3 sophisticated European locations to celebrate the New Year in style

There are many different ways in which you can choose to celebrate your New Year – these ideas will let you customise your own celebrations, enjoy the luxury and savour many of the benefits of a top class hotel in the intimacy of your own accommodation. Three ideas that promise to provide a New Year’s celebration in comfort, style and, of course, that goes with a bang! Paris In France, New Year celebrations continue throughout January to the 1st of February. Locals send postcards and gifts to each other and one of the most romantic cities in Europe encapsulates the meaning of New Year wishes. Head to the Champs-Elysées – a real party atmosphere where people gather, bringing a bottle and plastic flutes to toast the New Year. A variety of dining and dancing choices can be found and with many points on the Champs-Elysées offering views of the Eiffel Tower which is illuminated by stunning fireworks at midnight – a great location for New Year celebrations. The Montmartre street party is slightly less exuberant than the Champs-Elysées but nonetheless a fun way to welcome the New Year. Again there are plenty of bars, clubs, cabarets and restaurants. Montmartre has great views of the city ensuring you can enjoy the firework displays at midnight. Paris is renowned for its culinary sophistication and there are many great restaurants to choose from spanning most budgets. Booking for New Year is recommended! London London is vibrant, cosmopolitan, diverse in its culture and rich in history. New Year’s Eve brings all these aspects of the city’s personality together and the city becomes alive with celebrations, parties and spectacular firework displays. The New Year Operetta Matinee at St Martin-in-the-Fields is situated in the bustling Trafalgar Square. Young stars present a stunning selection of arias and scenes from operas and operettas. Once the show has finished you’ll be spoilt for choice for dining out with Convent Garden just a short walk away. The Mayors New Year’s Eve firework display is located at the London Eye; find your spot by 9pm as this firework display attracts large crowds, so it’s essential to arrive in plenty of time if you want to watch the magnificent fireworks. Book tickets for Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Café where they are hosting a black tie party with a four course meal. Be entertained in this famous venue by the music of renowned jazz artists. A must for any jazz fan! Rome Rome is always a beautiful place to visit surrounded by history and art, music and fashion; finding inspiration of what to do or see couldn’t be easier in this wonderful city. Spiritual and romantic celebrations of New Year in Rome will be a memorable experience. Head for the Piazza del Popolo New Year’s Eve party where there will be performances from classical symphonies, rock bands and local bands; dancing and fireworks are also all part of Rome’s biggest New Year’s Eve party. You need to arrive early as this is the most attended party in the city. Tickets are not required and all ages are welcome. There are nativity scenes from all over Italy – this is definitely something for the children to admire and perhaps to escape to if a quiet moment is needed! There will be many concerts and operas taking place all over Rome on New Year’s Eve. One that has caught my attention is Accademia d’Opera Italiana – a New Year’s Concert held at 7pm at All Saints church. This promises to be a memorable occasion performed by talented singers and musicians dressed in XV111 costumes. Order tickets online at Classictic.com. For a real treat book a table at La Pergola – its three Michelin stars are testament to the culinary excellence you can expect from this award-winning restaurant. Of course, Rome – as is the rest of Italy – is renowned for its wonderful food and finding a restaurant to enjoy great food and wine is not hard at all, but you will need to book early for New Year, especially for the well-known restaurants. “Bonne Annee”, “Happy New Year”… and “Felice Anno Nuovo”! Mark Davis is Search Marketing Director at HomeAway. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.