As we head into December and get ready for the festive season, we get excited about all things Christmassy. From the food, music and family time to the wonderful celebrations and thoughtfully selected gifts. One thing that is celebrated globally is New Years Eve – this is a time when a lot of people reflect on the year that has passed and everything they may have achieved within that time. They also look to the future and all the things they want from the year ahead and how they plan to make this year the best so far!

Here at O Beach Ibiza celebration is our middle name and we love to explore the globe and learn about all the wonderful cultures and traditions that makes the world so beautifully diverse. 

Maybe 2019 will be the year you choose to spread your wings and spend your NYE in another magnificent part of the world? So with that in mind we thought we would share with you some of our favourite New Year destinations!

Amsterdam – Netherlands 

Amsterdam is a bustling city full of cool, quirky contemporary bars and restaurants. The settings are idyllic with beautiful canals to explore and traditional features that makes for a very inviting welcome at any time of year but even more cosy at New Year.

If you are looking for a place to party then the possibilities are endless, the annual Awakenings party at the Gashouder is always a winner, attracting thousands from all over the world. Or you could try Loveland NYE at the Midhaven, but be sure to get your tickets soon as these are always a sell-out.

A big tradition here is eating Olliebollen at Midnight washed down with Champagne. Olliebollen is deep fried dough balls which you can buy from street vendors throughout the town. You will often see the Dutch with piles of them just before the countdown. This is a widespread Dutch tradition which comes from the Germanic myth in which they were eaten to ward off evil spirits. I mean anything involving eating donuts sounds good to us!

When it comes to fireworks they are only sold a few days around NYE in the Netherlands so if you decide to roam the canals you will be sure to see some of the locals DIY displays as everyone goes a bit fireworks mad!

Australia- Sydney 

Why not go down under for NYE and celebrate while soaking in the golden Australian sun, topping up your tan and entering the New Year feeling fresh and ready for 2019.

Sydney Harbour is jaw dropping at the best of times, so as you can imagine over New Year the energy is electric with an outdoor celebration welcoming adults and children with two separate fireworks displays at 9pm and 12pm.

If you are looking to celebrate while soaking up the Australian culture, why not try the infamous Opera Bar, this NYE bash has been running for 16 years and every year it gets better. This year they welcome Hot Dub Time Machine, who will take you on an historical musical journey into 2019. Expect lots of energy with a DJ playing the best House, Pop and Rock tracks until early hours of the next morning. 

Hong Kong 

Every year thousands flock here to enjoy NYE Hong Kong style as there is so much to do in this vibrant city. The busy Victoria Harbour in Downtown Hong Kong put on a spectacular light and sound show, ‘The ‘Sympathy of Lights’, where the iconic Skyline is illuminated in an impressive display of colours and can be enjoyed from a number of vantage points. Or you can absorb this spectacular display while taking a cruise around the harbour, seeing the New year off in style!

As this is one of the most progressive cities why not try seeing the New Year in from one of their many rooftop bars allowing you to have a clear view of the phenomenal celebrations down below for an experience you won’t forget!

Berlin – Germany 

Berlin Hosts one of the biggest street parties in Europe between Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column. This huge open air party welcomes people from all over to celebrate with live band performances, DJ’s and a magnificent fireworks display at midnight. 

This is a full day of celebrations with gates opening at 2pm allowing visitors to come and enjoy the rehearsals, with the main event starting at 6:30pm and continuing through until early hours of the morning!

If you want to experience one of Europe’s most diverse music scenes then Berlin is definitely the place. Techno was born here so why not try one of their many NYE parties, such as  HYTE-Party in Funkhaus Berlin; the music is second to none with previous line ups including Adam Byer, Richie Hawtin and Pan-Pot to name a few.

Vietnam 

Vietnam is a beautiful Asian country with many fascinating places to visit. Not only is it full of history and culture with picturesque settings but the food is bursting with flavour – and a lot of it is incredibly healthy. You have an amazing choice of cities to choose from when it comes to celebrating NYE including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Ho Chi Minh City.  There is one event in particular that we couldn’t write this blog without giving a mention to, and that is Epizode Festival located in the largest island Phu Quoc. This 11 DAY festival is not for the faint hearted with a phenomenal line up including Apollonia, Seth Troxler, Steve Lawler, Goldie, TiNI and the flawless line up continues. This festival brings you the very best of House, techno and DnB for a NYE all your friends will be jealous of!!