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The home of a friend, a simple pub, an upscale restaurant or trendy club all make fitting venues to greet the coming of a new year. But when it comes to throwing a party on Dec. 31, several European cities pull out all the stops. If meeting 2013 in the center of a buzzing metropolis in the company of thousands of other revelers sounds appealing, here are five places where new year celebrations will reach fever pitch:
BerlinThe party of all parties takes place in Germany’s capital. The Brandenburg Gate is the focal point around which about a million guests flock annually to mark the new year. Between the gate and the Siegessäule stretches a “party mile” lined with stands offering food, drink, kitschy mementos and anything else needed for a party. Live bands play on stages scattered along the party zone — this year’s acts include Loreen, Stanfour, Oceana und R.I.O. featuring U-Jean, with other top-name performers yet to be announced.
Berlin’s fireworks display at midnight is broadcast to TV screens throughout the country.
Plan a night out at http://tinyurl.com/dyxvq7.
Edinburgh, ScotlandGiving Berlin a run for its money is the party in Edinburgh known as Hogmanay. Revelers will need stamina to keep up with a program of events stretching over three days.
On Dec. 30, a torchlight procession departs Chambers Street at 6:30 p.m., arriving at Calton Hill for a sound-and-light show shortly before 8 p.m. Festivities will be led by Shetland’s Up Helly Aa’ Vikings and massed pipes and drums. Entry is free.
Those wishing to take part in the street parties on New Year’s Eve must be older than 16 and have a ticket. The biggest one attracts some 80,000 guests and unfolds against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Giant screens, outdoor bars, DJs and top musical acts are followed by fireworks at midnight, along with the world’s biggest collective performance of “Auld Lang Syne.” Entry costs 15 pounds.
A ceilidh and concert in the West Princes Street Gardens take place simultaneously and are also ticket-only events.
On New Year’s Day, sled dog races get underway at noon in Holyrood Park.
The Loony Dook Grand Parade departs from South Queensferry at 1:30 p.m. and heads down to River Forth, where brave swimmers embark on a winter’s dip.
Find more details at www.edinburghshogmanay.com.
Dublin, IrelandThe NYE Dublin Festival on Dec. 31 kicks off a yearlong celebration of Irish culture and heritage known as The Gathering. The celebration starts at 6:30 p.m. from College Park with a People’s Procession of Light created by walkers holding LED lights and lanterns. Performing artists, stilt walkers and musicians will lead the way.
A free fireworks display will be launched over St. Stephen’s Green at 8 p.m.
From 8:30 p.m., College Green is the venue for a Countdown Concert. Entry is limited to those older than 18 who have a ticket, which costs 20 euros. The party atmosphere builds with numerous musical acts and illuminations projected onto Trinity College.
On New Year’s Day, a “Big Brunch” takes place in the Temple Bar area, with free family-oriented entertainment. Find more at http://nyedublin.ie.
LondonOn Dec. 31, crowds start gathering early on both sides of the Thames River in hopes of securing a good viewing position for the fireworks that go off above the London Eye. The areas between Waterloo and Lambeth bridges are the most sought-after. Access to the designated spectator areas is closed off as they reach maximum capacity. The fireworks display is broadcast on large screens set up in Trafalgar Square. From 11:45 p.m. until 4:30 a.m. Jan. 1, public transportation is free. London’s New Year’s Day parade is simply huge. It starts at 11:45 a.m. on Piccadilly Circus next to the Berkeley Street junction outside the Ritz Hotel and winds up some three hours later on Parliament Street. The parade route takes in Lower Regent Street, Waterloo Place, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. More than 10,000 marchers from throughout the world perform in the parade, while crowds of up to half a million pack the streets to witness the spectacle. Get details at www.londonparade.co.uk.
Vienna, AustriaThe Old City is transformed into a party zone from 2 p.m. on Dec. 31. Visitors can embark upon a New Year’s Path with numerous stops en route that provide entertainment in the form of shows, waltzes, an operetta, various genres of music and DJs. Vienna’s dance schools offer crash courses on waltzing on Stephansplatz. Some of the best views of the fireworks are at the Prater and Heldenplatz. On New Year’s Day, the traditional concert of the Vienna Philharmonic is broadcast on a “video wall” at the City Hall Square at 11 a.m.; those who overindulged the night before can recover with the “Hangover Brunch.” Find Vienna’s program of events at http://tinyurl.com/yho7yl3.Whatever the venue, revellers are advised to dress for the weather, choose a fixed rendezvous point in the event of separation from friends, and to keep their wits about them, because it’s common for party goers to bring along a small arsenal of fireworks for personal use. Be safe, have fun and happy travels in 2013!