As New Year’s Eve approaches and we bring in 2024, tens of thousands will be heading out to watch a magical firework display. In Britain, we love fireworks with 100,000 people congregating along the banks of the River Thames and millions tuning in from home*.

Each nation celebrates the turn of the year quite differently, but one unanimous theme that runs across the world is fireworks – because it just doesn’t feel like New Year’s Eve if there isn’t a huge display of exploding light, does it?

From London’s iconic show creating a kaleidoscopic backdrop over the London Eye, to the world-famous light display over Sydney’s Opera House, many cities have a well-deserved reputation for throwing an exquisite New Year’s Eve party.

“Whether you are ready to say a firm goodbye to 2023 or reminiscing on what has been a year of triumph, the 31st of December is a great excuse to get together with family or friends. And there’s no better way to celebrate than going to a firework display.

All over the world, cities host the most extravagant New Year’s Eve celebrations, offering far more than simply just a few fireworks – so why not try heading overseas to join in the fun?”

To help you have a New Year’s Eve you’ll never forget Gordon Nardini, Head of Innovation at Ambassador Cruise Line, has compiled some of the best places worldwide to watch fireworks.

Auckland, New Zealand

Over in New Zealand, Auckland’s annual firework display captures the attention of viewers worldwide. Being one of the easternmost major cities in the world, Auckland is among the first to welcome the new year and is a tough act to follow with the fireworks bursting over the magnificent Sky Tower and Auckland’s picturesque harbour.

In addition, the celebration often incorporates elements of New Zealand’s rich Māori culture, adding a unique and local flair to the celebration. From traditional performances to cultural displays and art installations, this New Year’s Eve party fuses old-age traditions with the modern New Year’s Eve festivities.

Sydney, Australia

Shortly after New Zealand, the Ozzy’s kick off the new year with a bang – quite literally.

The major firework display in Sydney takes place at Sydney Harbour, with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge providing a magnificent backdrop.

And the best bit – on January 1st, Australia is steamrolling into summer meaning after dancing the night away you can take advantage of the beautiful beaches and say cheers to the new year with a glass of champers in the sun.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach hosts a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with a grand firework display. As one of the most vibrant turn-of-year bonanzas in the world, Copacabana Beach is renowned for its grandeur and electrifying atmosphere.

With its sprawling coastline and towering Sugarloaf Mountain, the magnificent natural setting provides an excellent backdrop for an unforgettable display.

Plus, the festivities in Rio offer more than just a firework display. With live music, dance performances and traditional Brazilian rituals continuing well into the night, this celebration is a one of a kind experience.

Marina Bay, Singapore

Marina Bay hosts a breathtaking New Year’s Eve display over Singapore’s famous landmarks such as the Singapore Flyer and the ArtScience Museum – a skyline to take anyone’s breath away.

But what sets Marina Bay’s show apart from other fireworks demonstrations across the world is the laser show. Accompanying the 12-minute firework display is a modern high-tech light projection. Displayed onto the facades of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, this light show adds a futuristic feeling to the festivities.

London, England

With many vantage points across the city such as Primrose Hill, Parliament Hill and Gipsy Hill providing a 360-degree view of the entire cityscape, celebrating the beginning of the new year in London can be mesmerising. From one of these elevated points, you will be able to watch the array of colours erupt over some of London’s well-known landmarks including The Shard, St Pauls Cathedral and Canary Wharf.

What’s more the River Thames is transformed, for one night only, into a dynamic stage. As the fireworks dance across the night sky, always accompanied by the latest hit songs, this inaugural show will have you shouting “encore”.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

In one of Malaysia’s most bustling cities, Kuala Lumpur’s infamous firework display erupts over the stunning backdrop of the Petronas Towers and KL Tower.

Plus, as the citizens of Kuala Lumpa bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one, the City Centre Park becomes a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. Within the park, you will find traditional bands and dance performances showcasing Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage creating a unique and authentic experience as you count down to the beginning of the new year.