This New Year… go global

Kick off 2012 with a trip overseas. With celebrations planned all over the world, Jo Caruana takes a look at some of the very best spots to usher in the New Year.

Tokyo

Shinto New Year ceremony in Tokyo. Photo: AFP

It’s not exactly on our doorstep, but a Japanese New Year would certainly set you on the right track for a 2012 that’s a little bit special. Celebrations kick off on December 29 and don’t show signs of waning until January 4, at least.

Most celebrations take place in the streets, with people flowing out of the clubs and restaurants, all mingling to the pleasing backdrop of singing, dancing and fireworks.

Join in with locals by chowing down on the traditional New Year’s Eve noodle, known as toshikoshi soba, while listening to Juya No Kane (Watch-Night Bell). Both traditions promise good things – the noodle symbolises a long and healthy life, while the bell rings out across the country exactly 108 times, hopefully saving those who hear it from a life of poverty and unhappiness.

Alternatively, for something really different, you can join the crowds doing the hatsumode, the year’s first visit to a shrine or temple.

Then, on January 1, take the rare opportunity to trawl through the Imperial Palace – as this is one of only two days when the public are invited inside each year.

London

Big Ben chimes at midnight and street parties take place along the banks of the Thames in London.

A little closer to home, but just as much fun – London is one of the New Year capitals of the world. If we had to pick one place to see in 2012, it would probably be from within the vicinity of the 135-metre London Eye, which projects a lights show across the British capital.

Big Ben chimes at midnight and street parties take place along the banks of the Thames.

For something a little different, culture vultures could also choose to book a West End show on the night, and then usher in the New Year by partying with the cast and crew.

Sydney

It’s hard to beat the sight of fireworks over Sydney Harbour.

Few cities are as renowned for their New Year celebrations as the Australian capital, and Sydney is helped by the fact it will be one of the first spots in the world to see in 2012.

In truth, it really is hard to beat the sight of fireworks exploding over Sydney Harbour – and the warm weather won’t hurt either.

For a truly incredible experience, book a place aboard one of the boats in the harbour and really get in on the amazing action.

This year’s theme is ‘Time to Dream’ and the city is inviting all those present to share their dreams, hopes and aspirations for the year ahead.

New York

Can it ever get better than New York at New Year? I didn’t think so… the city that never sleeps certainly stays wide awake on December 31, as millions of people flock to Times Square to watch the Waterford Crystal New Year’s Eve Ball descending from the flagpole on top of the One Times Square building. You’ll need to get there as early as 3 p.m. to secure a good spot in the centre, but the spectacle is well worth the wait.

Meanwhile, a Times Square All Access Pass (www.timessquarenewyears.com) will ensure you get the most out of the experience.

Krakow

Poland may not be the obvious choice for a New Year getaway, but perhaps it should be, as the city of Krakow is well-known for hosting one of the best parties in eastern Europe. The main market square comes to life early in the evening, amid (almost guaranteed) flurries of snow. Soak up the atmosphere of around 100,000 revellers drinking glühwein (a popular type of mulled wine) and nibbling aromatic roasted chestnuts.

Best of all, the organisers love to surprise those present, so it’s not always clear which artists will be thrilling the crowds until they actually get there.

Budapest

If you don’t fancy the madness of a pub crawl on New Year’s Eve this year, why not swap all that for a spa crawl instead? The thermal springs of the Hungarian capital have been drawing people to this charming city for over 2,000 years, and most stay open late to see in the New Year.

We love Széchenyi Gyógyfürdo and its myriad of thermal pools, as well as Gellért Gyógyfürdo, a true example of the city’s style and elegance.

New Year’s Eve: Best place for...

Family time: Disneyland Paris, the obvious choice for kids of all ages, and where the entire resort comes alive with an extra sprinkling of magic for the festive season.

Complete relaxation: Morocco, where you can indulge in a weeklong programme designed to kickstart body and mind.

Ignoring it: Ethiopia, where December 31 is of no significance whatsoever.