Everyone wants to be at the best party to celebrate New Year’s Eve. But how do you ensure that you are in the right place when the clock strikes midnight?
There is an abundance of destinations to choose from right across Europe, but it would be impossible to list them all here. Instead, below you can find three of the very best destinations where you can enjoy the fun and festivities as we move into 2012.
New Year's Eve by *Debs*
1. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a party capital throughout the year, but come New Year’s Eve things pick up a notch. If you are into all-night raves that carry on until the sun rises then this is the place to go.
One of the best places to spend the night is the Westergasfabriek. This vast, 3,500-capacity venue holds a huge rave each year where you can welcome in the New Year properly. However, there are many other fantastic nightclubs here, including The Powerzone and the Supperclub, for anyone who is into the party scene.
If you’re not so fond of all-night raves, head to the Museumplein. This is the biggest free event in the city, and you will find DJs and bands as well as fireworks.
Elsewhere, you will find a number of squares and boulevards to hang out in and enjoy the festivities, and don’t miss the firework display over the Amstel river. Alternatively, head down to to the other fireworks displays at Dam Square and Nieuwmarkt.
2. Edinburgh
Edinburgh is perhaps the best place in the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve, or ‘Hogmanay’. Not only is it one of the largest street parties in Europe and the world, but it is also the ‘home’ of New Year’s Eve.
Get here early because it all starts on December 30th with the torchlit procession where thousands of participants parade from the Royal Mile to the Son et Lumiére, ending in a fireworks display on Calton Hill.
But the main event is the following night, where 80,000 people descend onto the capital below Edinburgh Castle to enjoy the live music, DJs, entertainment, bars, food and, of course, the fantastic firework display.
3. Paris
Paris is a delight for New Year’s Eve, whether you are looking for a good party or something more romantic. There are plenty of outdoor events and celebrations held throughout the city, so it really depends what you are looking for.
For something really special, consider taking a romantic dinner cruise on the Seine. You’ll leave from the Eiffel Tower and you’ll get to see all of the sights as you relax in luxury away from the crowds. Don’t expect it to come cheap, but if you want to do something really unique this year then it can’t be beaten.
Wherever you go, make sure that you don’t miss the main event at the Eiffel Tower where the famous monument will light up with one of the best firework displays you’re ever likely to see, and head to the Champs-Elysees to ensure you enjoy it in all its glory.
Enjoy New Year in Europe
This is just a selection of some of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve this year in Europe. There are plenty more exciting destinations to choose from, so find one which works for you and enjoy seeing in 2012 in style.
