How 2016 was born, in bright lights

The New Year always starts off, not with a whimper, but a bang.

Traditionally, fireworks were used to ring in the new year because the noise and sparks would scare away the evil spirits of the old year and leave things cleansed for the new year to begin. A quaint belief, but these days, the tradition is an excuse to stage a spectacular show of lights and sounds as the countdown reaches midnight. And the Lord said, let there be light! Peonies! Chrysanthemums! Palms! Diadems! Kamuro! Spiders! And everything else in the fireworks effect menagerie.

It also encourages a game of one-upmanship, as cities worldwide vie and compete to have ‘The Best Fireworks Ever’. Who are the nominees for this prestigious award? They are all winners, but these are our picks for the best New Year Fireworks displays of 2016. And for those planning early, where best to catch these displays next year. 

Sydney, Australia (Timezone: UTC+10)
The second major metropolis to ring in the New Year, Sydney’s fireworks show uses the landmark Sydney Harbour Bridge as the focal point of its spectacle, which cost a massive A$7 million (RM21.8 million) this year. Long regarded as the best displays in the world, Sydney’s 2016 show was themed ‘City of Colour’, with a kaleidoscope of hues and a waterfall of golden sparks illuminating the Sydney Opera House.

BEST PLACE TO WATCH: In the world’s largest natural harbour. Numerous cruises are offered, providing front row seat to the theatrics. For a bit more privacy, hire a private yacht for the day (try Sydney Harbour Escapes) or bring your own (mooring available at Davis Marinas). The City of Sydney publishes a list of guidelines, as well as recommended vantage points. 

Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Timezone: UTC+8)
You don’t really want to be on Hong Kong island when the clock strikes midnight each January 1. Instead, the place to be is Tsim Sha Tsui at the tip of Kowloon, where the territory’s panorama of skyscrapers unleashes a coordinated onslaught of fireworks that lasts eight minutes – the luckiest number in Chinese culture.

BEST PLACE TO WATCH: aqua spirit in One Peking is in prime position for the show, with its soaring glass façade and the vista it affords. This year, aqua hosted its Nude Noir Party, an evening of leather and lace and free-flowing drinks to welcome in the New Year; no doubt an even more titillating event is planned next year.

London, UK (Timezone: UTC+0)
For decades, Londoners welcomed the New Year with a limp display at the Houses of Parliament and Trafalgar Square. Since the millennium though, London has got its groove back, and pulls off one of the world’s best shows on the banks of the Thames, where the London Eye is. Midnight is met with a hush, as the nearby Big Ben chimes twelve times. Then an obscene amount of fireworks packed into the giant Ferris wheel goes off, accompanied by a rocking soundtrack and British tropes.

BEST PLACE TO WATCH: Unlike Sydney or Hong Kong, London’s firework display is more contained and confined. Tickets for the best embankment standing places are sold in advance, but we prefer the plush comfort of The Royal Horseguards Hotel directly opposite the festivities. The Corinthia is an equally good bet. 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Timezone: UTC-3)
New Year’s Eve in Rio is always a lavish affair, but this year is particularly special. This year is the year that Rio will host the Olympics, the first South American city to have that honour. Naturally, the main stage for the party is the Copacabana, a four kilometre dress circle to the cavalcade of fireworks exploding out at sea. Tear your eyes away from the pyrotechnics and you might notice that most people are in white, symbolising a hope for peace in the New Year.

BEST PLACE TO WATCH: If mingling with millions is not your idea of celebrating the coming of a new year, then the Copacabana Palace is what the therapist ordered. The last word in luxury on the beachfront, this is the home of the very rich and the very famous when they descend upon Rio. 

Times Square, New York City, USA (Timezone: UTC-4)
New Year’s Eve in Manhattan is always a ball. Specifically a ball covered in 2,700 Waterford crystal triangles and lit by some 32,000 LED lights that begins descending at 11.59 sharp, reaching its destination at exactly midnight. Then, scores of fireworks go off and several tons of confetti descend upon the gathered crowd. And then, as is tradition in America, a kiss on the lips.

BEST PLACE TO WATCH: Brave the bitter Manhattan cold or enjoy cocktails in the slinkiest setting in Times Square? The vantage point of R Lounge at Two Times Square – front row seats to the world’s most anticipated countdown – makes that decision an easy one.