Somehow or another November is already upon us, meaning that it’s not long now until fireworks flash in the night sky to bring yet another year to a close. If you’re anything like us here at dealchecker, you’ll leave your party plans to the last minute and end up in the pub down the road squinting at the countdown on a tiny screen with an overpriced drink in your hand. Avoid the last minute rush this year, and plan your New Year’s Eve somewhere a tad more exciting and exotic to welcome 2020!

1. New York

Few places celebrate the festive season quite like New York City. From Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day the city is seemingly in permanent party mode, so where better to celebrate the new year than in the city that never sleeps? Make like in the movies and head to Times Square, which throws perhaps the most notorious New Year’s bash in the world. See the famous ball drop, fireworks light up the sky and megastars perform (past acts have included Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift). Remember to get there early and wear your warmest clothes – temperatures often drop below freezing!

2. Orlando

Every year Orlando throws more New Year’s Eve parties than it has theme parks – and that’s saying something! Disney World alone has several – for both families and adults only – and Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and even Legoland have their fair share of shindigs. If you want to avoid the resorts, downtown Orlando is chock-full of bars and nightclubs, each offering a unique celebration, while the entertainment venues at the International Drive precinct are all hellbent on helping revellers party.

3. Sydney

Sydney’s majestic harbour is painted in vibrant colours come midnight (and 9pm for families), in one of the biggest fireworks displays in the world! See the Sydney Harbour Bridge explode into light from one of many waterfront vantage points around the harbour, joined by some one million others (plus another one billion watching the broadcast around the world). Fireworks are also set off from barges floating on the harbour, nearby skyscrapers and the Opera House. Not only does Sydney’s balmy weather make it a pleasant experience, but you don’t even have to buy tickets to nab prime position – viewing the festivities from public places is free!

4. Dubai

You only need to look at the Burj Khalifa to know that Dubai does nothing by halves – and New Year’s Eve is no exception! While you might expect to fork out big bucks in this notoriously expensive city, it’s actually incredible easy to see the city’s huge fireworks displays for nothing. Head to the Dubai Fountain at the foot of the Burj Khalifa to see its light and water show, or to nearby Souk Al Bahar for another great vantage point. If you want to feel the sand between your toes, all public beaches are free and offer great views of the sky’s festivities – head to Sunset Beach for the best sightline!

5. Edinburgh

Hogmanay is the Scots’ name for New Year’s Eve – and while it was traditionally celebrated by visiting friends and family with whisky and a lump of coal, Edinburgh has thankfully seen sense and can now boast one of the most exciting new year’s celebrations in the world. Running over three days, it starts with a torchlit procession through Edinburgh’s historical heart on December 30th, and is followed by a huge street party on New Year’s Eve – with a hearty rendition of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ of course! The next day, join thousands of other revellers for a chilly dip in the River Forth.

6. Berlin

Berlin is a city that never shies away from a party, and come the 31st of December, it seems like the entire German capital comes out to celebrate! Join one million others on the two-kilometre stretch between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column to watch musical acts and fireworks. Many bridges crossing the River Spree also offer fantastic vantage points.

7. Hong Kong

Watch Hong Kong’s famous skyline burst into a riot of colour at the stroke of midnight. Fireworks, LED displays and lasers rocket to the sky from skyscrapers and the middle of Victoria Harbour, stretching for more than a kilometre! It’s said that pretty much anywhere in Hong Kong will get you a great view point of the lights, but the Kowloon side of the harbour will give you the best sightline to the Convention Centre, which is the centrepiece for some of the best fireworks.

8. Rome

The Eternal City has seen more New Year’s celebrations than most, so it’s a dab hand at throwing a killer bash! The party starts when Palatine Hill’s ancient monuments are lit up early in the evening, and continues with street parties in famous spots including Circus Maximus, around the Coliseum, and from atop Rome’s seven hills, which offer great vantage points from which to see the fireworks. Celebrations continue until 8am, with a movie marathon, more street parties, and musical performances to welcome the first sunrise of the year.

9. Auckland

Auckland is the first major city in the world to say hello to the new year, so beat your mates to the punch by celebrating with the locals. Sky City has the biggest fireworks display, which is visible around the city – but head to Devonport, the Auckland Domain or Mt Eden for some of the best views. If you’re after a party, the city centre and Ponsonby are the places to be, with bars, clubs and restaurants ringing in the new year in style with plenty of sparkling wine and music!

10. Bangkok

Bangkok’s spectacular skyline perfectly lends itself to its new year’s fireworks displays. Head to the front of Central World shopping mall for the city’s famous countdown to midnight, as well as a host of performances by Thai musicians and celebrities. You can also catch a boat down the Chao Phraya river to see the party from the water without interruption, or for something a little more different, and low key, join Thai Buddhists in one of the many temples sprinkled across the city.