Honoring the New Year is one of only a handful of traditions universally cherished around the globe, and with just about every nation now celebrating on December 31, your choices of where to ring in the new year are mind-bogglingly infinite. Be sure to plan early for prime parties and the best viewing areas for fireworks. Some venues charge admission, and tickets sometimes sell out well ahead.

1. New York

Year-round, the Big Apple is the center of the universe to plenty of people, but on New Year’s Eve it’s the center for everyone. There are 38 different time zones counting down to midnight on December 31, but all eyes are on Times Square, as more than one billion revelers around the globe tune in to see the glittering ball drop high above the crowd of one million partiers ringing in a new year. Star-studded concerts entertain the throngs who arrive as early as noon for prime viewing. Times Square is synonymous with New Year’s Eve across the United States. Even if you aren’t there in person, there’s a good chance you’ve watched the famous ball drop on television. (The ball made its debut in 1907 and has been dropped each year since then, except for two years during World War II).

2. Orlando

If you thought Disney was the best reason to go to Orlando, well . . . think again. There’s no question that no one does hospitality quite like Disney, and when there’s a parade and fireworks every night of the year, you can be sure that holidays are extra spectacular. New Year’s Eve at Disney is packed with themed parties, special menus, and events at restaurants throughout the parks, and photo ops with all your favorite characters, but Countdown to Midnight is the main attraction on December 31st. This massive soiree includes cocktails in the Fantasia Ballroom and chefs preparing food fit for a banquet, an interactive DJ, a live band, and, of course, a champagne toast under one magical fireworks display.

3. Rio de Janeiro

With warm, sunny weather, panoramic views and a seductive samba beat, New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro is life affirming. Festivities here are on par with the city’s famous Carnival, and the ultimate celebration is at Copacabana Beach where an estimated two million revelers congregate for music, swimming, football, barbecues and a massive fireworks display. Smaller beaches such as Ipanema and Flamengo, meanwhile, are also worth considering. The restaurants along Copacabana fill up quickly so early booking is advisable if you want to schedule a NYE dinner. Try Rio institution Bip Bip for live music and local favorite Pavão Azul for its octopus rice and batida de coco, a cocktail made from coconut cream, condensed milk and cachaça (spirit from fermented sugarcane juice.)

4. Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Strip becomes party-central on New Year’s Eve, as it closes off traffic from 6pm so visitors can take to the streets for the world’s biggest block party. The fireworks display is choreographed from seven different casino roofs, lighting up the Nevada sky. As well as the Strip, the Freemont street party is always worth catching, with pyrotechnics, bands and an EDM stage with aerialists and dancers, and an appearance by the Las Vegas mayor. You can rock out to some of the hottest entertainers around with shows from Lady Gaga at Park MGG; Maroon 5 at Mandalay Bay; and Christina Aguilera at Planet Hollywood. Another great way to see in 2020 is to book a pod on the High Roller the world’s tallest observation wheel for impressive views of Sin City.

5. Paris

It should be little wonder that one of Europe’s most iconic cities makes the list as one of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve. The Eiffel Tower is lit up to mark the occasion and crowds of revelers swarm the Champs-Elysees, which provides fantastic views of the tower. The area turns into a massive street party, with both champagne bottles and fireworks popping everywhere. If you’re looking for something a little different, try Montmarte for excellent views of fireworks without the crowd. If you want something romantic, book a dinner cruise along the Seine and listen to a live orchestra as you sail through the City of Lights. Restaurants and nightclubs also hold soirees, so you have no shortage of options for how to ring in the new year.

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