Were you watching the ball drop in beautiful New York City when the clock struck midnight last New Year’s Eve? Or worse, were you already in a peaceful slumber?
It sounds like your New Year’s Eve plan requires a little adventure. Don’t let next year be the same let down as it’s always been. Here are our picks for the top 10 2010 New Year’s Eve destinations around the world…
1. Moscow, Russia
There are few celebratory backdrops that can even attempt to rival Russia’s Red Square. Here, New Year’s Eve fireworks are set off behind the gleaming domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral and the square is literally crowded with the tidings of revelers, street vendors, street performers, and snow sculptures of the Russian Federation.
2. Sydney, Australia
If you want to be among the first to ring in a New Year, Sydney throws a midnight fireworks display and “Harbor of Light” parade (at Sydney Harbor) that make the over one million participants wish they were nowhere else on earth. And since January is summer in Australia, you can drink in your itty-bitty bikini and still dance the night away.
3. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
If you’re in the mood for a little debauchery this December 31st, then look no further than Sin City. Here the strip is dubbed a “pedestrian zone” for the massive New Year’s Eve party, drinks, fireworks, light shows, music, clubs, and virtually hundreds of thousands of revelers—anyone of whom might kiss you at midnight!
4. Mexico City, Mexico
The End of the Year Fiesta in Mexico’s capital comes alive with street festivals, confetti, fireworks, dancing, traditional music, and parties. The celebrations are underway by 9 p.m. after a family meal. Revelers gather at the Zócalo (the city’s main square) with their empty eggshells filled with confetti to toss at other party-goers, and colorful cocktails to raise their festive spirits.
5. Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany
If beer tents, open air clubs with world-renowned DJs, lightshows, performers, and fireworks displays are your ideal way to ring in the new year—then say Guten Tag to Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, where you can gather with over a million other party-goers for the 1.2 mile-long “Party Mile,” which begins at strasse des 17th Juni (17th June Street) and goes until the wee hours of dawn.
6. Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro
Sun, sand, and people as stunning as the fireworks displays—this is what New Year’s Eve in Brazil is made of! You’ll be swept away by the carnival atmosphere on one of the earth’s most spectacular beaches. It’s tradition in Brazil to dress completely in white for the festivities (or “Reveillon”) an all-day party with musical acts, dancing, and four kilometers of open-air club.
7. Paris, France
The City of Love is an excellent place to ring in the New Year with that special someone in your life. And the stunning backdrop of a glittering Eiffel Tower, a massive pyrotechnic firework display, and the laid back bohemian hedonism of gay Paris make the ideal combination for a memorable New Year. Add some champagne, and pop—c’est magnifique!
8. Kitzbühel, Austria
For a traditional New Year’s Eve celebration among snowy, hills, horse drawn carriages, roaring fires, and brightly lit cobblestone walks, Kitzbühel, a ninth-century town in Austria, serves up a satisfying serving of romance set against jingling bells, medieval inns, traditional folk singers, and impressive fireworks to choreographed to music over the pristine alps.
9. Frenchmen Street, New Orleans
Renowned for its bars, cafes, and lively entertainment all year long—it’s no wonder that the locals in New Orleans book it to Frenchmen Street to party the previous year away, along to the tunes of fantastic musicians, dancing in the street, parades, eccentric costumes, and, of course, lots of flowing booze.
10. Times Square, New York City, USA
The most famous New Year’s Eve in the world takes place in the Big Apple and is capped off by the big ball descending in Times Square. If you want to be among the millions of people gathered in Times Square, you’ll witness the star-studded entertainment, world-class fireworks display, people streaming between lively clubs, and you’ll be the envy of everyone watching on television at home.
