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1. Cape Town, South Africa |
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The Kaapse Klopse or Cape Town Minstrel Carnival takes place on January 1st to celebrate the arrival of the New Year in a manner reminiscent of the New Orleans Mardi Gras. The carnival dates back to the 19th century when the slaves of District 6 were allowed a day off. Thousands of entertainers, musicians and dancers parade around the streets, their faces painted white and the raucous banjo music is bound to have your feet tapping in no time.
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2. Miami, Florida |
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Join in the large street party in Miami that surrounds the traditional King Mango Strut festival on New Year’s Eve. This must be one of the wackiest parades in the world with a variety of off-beat and entertaining floats and participants. Following the parade the King Mango Music Massacre brings live music and entertainment to all for the remainder of the afternoon.
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3. Paris, France |
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 Head for the Champs-Elysees in the centre of Paris to be at the very heart of the action. People start to congregate here from around 9pm, bringing their own champagne ready to toast the New Year. From here you can enjoy a good view of the Eiffel Tower as well as the fireworks overhead before continuing your celebrations at one of the many clubs or restaurants in the area. Alternatively, board one of the famous Bateaux Mouches for an evening dining experience, accompanied by festive music as you float past some of the city’s most famous sites. Or join in the elaborate celebrations at the world renowned Moulin Rouge
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4. Manhatten, New York |
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 Join the crowds in Times Square, New York to watch the ball drop at midnight. The evening celebrations include star-studded musical performances, thousands of balloons and pom-poms and a colourful firework display. Everyone begins to congregate early in the afternoon so arrive early to get a good spot. Or book yourself a table at one of the restaurants with a view of the square (TGI Fridays, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Sbarro Pizza, Olive Garden and Foley's Fish House) and enjoy the atmosphere alongside a hearty meal, New York style.
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5. Edinburgh, UK |
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Enjoy Hogmanay in Edinburgh as the Princes Street Gardens are brought to life with a vast range of musical acts for one of the biggest parties of the year. This year it promises to be bigger and better than ever - with 4 live stages, an amazing laser and light-show and a whole extra hour of partying.
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6. Prague, Czech Republic |
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New Year in Prague is an amazing experience . Plan ahead and make a reservation at Hergetova Cihelna Restaurant in Mala Stran near Charles Bridge – one of Prague's coolest riverside venues. Enjoy live music and dancing till the early hours as well as fabulous views of the fireworks from the riverside terrace. Other alternatives include party and jazz cruises along the river and there are plenty of local restaurants offering New Year menus, within a short walk of the river for the best of the fireworks - many restaurants will even offer diners a bottle of champagne to take with them.
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7. Sydney, Australia |
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 Where better to see in the New Year than the balcony of the Sydney Opera House as you watch the harbour light up? Start your evening with drinks at 5pm, before tucking into a delicious pre-show dinner overlooking the harbour. Then sit back to enjoy an evening of amazing music with an interval timed to catch the Family Fireworks at 9pm. Then dance the night away at the famous Midnight Party. If you’d rather join the crowds downtown Sydney, then make your way to the harbour and, as well as the Family Fireworks at 9, you can enjoy the Harbour of Light Parade when over 50 illuminated vessels will make a circuit of the harbour. But make sure you don’t miss the fireworks at Midnight - fifteen months of planning go into this joyous celebration.
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8. Morzine, France |
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The New Year holiday is a popular time to head for the slopes and Morzine joins in the holiday spirit with a lively programme of entertainment for New Year’s Eve, including a spectacular torchlight descent and culminating in a colourful firework display.
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9. Florence, Italy |
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Take a short break and combine your New Year (Capodanno) celebrations with a cultural discovery in Florence. At midnight, make your way to Piazza della Signoria to see in the New Year. The atmophere is lively and the local tradition is to throw fireworks and prosecco bottles onto the flagstones to ring in the New Year. If you are looking to make it a truly special occasion, dine in style in the elegant Palazzo Gaddi. Those who love classic music should make their way to the live concert in Piazza Pitti, to hear the Wiener Kammer Solisten Orchestra and for the young at heart, there is a free public party in the old market square Piazza Sant’Ambrogio) with live entertainment and dancing till dawn.
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