5 Wacky Ways to Celebrate New Years’ Eve!

2011 is right around the corner! Forget about massive crowds and over-priced parties – I’ve rounded up a short list of fun, wacky ways to bring in the New Year in odd corners of the world. Whether you are looking to welcome the New Year in style or just enjoy an unusual, memorable time with your loved ones, these ideas will make the year 2011 an eventful one.

1. On the Beach

Looking for a casual, tropical New Years’ Eve celebration? Head to the beach and watch the sea reflect the dazzling fireworks in kaleidoscopic colors. Feel the sand on your feet, dance along to soothing reggae beats and let your hair down. For the biggest and sexiest beach parties on NYE, treat yourself to some amazing Brazilian cuisine and count down to the new year in Rio de Janeiro.

Flickr Photo from Paul Mannix

2. In a Castle

Those with a palette for fine things in life would enjoy New Years’ Eve celebrations of epic proportions: Toast to 2011 at a medieval banquet and revel in the ancient setting while enjoying bubbling champagne. Many castles in Europe organize New Years’ Eve events that promise a regal experience with all-night-long parties. Warwick Castle offers a 5-course banquet followed by a ceilidh while Kilron Castle, Ireland, continues the party at its in-house Dungeon Bar.

Photo from blognapavalley

3. At a Street Festival

Dubbed as the world’s best New Years’ Eve celebrations, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is basically one big street party (about 1,000,000 people). The opening event of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2011 is the spectacular Torchlight Procession, where tens of thousands of torch carriers create a river of fire from the Royal Mile to the Son et Lumiére and fireworks finale on Calton Hill. Watch fireworks light up the skies at the castle at midnight while bands play on the streets and celebrities perform in the park.

Flickr Photo from Robbie Shade

4. On a Train

Celebrate New Year while gliding past glaciers on an awe-inspiring rail journey through Switzerland’s Alpine scenery. The Glacier Express snakes past dramatic snow-capped peaks, deep ravines, frozen waterfalls and historic towns.  Known as the slowest express train in the world, the Glacier Express provides a relaxing and comfortable journey during which you can admire the stunning panoramas. A five-course New Years’ Eve gala dinner is served onboard while a night of music and dance awaits.

Flickr photo by Kevin Poh

5. On a Cruise

For party people out there, put on your best dancing shoes, and celebrate the last day of the year with vigor. New Years’ Eve cruises are quite an intimate way of celebrating with close friends. Expect a sumptuous feast followed by an endless flow of cocktails and champagne before counting down to the New Year. Whether you’re looking to cruise along the Thames in London or watch fireworks while floating by the Sydney Opera House, New Year’s Eve cruises are an excellent way to avoid the crowds and cuddle up with your loved ones.

 Flickr photo by aussiegall

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