With 2010 nearly over and the promise of a new year (full of potential travel opportunities!) upon us, we take a look at just some of the places around the world where 2011 is going to receive a very warm welcome indeed…
Hawaii
This sun-drenched island is never one to miss out on a party and New Year in Waikiki promises to be a good one. Head to Aloha Tower where there are over 20 DJ’s, live bands and of course – fireworks! Buy tickets in advance to get the best rate.
Fireworks are a huge part of Hawaii’s New Year’s Eve celebrations and you can catch some good views from the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the beach or on a Star of Honolulu Cruise.
Malta
Malta is hosting a range of events to see out 2010 from SO 90’s THIS NYE at the five star Palace Hotel in Sliema to The 1940’s Charleston Grand Ball which promises to be the classiest New Year Eve’s party on the island.
One event that definitely stands out is what promises to be a massive and free open-air event in the capital Valletta. There will be live music local DJ’s and transport provided by the Public Transport Association until 2am – giving you ample chance to party!
British Columbia
If you want to welcome in the New Year in British Columbia there are some exciting alternatives to the traditional New Year’s parties. For something a little different Whistler’s First Night is a hugely popular event which takes over Whistler’s Village Square and Conference Centre. This alcohol-free event is a ‘Celebration of the Arts’ with live music, story-telling, workshops and participatory arts and come midnight – fireworks – and makes a great family-friendly option.
For those looking to start their new year with a bang how about taking part in the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim on New Year’s Day? Whether you’re looking to cure your hangover, start your get-fit plan or just want to try something new it promises to be a fun event.
Munich
New Year’s Eve in Munich is awash with parties where you can dance the night away. The midnight fireworks can be seen from various places in Munich with the Olympic Hill at Olympiapark proving to be one of the best vantage points.
Silvester Party – Muffathalle is set to be a big night with DJ’s spinning tracks, fireworks and general merriment late into the night. While the Tollwood New Year’s Eve Party is based around various areas and tents giving it a festival feel with DJ’s, bands and fireworks. Both parties have the traditional waltz at midnight.
Tanzania
Celebrate New Year in Tanzania by heading to Zanzibar where The Arusha Hotel is holding its New Year’s Ball – the biggest event in the hotel’s calendar. The evening includes dinner, wine, beer, entertainment and a disco. There are also fireworks – an essential element to any New Year celebration.
Dubai
Dubai is as known for its lavish hotels and impressive buildings as it is its extravagant nightlife. So come New Year’s Eve it’s no surprise they have some pretty spectacular events organised to welcome in the New Year. Dance the Night Away at the 400 New Year Eve Party is the place to be seen if you like your dance music and want to party in one of the most hip and fashionable venues Dubai has to offer. Rosie Romero is one of the DJ’s set to get the party rocking at The 400 Nightclub with a special lighting system further setting the scene for the party of parties.
The Garden Route
The Garden Route is set to host some top New Year celebrations at hotels and on beaches around the region. If you like the idea of welcoming in 2011 with the sand between your toes head over to Port Elizabeth where you’ll find South Africa’s two main New Year’s Eve beach parties.
The festivities start late afternoon with DJ’s, dancers and giveaways. At Well Estate popular rapper Pro will be taking the party into 2011while Hobie Beach will exhibit an eclectic mix of local rock, kwaito and hip-hop groups as well as a performance by the divine Danny K.
A firework and laser show will light up the beginning of 2011to welcome another bright year for Nelson Mandela Bay.
Cape Town
The Taj Cape Town Hotel is set to celebrate the New Year in style. Their two restaurants have special New Year menus with the Mint Restaurant serving a 5 course Table d’Hôte, the Spice Junxion offering up Indian cuisine and the Bombay Brasserie presenting a 7 course tasting menu. Both the Mint Restaurant and Spice Junxion come with a complimentary glass of Cap Classique when you arrive. There will be a pianist in the lobby until 9pm when a band takes over to bring you into the New Year.
Algarve
Albufeira is the party hotspot of the Algarve and this year’s New Year’s Eve party promises to be a big one, as one of their most popular television shows (Idolos – the Portuguese version of Pop Idol) will be hosting a live final onstage at the beach at Praia dos Pescadores in Albufeira.
The winner will be announced after an impressive firework display at midnight after which it’s time to party on into the early hours of the morning with the best Portuguese DJ’s.
Oman
For a memorable New Year in Oman, the Crowne Plaza in Muscat is offering up a night to remember with its bars and restaurants putting on special events to mark the occasion. Duke’s Bar is hosting a party with live DJ while the three restaurants, The Edge, Shiraz and Come Prima are all serving up 5 course menus with half a bottle of champagne and free entrance to Duke’s Bar afterwards. While Tropicana is holding an international buffet and live entertainment. All looking very promising if you want to celebrate in style!
The Chedi Muscat Oman is another good place to base yourself for a New Year’s Eve to remember in Oman. This decedent hotel is holding a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner for those who want to wave goodbye to 2010 and hello to 2011 in true gastronomic delight.
Sydney
When it comes to New Year celebrations, no list would be complete without the daddy of all New Year celebrations – Sydney! Whether you’ve been lucky enough to watch the fireworks from Sydney Harbour Bridge in person or just seen it on television, there can be no denying it’s an impressive sight and quite rightly places this Australian city up there as one of the New Year’s Eve capitals of the world.
Events will start at 5pm with a spectacular aerial show; followed by an Indigenous Smoking Ceremony & Acknowledgement of Country at 8pm. Five indigenous vessels will perform a traditional smoking ceremony on the Harbour, acknowledging the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation.
At 9pm it’s time for the family fireworks, an 8 minute display synchronised to a music soundtrack from children’s movies and pop songs, followed by the Harbour of Light Parade where more than 50 boats decorated with lights parade around the Harbour.
And of course at midnight, the most anticipated event of all – the Fireworks! They’ll be synchronised to a soundtrack that will be broadcast on local radio 104.1 2Day FM and will be visible from many of the iconic Sydney attractions including The Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Dawes Point (The Rocks).
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