The best view of most major cities will be from your couch. Most of the major traditional fireworks and celebrations worldwide have been canceled and replaced by smaller television or streaming events.
Here are the places that still hold events and where to see the scaled-down favorites.
New york
Yes, the ball will fall in Times Square and there will be some celebration, but the events are closed to the public. The program is presented for the annual national broadcasts at various stations, although no one waits for hours in the freezing cold, you can still see the events unfold as we count down to midnight.
Los angeles
There will be no public fireworks in Los Angeles this year, which is under a home order. Residents can, however, agree to a virtual countdown party brought to the fore by DJ Steve Aoki, which is described as ‘the biggest virtual NYE dance party on the West Coast’.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Everything is a chance in Dubai to usher in the new year. There are at least 11 places to see the sky rise on December 31, and anyone coming from outside the city to view it must be Covid-19 negative.
Rio de janeiro
Rio has canceled fireworks displays and restricted access to its beaches – including Copacabana’s party venue – to avoid crowds. Instead, there will be an online broadcast of celebrations.
Sydney
Sydney is leaving its traditional public show stopping New Year’s Eve events for smaller celebrations that will be broadcast in public. Instead of a big fireworks display, there will be a smaller exhibit on the Sydney Harbor Bridge at midnight.
Madrid
Unfortunately, people in this usually vibrant city will have to eat their grapes this year. The cultural tradition is usually part of a major event in the city, but due to Covid-19, it will not be the case for 2020.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland’s famous New Year’s Eve celebration is not taking place in person this year, but it will take place online. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will include “Doctor Who” actor David Tennant; the Scots Makar, or national poet, Jackie Kay; Celtic Merger Group Niteworks; and Scottish actors Lorne MacFadyen and Siobhan Redmond. The event is free for everyone worldwide.
New orleans
The Big Easy takes it easy this year. It will still present its part of ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest ‘, but the events will be closed to the public.
Las vegas
The big fireworks in the City of Lights are off this year, but New Year celebrations in Fremont Street and the Plaza Hotel are still a chance. The hotel is still planning to set off fireworks at midnight, and of course the residents as well. Even without the main screen, if you are visiting the city or living there, the sky should be somewhere close.
Paris
No public events will be held for those celebrating the new year in Paris, but there will be a live concert in the Notre Dame Cathedral by composer and performing artist Jean-Michel Jarre.
