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Daily Mirror

Travel

Milo Boyd

London and Edinburgh named two of Europe's best places for New Year's Eve

London Edinburgh New Year United States Big 7 Travel United Kingdom

The English and Scottish capitals are among the best places in the world to beckon in the new year, according to a global ranking.

Thanks to Covid, recent New Year's Eve celebrations were cancelled or paired down, not to mention that back in 2020 the virus and the deep second lockdown rendered most forms of celebrating illegal in the UK.

This December 31, two years of pent up partying are set to be released onto the streets, dance floors and festively themed pubs of the UK.

According to a poll of 1.5million people conducted by Big 7 Travel, Brits looking for a night to remember should either head to Edinburgh or London.

Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh last for three days (Getty Images)

The Scottish capital came in at 41 in the rankings, and for good reason.

The Hogmanay celebrations are famed for turning the historical city into a boozy riot of pub drinking, traditional dancing and piping.

A Viking-style torchlight parade, midnight fireworks that blast over the city and the military tattoo in the castle form the main official part of the celebrations, whose origins are to be found in the Norse and Gaelic observances of the winter solstice.

Celebrations continue on New Year’s Day with a fancy-dress dip in the freezing Firth of Forth.

In Scotland, most businesses get to enjoy two bank holidays to recover from the street parties too, so you can really get into your hangover.

London was judged to be the 47th best destination in the world for a New Year's Eve, and tipped as a particular good spot for couples.

The most obvious way to drink in the fun is on the banks of the Thames, where the official London fireworks display will be cutting through the night's sky.

If standing shoulder-to-shoulder all day next to the estuary isn’t the vibe you’re going for, you can take to your skates at Somerset House, party at the British Museum or head to one of the city’s many rooftop bars for a birdseye view of the fireworks.

As fun as London and Edinburgh can be on a cold December's night, if you want a truly world beating NYE experience, then Big 7 recommends heading to Australia.

"For the first time in three years, Oz’s capital of cool (Melbourne) is welcoming 2023 with open arms – and no Covid-19 restrictions," the travel firm writes about its top pick.

"Some of the city’s biggest venues will be hosting club nights, raves and rooftop fireworks and there are dozens of brand-spanking new events to choose from too, from a new family-friendly festival to the much-awaited mega-venue Her Bar’s first-ever NYE party.

"Celebrations are billed to be the biggest yet, with fireworks from 30 CBD rooftops and celebration zones at Docklands, Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens and Kings Domain."