(CNN) — From world-famous cities to lesser-known locations, these are the best places on the planet to welcome the New Year, offering everything from stunning fireworks displays and all-night parties to breathtaking views and traditional festivals.
For many countries, this year will mark the return to the wild celebrations of the pre-Covid years — so raise a glass and start 2023 with a bang!
Dubai
Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, lit up for New Year’s Eve celebrations in 2017.
GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/AFP via Getty Images
Last year, billions of people tuned in to watch the spectacular fireworks and light show at the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, according to its developer Emaar. This year, the organizers plan to break new records and the building will feature the world’s largest laser display, accompanied by fireworks and a synchronized water show from the nearby Dubai Fountain.
Taipei, Taiwan
NYE sees the Taipei 101, the world’s 10th tallest building, light up with one of the planet’s most spectacular fireworks displays. This year’s theme is “Taipei is the Future,” and it will see 16,000 fireworks set off over the course of five minutes. The show will be supported by laser lights and music, with an A-list of local celebrities and performers leading up to the countdown.
Barcelona
New Year’s Eve fireworks light up in Barcelona, Spain, on December 31, 2016.
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A city that boasts some of the best nightlife and festivals in Europe is a sure-fire destination for New Year’s Eve. Crowds gather in Plaça d’Espanya to watch the main fireworks display, and to sample a local tradition that’s not for the faint of heart, go to Plaça Catalunya, where people gather to drink Cava before throwing the empty bottles into the middle of the square.
Cape Town
After two years where Covid restrictions put a damper on its NYE celebrations, the city’s V&A Waterfront will light up on December 31 with pyrotechnics and partying. Live entertainment starts at 7 p.m. with Table Mountain making a fantastic backdrop to the festivities. The Cape Malay Choirs Parade features music and dancing, and starts at 9.30 pm on Darling Street, at Grand Parade.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Riyadh’s “Winter Wonderland” is seen in November 2021.
Wang Haizhou/Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images
With its “Riyadh Season” winter entertainment initiative, the Saudi capital is emerging as a New Year’s Eve destination. This year, it offers 15 entertainment zones, which include the world’s biggest artificial lake, multiple firework displays and a Winter Wonderland that runs until December 31. Arab music stars will perform on New Year’s Eve at the Mohammed Abdo Arena Boulevard Riyadh City, and the Noor Riyadh citywide festival of light and art also runs through the winter.
New York City
The quintessential New Year’s Eve spot, Times Square in New York gets seriously packed with people on the day, and the event is even streamed online …….