AS THE WORLD TURNS
World's Best New Year's Eve Parties
It's every city's favorite excuse for a party. Here are ten spectacular ways to ring in 2011.
Hong Kong: Reaching for the stars
The waterfront promenade Tsim Sha Tsui is a fine vantage point to take in the midnight pyrotechnics above the city's tallest building, 2 ifc. For an even more memorable view, jump aboard the Shining Star Ferry for a two-hour cruise of Victoria Harbour. It departs from the Tsim Sha Tsui pier, $24 per adult. Details: discoverhongkong.com. Hot tip: A carnival in Sha Tin Park will include Latin American music, Brazilian dance, magic, and games. It's a 15-minute tram ride from downtown (plus a roughly 7-minute walk). Photos: 1 of 2
Las Vegas: The glittering Strip
Vegas lives up to its rep as a party town on December 31, with a massive light display and performances by well known entertainers. The Strip hosts the free portion of America's Party, an extravaganza with a fireworks display launching from various spots. On Fremont Street, folks pay $20 a head to see Tribute-Palooza, a set of eight bands that imitate major acts like U2, Aerosmith, and No Doubt. Pop diva Fergie will also be hosting the Vegas portion of Dick Clark New Year's Rockin' Eve broadcast. Details: For Fremont Street, see vegasexperience.com. For the Strip, see visitlasvegas.com. Hot tip: The Las Vegas Monorail runs until 3 a.m.; a special one-day pass costs $14. Photos: 1 of 1
New Orleans: Gumbo and pigskin
As in years past, New Orleans puts its own twist on New York City's ball drop. Its spotlit giant gumbo pot drops from the Jax Brewery at midnight. Its fall prompts a nightlong bar crawl in the historic French Quarter. Come January 1st, the city's Sugar Bowl will match up the University of Florida Gators and the University of Cincinnati Bearcats. Details: neworleansonline.com. Hot tip: Hop the ferry from Canal Street to Algiers Point (friendsoftheferry.org), where you can get a comparatively peaceful view of fireworks. The free ferry departs every 30 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to midnight on New Year's Eve. Photos: 1 of 1
Reykjavík: Fantasy and flames
Icelandic law allows a firework free-for-all on New Year's Eve, making for a raucous night in the capital city. Friends and neighbors sing folk songs at roughly half-a-dozen bonfires scattered across Reykjavík. Note that on this holiday, local bars and clubs open a little after midnight. Details: visitreykjavik.is. Hot tip: Temperatures typically dip to about 28 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmest way to enjoy the celebrations is to take a coach tour. Iceland Excursions' Gray Line stops at the largest bonfires for $72 per adult. A midnight toast of sparkling wine is included, of course. Photos: 1 of 1
NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTIES
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