There’s just something about a new year and it’s freshstart; that you’ve successfully made it through one year and have another yearof possibilities ahead is certainly something to toast to. If you’re luckyenough to have this festive holiday off, you might be wondering where you cancelebrate in style for an unforgettable night. We’ve compiled some of thehottest destinations across the globe with something to offer everyone, whetheryou want your night to sparkle on the dance floor of a nightclub or in thegleaming glare of fireworks.
Miami’s South Beach, renowned for its nightlife, is allglitter and glamour. Ring in the new year in true Miami fashion at NikkiBeach’s vintage-inspired soiree, Peace, Love & Music, complete with a NewYork-style ball drop, private fireworks and complimentary Champagne toasts. Ticketsstart at $75, and beginning at $125, you can join the Clevelander Hotel for itssignature burlesque show, a glittering view of Miami Beach and enough spiritsto get you in the spirit. When the clock strikes 12, fireworks will illuminateBiscayne Bay.
Key West offers a more casual vibe for the laidbackcarouser, but certainly isn’t lacking in the party scene. While New York hasthe Ball Drop in Times Square, the Southernmost City in the U.S. has not one,but four “ball” drop celebrations. Take your pick among Sloppy Joes, home ofthe Conch Shell Drop, Schooner Warf and the Pirate Wench Drop, the Key LimeWedge Drop at the Ocean Key Resort and the famous Shoe Drop celebration at theBourbon Street Pub/New Orlean’s House complex, in which the drag queen Sushi islowered on a six-foot red high heel shoe. The best part? You can cheer on eachspectacle in your bathing suit and flip-flops.
You could head to The Bahamas. Bahamaian festivities may beyour cup of tea…or bottle of Champagne in this case. The Junkanoo is a century-oldBahamian-style celebration you won’t want to miss out on. From New Year’s Eveuntil the sun rises on New Year’s Day, colors and music will blur as thousandsdance down the street in a carnivalesque fashion. If that’s not your style or you’rewilling to splurge a little on the night, hit up the Atlantis Resort’s NewYear’s Eve Party for $1,000 a ticket. To book, call 800-Atlantis.
If you’re a little more south in the Caribbean, St. Thomas hasits own excitement to offer, with Yacht Haven’s New Year’s Eve All WhiteMasquerade Ball. Tickets are on sale now at the Welcome Center across fromGrand Cru in Yacht Haven Grande.
On the opposite corner of the globe, you can’t go wrongpopping Champagne in Sydney, Australia. How could you resist the shimmer of itsbreathtaking light parade? Marquee and The Basement are popular clubs for theparty lover, but if you prefer a more elegant evening, take your pick between“Nessun Dorma” and “I Could Have Danced All Night” at the world famous OperaHouse, where you can bask in the glow of what’s known as the world’s biggestand best fireworks display in Sydney Harbour during intermission.
For a more luxurious and tropical vibe, Bali is your ticket,at Uma by COMO’s White Party, complete with a six-course feast, poolsidedessert and New Year’s Eve party with a live DJ for only $110.
Rio de Janeiro packs a punch into New Year’s Eve, whereCopacabana Beach is the place to be. With multiple stages that cater toeveryone’s musical tastes, from rock ‘n’ roll to sizzling samba, and a dazzlingfireworks display, kicking off 2015 at this hot spot will be more thanmemorable. Join in on the extravaganza in red and white, as many of Rio’srevelers wear these hues to symbolize luck and romance.
But not everyone has the fortune to be in warmer weather forthe holiday. If you’re in Europe, make your way to Milan, which offers both aquiet and quaint celebration with its many restaurants, such as Cavabuscion,and a place to party the night away at Just Cavalli, where you can dine at itsglamorous restaurant before drinking the bubbly at its nightclub afterward.
No matter where you ring in 2015, let it be a good year!