Several destinations around the world have a well-deserved reputation for traditionally throwing a great New Year’s Eve fireworks display. It’s a time when cities pull out all the stops to say goodbye to the old year with massive firework celebrations that light up the night sky with amazing pyrotechnics. These cities have turned their annual New Year’s Eve fireworks into an art form that attracts thousands of spectators and viewed by millions on television and social media.
New York City
The ball drop over Times Square – a tradition that started in 1907 – is one of the world’s most iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations, and it remains a draw for about one million visitors every year. Revelers start filling the Crossroads of the World in the afternoon, fighting for a spot with a view, offered free, but on a first-come, first-served basis. The event actually starts at 6 pm with the lighting and raising of the ball, kicking off a full night of programming that runs until 12.15 am. See the best U.S. cities for New Year’s Eve.
Sydney
Sydney’s summertime New Year celebrations are among the first in the world, with its breathtaking fireworks and colorful pyrotechnics launched off the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Revelers can view the fireworks from the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Barangaroo Reserve and other locations. This year, the festivities kick off at 7.30 pm with a Smoking Ceremony from the tribal warriors, followed by pylon projections on the bridge, and a light show as decked out boats glide across the harbor amongst the many celebrations.
London
Right at midnight, the Big Ben will chime with its trademark ‘bongs’, marking the start of 2024 as fireworks fill the sky near the London Eye and Big Ben. There are also New Year cruises on the River Thames. There is also the New Year’s Day parade, kicking off at noon on January 1 near the Green Park tube stop and ending at Westminster.
Dubai
Dubai is famous for its extravagant and record-breaking attractions, and its fireworks displays are no exception. The city holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s biggest fireworks display, which took place on New Year’s Eve 2014 with over 500,000 fireworks, lighting up the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and other locations. Revelers can also view the fireworks at the waterfront by the Dubai Fountain, which has its own light and water show.
Hong Kong
Set against the iconic Hong Kong skyline and Victoria Harbour, spectators will be treated to a 12-minute firework musical entitled “New Year New Legend,” depicting the four seasons. It will surpass any previous New Year’s Eve displays in the city in both coverage and duration. As a special addition, a giant countdown clock will be displayed on the facade of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. At the stroke of midnight, the numerals 2024 will light up the building, setting off a synchronised extravaganza featuring a breathtaking display of fireworks, a harmonious blend of artistic fusion music and a vibrant light show.
Taipei
At 1,666 feet, the Taiwanese capital’s fireworks, launched from Taipei 101 skyscraper, is the world’s highest fireworks display. This year’s celebration, titled “Color World Colorful World,” will launch 16,000 rounds of fireworks in 300 seconds.
Singapore
The Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2024 is set to be Singapore’s largest countdown celebration. A stunning display of fireworks bursting into different colours across three chapters at intervals in the hour leading up to midnight, accompanied by music will culminate in a 12-minute grand finale. The annual countdown party concert takes place at The Promontory where partygoers can start their celebrations ahead of the fireworks.
Paris
The most romantic city in the world offers a stunning backdrop at Eiffel Tower’s sparkling lights show at midnight. But the heart of the action is along the Champs-Elysées, where revelers begin flooding the bars and restaurants around 9 pm for dinner, dancing, and loads of champagne. Then at the stroke of midnight, an eight-minute fireworks display takes to the skies, accompanied by a sound-and-light show.
Reykjavik
While many countries put on professionally-produced fireworks on New Year’s Eve, all of Iceland turns into a fireworks display. The country’s search and rescue team sells fireworks as a fundraiser, and many people buy them to light up the skies until well after midnight. Many Icelanders head out to participate in the communal New Year bonfires, known as “Áramótabrennur.” These bonfires symbolize the burning away of the old year and the welcoming of the new.
