Top New Year's Eve Parties 2009

Want to be somewhere different for New Year? We asked Sky Travel's Andy Love to gives us his top five recommendations, to help you see the New Year through with a bang:

Number 5: Sydney, Australia

The first place on the list to strike midnight is Sydney. The city not only offers some great ingredients for New Year's Eve in terms of the vibrant nightlife surrounding the Sydney Harbour, but it also has incredible beaches and National Parks to help balance out the trip.

With a flight time of around 24 hours, it's unlikely you'll be holidaying here often, so why not make an already fantastic holiday destination even better by seeing in the New Year here?

Suggestions for New Year's Eve in Sydney:

9pm Family Fireworks
The biggest display yet, with four firing barges and several effects never before seen on the harbour!

Bondi Beach
A ticketed event, with a licensed dance concert at Bondi Pavilion and Bondi Park from 9pm to 3am.

Midnight at the Oasis, Royal Botanic Gardens
Enjoy a gourmet feast with spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, Opera House & Harbour Bridge.

Number 4: Bangkok, Thailand

Six hours later, the big hand meets the little hand in Bangkok. If you're heading to Thailand at this time of year, make sure you spend New Year's Eve in the capital.

It's a fascinating city, if a little chaotic at times. Yet it's a place which is bound to leave a lasting impression, and you'll find the best experiences in the most unlikely of places. Just when you start despairing about the predominance of concrete and cars, a waft of incense leads you to one of the serene temples.

Suggestions for New Year's Eve:

Loy Nava Dinner Cruise
It seems that it's a little too early to get details on Loy Nava New Year's River Cruises. The company usually offer a traditional Thai dinner to see in the New Year. Check back for more details.

Number 3: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Next on the list is Amsterdam. This city has a reputation for having some of the most colourful entertainment in Europe, but there's more here than just restaurants, bars and clubs.

The best way to see Amsterdam is from the water, with many canal boats passing the majority of museums and city attractions.

Suggestions for New Year's Eve:

Pacha... NYE Edition at Powerzone

Quontdown, Heineken Music Hall
Cover €9, starts 8pm. Ticket available at the Ticket Online website

Sugar Factory

Unfortunately, we're too early to know what's going on here for new Year's Eve - check back to find out more.

Number 2: London, England

An hour later, Big Ben will strike, but this is just one of the attractions in London. Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, the London Eye - England's capital city is full of them: hence why Andy included it in his top 5 New Year destinations. It's also home to some of the trendiest shops in Europe, so make sure you take advantage of those January sales!

Suggestions for New Year's Eve:

London Eye Fireworks
London's biggest and best firework event is held annually at South Bank. The evening focuses on the London eye and a spectacular firework display.

Ice skating at Somerset House
Somerset house usually puts on a huge New Years event with live music, skating, hot chocolate and champagne. Check back nearer to the date for more information.

Thames River Cruise with City Cruises
Various packages combining fine dining and spectacular river views, capturing the excitement of historic London's best known sights.

Number 1: New York, USA

The last city on the list to enjoy the celebrations is New York. Home to the Empire StateBuilding, the Statue of Liberty and Central Park, it’s full of landmarks. It's also the place for shopping and nightlife, so expect a vibrant atmosphere when you visit at this time of year!

Suggestions for New Year's Eve:

New Year's Eve Ball, Times Square
THE place to be in New York, so be prepared for the crowds!

Half Moon Water Cruises, New York Harbour
Live countdown, champagne, views of Manhatten & continental breakfast.

New Year's Eve at Duvet
Rated hottest nightclub for 2008 - 8pm start