Places famous for world’s craziest Christmas & New Year celebrations

‘Tis the season to add a little bit of craziness here and there, and we will tell you why and how of it. We are fast approaching the end of the year and for most of us, it is the time to do a round-up of all things that have kept us occupied throughout the year, sit back, and focus on the festivities to end the year and then start a new one on a positive note. For this, what better than looking at places around the world that celebrates/hosts some of the craziest (read festive) Christmas and New Year celebrations?

This is where nature takes part in the celebrations. It’s not just the stunning display of fireworks, massive bonfires and traditional Icelandic food; in Reykjavik, you do all this under the gorgeous Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis. It’s truly magical.

Love beach parties? Combine all the beach parties you have attended till now or have been dreaming to attend and you will get Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach parties. On New Year's Eve, most of Rio de Janeiro gathers at this famous beach and at midnight, everyone jumps seven big waves whilst making wishes for the next year. It is believed that the waves washes away any bad fortune and brings in good luck and life. This midnight ceremony is always followed by a gorgeous display of fireworks.

If you love firework displays, Sydney will give you one of the most memorable ones. Sydney is one of the first major cities to welcome the New Year. Sydney Harbour turns into a massive crowd puller with fireworks displays adding light and magic to the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

The multi-day celebration of Hogmanay Festival in Edinburgh starts on New Year’s Eve and goes on for three days. The streets are packed with people doing torchlight torchlight procession and street parties. There’s also the traditional Loony Dook, an event where participants take a dip in the freezing waters of the Firth of Forth on New Year's Day.

The iconic Ball Drop in New York City’s Times Square at midnight is a grand event that draws massive crowds. The event welcomes the New Year and is one of the most well-known events in the US. There are live performances and firework displays too.

Every year, Prague offers its residents and visitors a fairy-tale Christmas celebration. The Old Town Square gets transformed into a charming and bustling space adorned with Christmas markets, lights, and decorations. For those who love to shop while travelling, Prague at Christmas is a wonderland.

No other city across the world celebrates the New Year like Cape Town does. New Year comes with a unique event called the Kaapse Klopse (Cape Town Minstrel Carnival), a colourful and lively parade featuring costumed performers, vibrant music, and dancing in the streets.