviz, Eats Everything, George Fitzgerald and many others for an energetic start to the New Year. Like Paris, London has its own New Year’s Day Parade. Here you can marvel at the sight of more than 8,500 participants from 20 countries putting on a show that is out of this world. Let the joy of music surround you for that feel-good beginning to a fresh start.
Happy New Year! Sleep safe and sound at any of the 11 Radisson Blu Edwardian hotels in London.
Welcome the New Year in Moscow’s Red Square
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest celebrations in Russia every year is New Year’s Eve. With the weaker ruble, ringing in the New Year in Russia’s capital city is the perfect destination for a traveler looking an amazing party on a tighter budget.
The Red Square is usually one of the most popular places to see the celebratory fireworks, but there are plenty of other good options for those who want to avoid bigger crowds. Don't forget the New Year's champagne tradition: As the bell first tolls midnight, write a wish on a piece of paper, light the paper on fire, drop it into your champagne glass and drink the champagne. Happy New Year, or ‘s novym godom’!
Make one of our Radisson Blu hotels your home base for New Year’s Eve in Moscow!
Swingin’ Stockholm Celebrations
Ringing in the New Year in the capital city of Stockholm? Great choice – as the Swedes do it in style! There’s plenty of festivities to try located throughout the city, but here’s our favorites:
For party lovers on December 31st, the place to be is Södermalmstorg, located on Götgatan in the Södermalm district of Stockholm. There’s plenty of nightlife and dining in this area that runs into the early hours of the morning. Perfect for New Year’s Eve revelers. For those looking to take in the fireworks in a more peaceful setting, try Monteliusvägen. This stunning walking path runs for almost a mile with a perfect view of City Hall, Lake Mälaren and Riddarholmen. Definitely the ideal place to view Stockholm’s impressive fireworks display.
Gott Nytt År! Catch up on your beauty sleep after all the New Year celebrations at one of our Blu hotels in Stockholm!
#HappyBluYear! And don't forget to share your best travel photos with #RadissonBlu for a chance to win a 100€ voucher!
