Top 5 Unique New Year’s Celebrations Worldwide – Miami’s Most Luxurious, Edinburgh’s Marathon-Style

Reported by You Ru / Compiled by Staff

As the world counts down to the new year, various cities roll out unique parties and events to welcome 2013. Hotels.com has recommended five of the most distinctive New Year’s celebrations globally, spotlighting an interactive light show, the largest open-air party, the highest fireworks display, the most luxurious nightclub countdown, and the most marathon-like New Year’s event.

The Most Interactive Light Show

▲ Sydney’s fireworks, one of the first cities in the world to start the countdown. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)

Sydney, famous for its spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks against the backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, is one of the first cities in the world to ring in the new year. This year, Sydney has introduced a new countdown feature — inviting revelers to download a special app designed for the occasion on their smartphones. The app allows users to send celebratory messages, which are then projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge, creating a collective light show. As 11,000 fireworks explode in the sky, they blend with the projections from smartphones, showcasing Sydney’s countdown with a high-tech twist.

The Largest Open-Air Party

▲ Berlin’s New Year’s celebration is one of the world’s largest open-air parties. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)

Berlin’s New Year’s celebration is one of the largest open-air parties in the world, attracting over a million visitors each year. The festivities take place between the city’s iconic Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column, stretching over a two-kilometer area. The party features a wide variety of music, bands, DJs, light and sound shows, along with international cuisine and drinks. There are also dance floors and bars for guests to enjoy. Best of all, no reservations are needed, and entry is free for all global visitors.

The Highest Fireworks Display

▲ The 160-story Burj Khalifa will host the world’s highest fireworks show. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)

Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world with 160 floors, will stage the highest fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. The elaborately designed pyrotechnic spectacle will light up the sky as the new year arrives and will be broadcast live to audiences around the globe, with over two billion people expected to watch from home. In addition, there will be performances by top artists including Snoop Dogg, Faithless, Gorillaz, and renowned electronic DJ Armand Van Helden, keeping the party going until 2013. The luxury cruise ship Queen Elizabeth 2 will also be docked in Dubai, hosting a grand New Year’s Eve dinner.

The Most Luxurious Nightclub Countdown

▲ A beachfront nightclub party with tickets costing around NT$20,000. (Photo / from WALL LOUNGE Facebook)

Love diamonds, champagne, and caviar? Miami’s upscale nightclub “Wall” on South Beach will host an extravagant New Year’s party, with tickets priced at $700 USD (approximately NT$20,000 per person). Guests can party alongside rising Swedish DJ star OTTO KNOWS and use their tickets to access several top nightclubs across South Beach for the ultimate luxury countdown experience.

The Most Marathon-Like New Year’s Celebration

▲ Edinburgh hosts a three-day “Hogmanay” New Year’s celebration every year on New Year’s Eve. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)

Edinburgh hosts a three-day “Hogmanay” New Year’s celebration every year on New Year’s Eve. “Hogmanay” means the last day of the year in Scottish, and the festivities include torchlight processions, live band performances, outdoor movie screenings, lively carnivals, fun triathlon and dog sledding competitions. Visitors can join over 80,000 people in front of the iconic Edinburgh Castle to enjoy music, DJ sets, delicious food and drinks, and stunning fireworks on New Year’s Eve.