Fireworks are as synonymous with New Year’s Eve celebrations as bottles of champagne and resolutions we’re never going to keep. As the hour’s tick over, there’s usually a different part of the world bidding farewell to one year and bringing in another with amazing parties and colourful fireworks show.
It’s time to say goodbye to 2021, and couldn’t be more excited. This year, Business Today has come up with a list of big-city destinations hosting fireworks with intimate experiences, nature, and wellness.
Before you plan your trip, be sure to check opening dates and times for attractions and events, as these may have changed amid the pandemic.
If unwinding into luxury is your idea to start the New Year on a happy note, then these places will fit the bill perfectly.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
What better way to start the year by hitting the slopes and crossing off two of the country’s best national parks during one epic trip. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers a number of wintry events leading up to New Year’s Eve when visitors can watch fireworks in Teton Village. Guests can hit the 131 ski and snowboard trails, take lessons to better their skills, and more to kick off the new year right.
Check out these luxurious accommodations at Amangani or Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, and take day trips to nearby Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks.
Rome, Italy
This romantic city has an undeniably festive atmosphere on New Year’s Eve — simply head to one of the city’s magnificent piazzas to join in on the fun. Consider arriving earlier to take in the last of the holiday markets (Note that many museums, shops, and restaurants are closed on New Year’s Day, but there will still be plenty to do.) There are some nice hotels like Hotel de Russie, Rocco Forte Hotel; Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel; and The St. Regis Rome are prefect romantic getaway to stay.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Grab your heaviest coat and head to Reykjavik, Iceland for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration packed with fireworks in a stunning, snow-covered setting. Spend the night partying in the capital city, and spend the next day recovering in one of the country’s famous hot springs, like the Blue Lagoon. Of course, you’ll want to extend your stay to check out Iceland’s famous attractions — the Golden Circle looks especially beautiful covered in ice and snow — and stay up to catch a glimpse of the northern lights before heading home.
Las Vegas, Nevada
This New Year’s Eve, embrace the foodie side of Las Vegas with a celebratory meal at one of the city’s great restaurants — many eateries are offering special New Year Eve packages. Plus, people who visit Vegas at the end of December will still have the chance to see some of the Strip’s best holiday decorations. There are also plenty of places to watch the fireworks and then dance the night away into the early hours of New Year’s Day. Check out Wynn Las Vegas, Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, and The Venetian Resort Las Vegas as the top hotels in Sin City in the 2021 World’s Best Awards.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Scottish capital’s famed three-day Hogmanay extravaganza usually kicks off on 30 December, with a Viking-style torchlight procession along the Royal Mile. The big night itself features a Scottish music programme including Dougie McLean, Eddi Reader and Breabach, which wraps in time for gig-goers to catch unequalled views of midnight fireworks over Edinburgh Castle. Celebrations continue on New Year’s Day with the traditional fancy-dress dip in the freezing Firth of Forth (known as ‘the Loony Dook’). For more information on the many events that normally take place, visit edinburghshogmanay.com.
The Balmoral is the grandest hotel in Edinburgh and the most comfortable place to recover from Hogmanay celebrations.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney Harbour’s firework extravaganza is usually watched by more than a million people gathered along the foreshore – but with the city only starting to reopen in October, this year will look a little different. If you’re already there, join the boatfuls of revellers bobbing in the water – hire out a boat, bring your own bubbles and start the countdown early. Landlubbers might prefer to reserve an outside table at one of the waterfront restaurants by Sydney Harbour Bridge for a front-row seat.
All about the pyrotechnics? The Four Seasons Hotel Sydney overlooks Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. For a more local feel, book the new Paramount House Hotel in inner-city foodie hub Surry Hills. An industrial concrete-and-copper aesthetic meets furniture, bathroom products – and beer – by independent Aussie makers.
Koh Phangan, Thailand
Pre-Covid, there were parties on the beaches of Thailand’s Island all year round, but the wildest of them all is New Year’s Eve on Koh Phangan, home to the world’s most famous full-moon party. Revolving around Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin, the maelstrom starts as soon as it gets dark and romps on well beyond sunrise and into the following afternoon.
The stylish Anantara resort is halfway up the east coast of Koh Phangan, some distance from the party, but the journey home, on a boat through turquoise waters as the sun is coming up, might possibly be the greatest taxi ride you’ve ever taken.
