Epicurean adventurers won’t want to miss the annual BeerFest at Royal Park on the waterfront, where over 200 varieties of craft beer, cider, cocktails and wine are served alongside street food such as sea urchin dumplings and bolani (Afghan stuffed flatbread). Expect food-and-wine pairings and masterclasses, plus comedy sets and kids’ activities like puppet shows.

While partygoers flock to watch the countdown at Tokyo Tower, outdoorsy types make the pilgrimage to Yakuoin Temple atop Mount Takao, less than an hour from the city by train. Hike the 600-metre high peak to witness local priests perform fire rituals during geikosai, the “festival to welcome the light” at sunrise.

It might be one of the smallest metropolises in the world, but Singapore punches well above its weight when it comes to New Year’s Eve festivities. The fireworks display at the sprawling hotel complex Marina Bay Sands runs for more than 70 minutes with dazzling pyrotechnics, state-of-the-art light projections and immersive sound effects.

This colonial town in Mexico’s central highlands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has long seduced visitors with its Spanish Baroque architecture and thriving art scene. But things step up a notch as fireworks burst into joyous colour over the neo-Gothic church in the main plaza, El Jardín. Watch from the Rosewood’s chic rooftop bar, Luna.

Nassau kicks off the new year with Junkanoo, an exuberant street parade that dates back to the 16th century. Whistles, horns and drums begin blaring after midnight, with a procession of brightly costumed dancers and lively musicians making their way down Bay Street well after the sun comes up.

Families will love seeing the thundering 57-metre falls illuminated in a rainbow of hues. Celebrations include live music, two fireworks shows and some 75 twinkling installations in the annual Winter Festival of Lights (think: a 3D moose and giant candy canes). Stroll the Hot Chocolate Trail to sip seasonal flavours like gingerbread.

Not into standing up all night? Head to this rugged island on the Baltic Sea, home of “beach chair New Year’s Eve” (Strandkorbsilvester). Dine at the restaurant on Sellin Pier before relaxing in a wicker chair on the sand, watching the fireworks and warming up with a mug of mulled wine. 

Bask in the last sunset of the year from the top of Table Mountain, the imposing plateau 1067 metres above Cape Town. Catch the cable car down before making your way to the V&A Waterfront, where you can ride the Cape Wheel, snack on braai (South African barbeque) and be wowed by carnival performers.

New Year’s Eve is known as Silvester in Austria, marked by the exchange of marzipan pigs for luck and waltzing in the streets to the Blue Danube. Follow the New Year’s Path through the historic city centre to St Stephen’s Cathedral, where the giant Pummerin bell rings in the new year.

Locals set off their own fireworks in the Icelandic capital, meaning you can pretty much party anywhere. You’ll also find community bonfires throughout the snow-covered streets, hear docked ships blow their horns and dance with crowds outside Hallgrímskirkja Church. Recover with a sauna at the hip harbourside Exeter Hotel.

New Orleans might be more famous for Mardi Gras, but the city also puts on a serious show for New Year’s Eve. Spend the afternoon taking in the French Quarter’s jazz bands and balcony parties before heading to Jackson Square to watch the Fleur De Lis drop and lights blaze across the sky over the Mississippi.

A whopping two million people gather on Copacabana Beach for fireworks, Champagne and live music (including samba, naturally). Brazilians wear white on NYE, a tradition that’s thought to bring peace and prosperity, but don’t pick anything too precious – after the fireworks are over it’s customary to run into the ocean and jump seven waves while making seven wishes.

The temperature can get as low as -8°C in December on the arctic border of Finland and Sweden, but that doesn’t stop the party. In fact, locals celebrate twice – first with fireworks on the Finnish side, followed by crossing the bridge, border and time zone to Haparanda to do it all again an hour later.

This seaside community on the Dorset coast is best known for pebbly Chesil Beach (and Ian McEwan's acclaimed novel). It also hosts a huge town-wide fancy-dress New Year’s Eve party, dubbed “Weybiza” by locals. Join revellers around the Jubilee Clock on the esplanade as all manner of characters countdown to midnight.

If a raucous full moon party is on your wishlist, there’s no better spot than Haad Rin on Sunrise Beach. Not one for crowds? The sumptuous Anantara resort on the more subdued east coast of Koh Pha-Ngan hosts a private beachfront masquerade party complete with cocktails, canapes and fire dancers.

The Ultimate Guide to Exploring New Zealand’s Doubtful Sound