5 mesmerising NYE fireworks shows from across the globe

Whether you love to ring in the New Year with a glass of bubbly or are usually in bed well before midnight, December 31 merits some kind of recognition. After all, it is New Year’s Eve. While family parties and local fireworks shows are always a treat, sometimes it’s nice to get a little more extravagant. So, if you’re craving something a little different this year we’ve got you covered. From Scotland to Sydney, here’s our pick of the best fireworks shows from across the globe.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay

Imagine sparkling fireworks streaming down the sides of an ancient volcanic plateau, while hundreds more explode over a looming castle. This is just what you’ll see at Hogmanay, Edinburgh’s world famous New Year’s Eve street party. It claims to be the biggest New Year’s Eve celebration on the planet, complete with live music, food stalls and plenty of whisky. The mesmerising Torchlight Procession is another longstanding tradition, with thousands of people making their way down the historic Royal Mile for a dazzling fireworks finale on Calton Hill. We’re also itching to get to the Old Town Ceilidh, a traditional night of Scottish merrymaking held in the heart of the historic quarter.

Goa, India

Fancy spending New Year’s Eve with sun kissed skin and sand between your toes? Whisk yourself away to Goa, which has long been a haven for hippies, sunseekers and backpackers alike. The atmosphere is electric, with the beach towns that dot Goa’s coastline all throwing their own fireworks shows. Whether you want to clink glasses with strangers or live it up at a luxury resort, there are beaches to suit every taste.

Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong

Hong Kong boasts one of the world’s most spectacular skylines, which makes for a seriously impressive NYE backdrop. Victoria Harbour is one of the most coveted places to ring in the New Year, with sleek rooftop bars, live music and luxury yachts bobbing on the water. The countdown is set to begin one hour before midnight, with the harbour’s skyscrapers launching a series of “shooting star” sparklers. You can watch for free from the Tsim Sha Tsui Pier, reserve a table at a waterside restaurant or book tickets to an exclusive NYE party.

Sydney Harbour

Turns out you don’t have to travel too far to take in one of the world’s most famous New Year’s Eve shows. Sydney throws some fabulous events, so why not make your night extra special by splurging on tickets to the Royal Botanic Gardens NYE Picnic, La Bohme Gala at the Opera House or Sydney Harbour cruise? Or, for an utterly romantic evening catch the ferry to Cockatoo Island and unpack a moonlit picnic in preparation for the midnight show. Don’t forget the bubbly.

Vienna’s “Silvesterpfad”

Every year Vienna hosts its famous New Year’s Eve Grand Ball. Hosted at Hofburg Palace, it’s one of Europe’s most prestigious NYE events. Even if you can’t score tickets to the gala you can head down to the sparkling Silvesterpfad, aka Vienna’s New Year’s Eve Trail. Dripping with fairy lights, it’s a wonderland of live music, mulled wine and of course, midnight fireworks.

With incredible last-minute flight deals to snap up, why not take the plunge and book a spontaneous New Year’s Eve getaway?