Top New Year's Eve Celebrations Around The World

From gourmet feasts and morning-after brunches to fabulous fashion-, art- and activity-themed escapades, here are wonderful ways to usher out the old year and welcome in the new:

Art for Eve's Sake

Enjoy exclusive access to the bustling art scene in Florence from Lungarno Collection, the Ferragamo family-owned hospitality group. The Collection's New Year's Eve Package offers choice of accommodations for two nights at any of four Florentine properties including the new Portrait Firenze, Hotel Lungarno, Gallery Hotel Art and Continentale; free entry to the Ferragamo museum; and access to the New Year's Eve Gala Dinner at Borgo San Jacopo Restaurant at Hotel Lungarno, prepared by new Executive Chef Peter Brunel, who'll put inventive dishes like Egg fondue and truffle with smoked popcorn and Pumpkin ravioli and blue lobster on the menu. For art lovers, Lungarno Collection offering a Picasso Experience Package in celebration of "Picasso and Spanish Modernity" eat the renowned Palazzo Strozzi in Florence. With a two-night minimum stay at any of the Florentine properties, guests will have access to the exhibit as well as an aperitif served in front of an original Picasso from the private collection of Hotel Lungarno. New Year's Eve package starts at $665; Picasso Experience starts at $587 through January 25, 2015.

 

Fifteen Years at XV Beacon

The recently voted #1 Hotel in the U.S. in Conde Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards has 15 reasons to toast midnight, as XV Beacon celebrates its crystal anniversary at the stroke of January 1. Guests and locals are invited to toast the same with 15-year-old Dalmore Scotch, special XV anniversary edition of Ommegang Ale, and classic 1999 Champagne. The Fifteen at Fifteen package offers accommodations in a Beacon Hill Studio and an XV Beacon cashmere throw to snuggle by the in-room fireplace. With the NYE package watch the fireworks from XV Beacon's rooftop deck, indulge in a four-course dinner with wine pairings at Mooo...., and enjoy a bottle of Champagne upon arrival as well as brunch for two. Rates start at $595 per night for Fifteen at Fifteen, $515 for the NYE package.

 

A Healthy & Happy New Year at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, AZ

Start 2015 on the right foot at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, AZ. Surrounded by the majestic red rocks, guests can countdown to the New Year at the property's signature restaurant, Che-Ah-Chi. Beginning at 7:30PM, guests can join a festive celebration which includes a decadent six-course meal, live Jazz Trio, midnight toast and party favors. For an earlier seating, Che-Ah-Chi will be offering a special four-course dinner from 5PM-7PM with selections that include Short Rib Croquette, Coffee Roasted Duck Breast and Maple Brown Sugar Crème Brûlée. To kick-off 2015, the property will be hosting a Fitness & Wellness Weekend from January 2-4. Throughout the weekend, guests are invited to join engaging and innovative classes including The Mindful Clean Plate which teaches guests about the nutritional landscape, Mii amo's signature WOGA class which combines power-walking and yoga and Body Pump & Flow which blends strength training with yoga flow sequencing. Che-Ah-Chi's New Year's Eve Six-Course meal from 7:30PM-9:30PM is $125per person/$185 per person with wine pairings; four-course meal from 5PM-7PM is $85 per person/$30 for children. Fitness & Wellness Weekend is complimentary for all guests over the age of 16 staying at Enchantment Resort. Rates start at $367.50.

 

Adventure and Culture Combined

Cross "active travel" off your New Year's bucket list with adventures from Big Five Tours & Expeditions. Celebrate the calendar flip in Peru with the tradition of eating 12 grapes during the final countdown with one wish per grape. Take in the Andean landscape dotted with archaeological marvels from early inhabitants such as Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, and hike the ancient Inca trail or boat through Amazonian headwaters. For a spiritual journey, escape to India, a country of contrasts with ancient Buddhist monasteries, the hills of Shatrunjaya, the Thar Desert and palaces to capture the heart of every adventurer. Rates for the custom Peru tour start at $4,000. Please call for rates for the India tour.

 

Masquerade Ball

Gather friends and family to ring in 2015 in anonymity at Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa's all-ages New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball, with dancing to DJ Clay and a delicious buffet in the Lake Arrowhead Ballroom from 7pm-1am (adults $65, children $35). Guests can also enjoy a five-course meal at one of two seating's at BIN189 ($65 per person), while those 21 and over can head to the Lakeview Terrace Room for cocktails and canapés starting at 8pm, followed by a five-course meal, champagne toast and live entertainment until 1am ($85 per person). BIN189 will also host a New Year's Day Breakfast Buffet with Bloody Mary Bar from 7am-12pm (adults $17, children $13). Rates start at $323.

 

First-Ever First Night

Open the door on 2015 with the First Night Burlington Package at Hotel Vermont, including overnight accommodations, Juniper breakfast, and First Night buttons for admission to nearly all events in the inaugural edition of Vermont's largest one-day arts festival. For more grown-up fun (21+ only, please), throw on your festive attire and join the hotel's second annual New Year's Eve Bash with The Phil Abair Band featuring Dave Grippo from 9pm-midnight and DJ Cre8 from midnight-2am. Feast on hors d'oeuvres, a delectable dessert bar and Champagne toast. Hotel Vermont's New Years Eve Bash Package includes tickets to the party and accommodations. Rates start at $319.

 

New Year's From Above Times Square

Where is the best place to stand in Times Square on New Year's Eve? High above the madness at Novotel New York. The newly redesigned property in the heart of Manhattan will serve up stunning panoramic views of the iconic ball drop from its restaurant and bar, Supernova, with a party inclusive of open bar, hors d'oeuvres, sweets, favors, and a midnight toast. Visit supernovaballdrop.com for details and pricing.



Dressed to Thrill

New Year's celebrations come and go, but the Eternal City goes on forever at Hotel Eden in Rome. Look your best with the New Year's package offering Champagne and canapés upon arrival, luxurious accommodations, a couture look book from fashion designer Antonio Grimaldi, plus a dedicated discount (for her) at Grimaldi's boutique and (for him) at Ermenegildo Zegna. Daily breakfast and stunning city views at Michelin-starred rooftop La Terrazza dell'Eden are also included, as are New Year's Day lunch and a surprise farewell gift. On New Year's Eve, indulge in a Dinner Gala with six-course set menu including Grand Cru Italian wine selection and fine Italian cuisine. Package rates from €470/double occupancy; valid for a minimum stay of three nights from Sunday, December 28 to Friday, January 2, subject to availability; exclusive of 10% VAT & city tax of €7 per person per day.

 

Ten Courses, of Course

People really know how to party in Paris, particularly at the iconic Parisian palace Le Meurice as it prepares to celebrate its 180 ^th anniversary. The luxurious palace hotel in the heart of the city invites guests to experience a gastronomical feast with menus set for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. On December 31, enjoy live jazz and a ten-course gourmet menu at Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse with decadent dishes such as roasted venison and spicy aspic foie gras. Brunch will be served on New Year's Day at Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse including fine pastries, lobsters and Scottish smoked salmon. Guests can also sip Christmas Tea Time at Le Dali with fine teas, pastries and cakes available through January 7. Rates start at €820 per day.

 

Smooth Skating

Start the New Year in the City of Light at the newly refurbished and renovated Hôtel Plaza Athénée. This year, the legendary Paris address invites guests to Skate into the Festive Season with magical family time on the hotel's famous ice rink and daily breakfast for two.For New Year's Eve, the new Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée will offer two tasting menus, while Le Relais Plaza will serve a special New Year's Eve menu with sea bass ceviche, pan-seared foie gras and royal lobster Thermidor. On January 1, enjoy a Parisian Brunch with savory and sweet treats and Champagne and access to the rink. Skate into the Festive Season package from €815 per night; valid to January 30, subject to availability; rates are per room or suite, per night, based on double occupancy; taxes and service are included.

 

Blast Off!

Ring in the New Year amid the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains at The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. This year, the Inn invites guests to celebrate with the New Year's Blast 2015 Package, with a banquet meal for each adult guest, entry to the New Year's Eve Gala, and daily breakfast at the artisanal Blue Ridge restaurant with panoramic views and complimentary parking. The Gala will be just as elegant as you'd expect, with live music by Sol Fusion, Champagne and party favors. Room rates start from $289 per night.



The New Year, Extended

Two days aren't enough for the New Year's celebration at the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. This year, the resort invites guests to ring in 2015 with live music, family-friendly activities and elegant dinners from December 30-January 1. Leading up to the big day, guests can take family portraits in the Great Hall and children are invited to a nighttime holiday-themed Omni Kids Camp. On New Year's Eve, the resort will offer activities throughout the evening, including a DJ at Bretton Woods' Slopeside Bar, fireworks and an adult after-dinner party. There will also be a Black Tie Dinner in the Main Dining Room featuring five-courses, dancing, and a Champagne toast at midnight. For adrenaline junkies, kick off the New Year with a refreshing polar plunge in the resort's outdoor pool with complimentary hot chocolate to follow. Rates start at $389.



Ladies & Gentlemen, Start Your Fitness

The contemporary Mayfair hotel, 45 Park Lane, is building on its partnership with personal trainer to the stars Matt Roberts and helping guests kick-start their health with the New Year New You, with Matt Roberts package. Throughout January, Studio Suite guests receive a complimentary consultation and one-to-one training session with a qualified trainer, covering a personalized nutritional and fitness regime to get them on track to reach their fitness goals for the New Year. Trainers also touch on myriad facets of health and fitness, including nutrition, sleep, stress management and exercising while traveling to help guests maintain their fitness program on the go. Studio Suites start at £867 per room per night including breakfast and VAT. Sessions limited to one per stay, subject to availability.

 

Rejuvenation for Mind, Body and Tummy

Celebrate the New Year at Le Richemond on the picturesque banks of Lake Geneva, overlooking the snow-capped Alps and Jet d'Eau. With acclaimed French skincare experts Sisley at Le Spa, rejuvenate with a hammam treatment or renowned face and body treatments based on on aromacology, the science of using fragrances to relax the body and mind. At Le Jardin, Chef Phillippe Bourrel has created tailor-made menus for traditional New Year's Eve dinner and New Year's Day lunch buffet, including Swiss favorites like Chestnut raviolis stuffed with foie gras, winter vegetables and chicken broth and Turbot fillet, shellfish and fondant potato with caviar beurre blanc. New Year's Eve Dinner with wine pairings CHF 370 ($380 USD) per person/CHF 50 ($52 USD) per child; New Year's brunch buffet from CHF 95 ($98 USD) per person/CHF 49 ($51 USD) per child. Rates start at CHF 485 ($499 USD).

 

A Ballroom to Begin Them All

See the year out in style with the very first New Year's Eve ball in the exclusive Ballroom at The Dolder Grand. Indulge in the gala dinner and dance the night away to live music starting with a Champagne reception and canapés at 7pm, followed by live music and dancing with The AllStars Collective, an artistic show featuring Yury & Nato, and then the DJ Yatu from midnight onwards. For a quieter celebration, enjoy a gourmet 9-course dinner in The Restaurant, awarded 18 GaultMillau points and 2 Michelin stars, or a 4-course dinner in the Garden Restaurant followed by drinks in the lobby or The Bar. New Year's Eve Ball starts at CHF 368 ($381 USD) per person; dinner at The Restaurant starting at CHF 450 ($466 USD) and the Garden Restaurant for CHF 198 ($208 USD). Rates start at CHF 690 ($707).



Arrive with an Appetite

Escape for the start of 2015 at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa. The resort is offering a five-course gourmet gala dinner at the award-winning Beach House Restaurant, serving up the freshest food from the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Asia including Oyster Four Way: mignonette, crisp, Rockefeller and poached followed by Blue mountain coffee crusted boneless rack of lamb & vanilla butter poached lobster or Beef tenderloin & seared foie gras. ($164 per person) Dance the night away with live music at the New Year's Eve Party at the Beach with a variety of food stations, unlimited sparkling wine and soft drinks. The festivities continue at the New Year's Day Champagne Jazz Brunch on Seven Mile Beach, including a 'build your own' Bloody Mary bar with old bay shrimp cocktail and a variety of bites ($115 per person). Holiday rates start at $569.



So Many Ways to Celebrate

A very elegant start to the New Year is waiting at Montage Beverly Hills with the Classic Black Tie Gala in the stunning Marquesa Ballroom. The evening kicks off at 7:30pm with an hour of Champagne, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres offered as a warm up to a sumptuous five-course tasting menu with wine pairings and dancing to follow. ($365) Or spend New Year's Eve at celebrity Chef Scott Conant's Scarpetta for three- or five-course prix fix dinner menus, including live music, party favors and a Champagne toast at midnight. ($95-$185 per person) After dinner, keep the party rolling with bottle service and live music at Parq Bar. The hotel also offers a New Year's Eve celebration for kids at Paintbox with karaoke, dinner, entertainment, games and more. ($150 per child, 5-12 years) Rates start at $850.

 

Fireworks on the Water

Escape to "The Other Vegas" and ring in 2015 at The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa in Henderson, Nevada.For New Year's Eve, enjoy a five-course meal at the resort's AAA Four-Diamond Marssa restaurant, serving world-class Japanese and Asian-Fusion cuisine, starting with Black Edamame or Hawaiian Poke Salad followed by choice of four appetizers, a Kobe Short Rib "Premium Bite," two entrees and, finally, dessert. (Couples $190, singles $120) Nearby at Montelago Village, watch fireworks over the lake and dance the night away with a live DJ from 9pm-1am. For recovery the next morning, Rick's Café will be serving buffet breakfast with traditional New American fare and the 9,000-square-foot Spa Moulay opens at 9am. Rates start at $180.

 

Party Like Gatsby

This New Year, celebrate 2015 at Omni Bedford Springs Resort in historic Bedford, PA. The resort invites guests to "Ring in the New Year with Style," for a night complete with dancing, dining and New Year's cheer. The resort's package includes luxurious accommodations and an invitation to the resort's elegant New Year's Eve Great Gatsby-themed Gala. The Gala includes an open bar, 4-course gourmet dinner, live music and a champagne toast. Guests will also enjoy breakfast in the Colonnade Ballroom on New Year's Day morning. Rates start at $299 per night, package availability on December 31, 2014. Guests must be 21 years of age to book the package and attend the Gala.

 

A Magical New Year

Start 2015 in a magical way at the new B Resort & Spa in Orlando. Just opened this year, B invites guests to join in the property's first New Year's Eve celebration at B's signature restaurant American Q. Complete with a midnight toast, guests can enjoy an evening filled with music and cheer while dining on selections from American Q's special four-course New Year's Eve Prix Fix Menu. To continue the celebration, American Q will be hosting a decadent New Year's Day Brunch with free flowing mimosas and delicious selections including eggnog backed beans and Big Q egg frittata. New Year's Eve prix fix menu is $60/person. New Year's Day Brunch is $26.95 for adults and $10.00 for children. Rates start at $245.



A Celebratory Torchlight Parade and Firework Display

Ring in the New Year by torchlight at Madeline Hotel and Residences Telluride. Situated in an ideal ski-in/ski-out location in the heart of Mountain Village, Madeline Hotel and Residences offers the perfect vantage point to take in Telluride's annual Torchlight Parade, where revelers ski down Misty Maiden Mountain carrying torches. Following the parade, the town sets off an unbelievable firework display and a holiday magic light show takes place downtown. This year, blues artist Kipori Woods will be joining the hotel's Black Iron Kitchen and Bar straight from New Orleans from 9pm -12am to get guests in the holiday spirit. Rates at Madeline Hotel and Residences begin at $314.