How do people celebrate New Year’s in the world’s top 10 countdown cities? Edinburgh plays with torches, Kyoto rings in the new year with bell chimes

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

CNN has ranked the world’s 10 most distinctive New Year’s Eve cities, with Taipei City coming in at No. 9 for its spectacular fireworks show from Taipei 101. Topping the list is Hong Kong’s world-renowned Victoria Harbour fireworks display. What is the fascinating charm of these “Top 10” countdown celebrations that compels people to spend on expensive flights and accommodations? ETtoday News Cloud has specially compiled details of the world’s 10 most unique New Year’s Eve events—so even if you can’t be there in person, you can still feel the excitement.

1. Hong Kong

▲ Hong Kong’s 2012 New Year’s Eve fireworks display. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)

Hong Kong’s most spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks take place in Victoria Harbour. After midnight, nine of the harbor’s most iconic buildings will light up the sky with dazzling fireworks at the stroke of midnight. Another popular countdown destination, Times Square in Causeway Bay, also offers a moving experience as the 15th apple lights up, fireworks cascade in layers, and romantic balloons float into the sky.

2. New York

▲ New Year’s Eve in New York. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)

New York’s Times Square countdown draws over a million participants every year. Amid freezing temperatures, crowds enjoy live entertainment while waiting for midnight to arrive. The Times Square celebration, which has been held for 105 years since 1904, reaches its climax with the final 59-second countdown. The New York mayor and celebrities press a button together, triggering the descent of a crystal ball illuminated by 32,256 LED lights. As the countdown hits 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, colorful confetti bursts forth and countless balloons soar into the sky, while revelers kiss and exchange wishes in the festive atmosphere.

3. Berlin

▲ Berlin rings in the New Year with music and dancing lights. (Photo / from www.visitberlin.de)

On New Year’s Eve, Berlin hosts a fun run where participants in outlandish costumes parade through the streets—an iconic and quirky sight. As evening falls, the crowds move to the Brandenburg Gate to join one of the world’s largest open-air New Year’s celebrations. This year (2012), musicians and DJs from around the globe will perform on the stage in Pariser Platz, spinning tunes as partygoers dance along to the beats and lights by the Brandenburg Gate, welcoming the new year in style.

4. London

▲ New Year’s Eve in London. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)

The UK capital, London—which hosted the Olympics this year—offers great ways to celebrate the New Year. Book a spot on a boat cruise along the Thames or ride the London Eye Ferris wheel for a bird’s-eye view of the iconic fireworks bursting from the base of the London skyline.

London’s New Year’s Day Parade in 2013 will feature the theme “Hat’s Off to London, Celebrating the Capital of the World.” Over 10,000 musicians, dancers, and acrobats will take to the streets in a lively opening celebration for the new year.

5. Edinburgh

▲ Edinburgh’s New Year’s celebration. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)

Famous worldwide as an artistic hub, Edinburgh is also the birthplace of Scotland’s Hogmanay (New Year) festivities. Starting from December 30, the city kicks off its celebrations with a Torchlight Procession involving more than 25,000 participants. On New Year’s Eve itself, over 80,000 people take to the streets to sing and join in the Starlight Concert and Ceilidh. Multiple live music stages are set up throughout the city center, combining music and fireworks to create an artistic welcome to the new year.

6. Sydney

▲ Sydney Opera House and New Year’s Eve fireworks—reportedly with new effects this year. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)

Sydney, the first city in the world to count down into the new year, also boasts one of the world’s top five fireworks displays. Known for their vibrant themes and colors, the fireworks are launched from the Harbour Bridge and six barges around the harbor. Organizers have revealed that this year’s Sydney fireworks will feature “exciting new effects”—the details of which will remain a surprise until the big night.

7. Samoa

▲ A fire dance performance at a Samoan celebration. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons)

Once known as “the last place on Earth to ring in the New Year,” Samoa was a destination for those wanting to experience a “366th day.” However, after shifting its international date line this year, Samoa has become the first country in the world to welcome the new year. Unlike many major cities, Samoa’s New Year celebrations are centered around traditional island festivities, including village feasts, choirs, and concerts taking place across the islands for a uniquely cultural countdown experience.

8. Kyoto

▲ Kyoto welcomes the New Year with 108 bell chimes. (Photo / from wikimapia.org)

On New Year’s Eve in Kyoto, locals visit shrines to pray as they transition into 2013. The Yasaka Shrine and Chion-in Temple are among the most popular destinations. At Chion-in, 17 monks will strike a 70-ton bronze bell together, sounding 108 chimes in hopes that people will be freed from worldly desires and welcome the new year with a fresh start.

9. Taipei

▲The 101 Fireworks Show. (Photo / from Wikipedia)

Taipei 101, standing at 509 meters tall, is a favorite New Year's Eve destination for many people both in Taiwan and abroad. In addition to the Taipei City Hall Plaza near 101, other great spots to view the "big bang" include riverside parks, Elephant Mountain, and Miramar Ferris Wheel.

10. Dubai

▲Dubai Tower fireworks. (Photo / from Wikipedia)

The world’s tallest building, “Dubai Tower,” will celebrate with a fireworks display costing millions of dollars. Some travel agencies in Taiwan also offer premium New Year’s Eve packages that include dinner at the Burj Al Arab, followed by viewing the fireworks show from the world’s tallest tower.