Emma Challenor - Miles
The furore of Christmas day has been and gone, recycling bins are stuffed almost as full as the turkey was and are now overflowing with gaudy wrapping paper.
The tree looks almost as rough as Great Aunt Annie did on boxing night (oh go on then just a small glass of sherry for me).
It’s been fun, but there hasn’t been time for any real rest and relaxation. In fact, you have forgotten how to relax!
You must admit that you are starting to flag a little but are also conscious that New Year’s Eve is looming and with it, an air of expectancy – somehow you have to find the energy to ring out the old and bring in the new.
Twixmas, the period between Xmas and New Year, is the perfect place to pause momentarily and smell the eggnog. Take stock of what a wonderfully festive time you’ve enjoyed with your nearest and dearest.
Reflect on the year that has passed, celebrate the good, learn from the not so good and resolve to move forward. Twixmas also allows you a little space to think about NYE, will you have a New Year Party?
There are so many New Year activities you might be hard pressed to decide on how best to celebrate. Relax and allow us to take you on a whistle stop tour of some fabulous places to go this New Year’s Eve.
There are plenty of ways to relax on New Year’s Eve – whether you are looking for fun-filled events that you can attend with friends, seeking New Year’s Eve ideas for families, hoping to check out one of the memorable New Years concerts or unwinding for a more intimate New Year celebration (just you and your better half lying on a sun-drenched beach at a romantic resort) we have ideas that will make you want to blow away the cobwebs and start the New Year with a refreshed mind and body.
Make your New Year celebration go with a big bang.
As New Year’s eve ideas for families go, this is a pretty spectacular one. Nothing says Happy New Year like a big, bold firework display. London traditionally hosts an impressive display that kicks off just after Big Ben finishes chiming out at midnight.
The Mayor of London presents this showstopper which lights up the sky over the London Eye.
If you are across the pond in New York then you are lucky enough to be able to head to Times Square, where fireworks whizz and bang on an hourly basis from 6pm until 11pm.
The fun doesn’t stop there, at midnight New York always puts on a show – expect lots of “ooohs and aaaahs” from the delighted crowd.
New Year’s eve concerts – say thank you for the music
Fancy something a little musical for your New Year Celebration? If you’re in New York then the Avery Fisher Hall is the place to be. Here you will experience the breath-taking music of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
What better way to spend NYE than getting dressed up in your finest and taking the time to relax with your partner. Hold hands and lose yourself in the beautiful melodies as you marvel at the talented musicians.
If you happen to be in Cardiff for NYE then, usually the place to visit is the famous City Hall. Cardiff are that enthusiastic about NYE, they even have a dedicated webpage for it! There is always something for the family to do before the main event at midnight.
Relax on a New Year’s eve holiday
Feel the need for a New Year’s Eve Getaway? Fancy waking up in a swanky resort to breakfast in bed on New Year’s Day or starting the year in a totally different country? NYE heralds a time for change, for resolving to enjoy yourself more, worry less and embrace rest and relaxation.
How about a celebration in one of the very first places to see New Year – Gisborne, New Zealand. Located in the Southern Hemisphere this is the home of vineyards and sunshine. Spend your NYE sipping delicious wine and enjoying the warmth of the sun on your face in this amazing country.
Or maybe you are desperate to see a bit of snow?
Then a holiday in Kitzbühel, Austria ranks highly on the list of great New Year’s Eve ideas for families. This is a family friendly resort and alongside the traditional skiing you will find exhilarating balloon rides and opportunities to climb aboard a sleigh for a cosy trek along the icy landscape.
You can celebrate New Years Eve here with a whole load of other families, watch the annual firework display on 1st January and prepare to be amazed as Kitzbuhel’s best skiers take to the slopes to perform for you.
Let your hair down at a New Year party to remember
If you relax by letting your hair down we have a handful of New Years event’s that will get you partying like it’s NYE – oh, wait a moment it is!
We can’t mention the words New Years Party without talking about Edinburgh Hogmanay – this is party central! Hogmanay takes place throughout Edinburgh City Centre, with different New Years activities at different times and locations.
There’s a street party, candlelit concert, concert in the gardens, torchlight procession and the ubiquitous New Years firework display! If you’re looking for a warm welcome and a memorable NYE it has to be Hogmanay.
If you want to party like the high-rollers there’s only one place for you – that’s Vegas baby. The crowds gather along the four-mile Las Vegas strip to see in the New Year. It’s busy and loud so if you’re after a low-key celebration it’s not for you.
If you are looking to relax by having as much fun as possible then come and check out the fireworks (they are fired from seven different casino rooftops and are choreographed to music) – what did you expect? This is Las Vegas!
If you’re planning to watch the fireworks it’s worth knowing that the clubs close their doors between 11-12.30, so you need to decide if you are clubbing or staying our for the spectacle; although, some hotels and clubs do have outdoor patios and balconies – so you get the best of both.
If you are seeking a NYE wow factor consider joining the New Year’s Eve party at the Stratosphere. The VIP experience offers a four-hour open bar, chefs fare at food stations, DJs and live performing artists. There’s a champagne toast at midnight and a bird’s eye view of the fireworks, followed by entry to a cool after party.
As a network trying to improve the health and wellbeing of people around the world, we realise that free bars and champagne are not the best recommendations; however, a healthy life includes experiences, relaxation and enjoyment; so as long as you keep your wheel of wellbeing balanced and drink in moderation, we can accept it for New Year.
Just remember, if you have to drink alcohol: alternate with water, drink slowly and don’t dehydrate!
Rediscover how to relax at a New Year retreat
If you’ve already over-indulged during the festive period you might prefer the tranquil atmosphere of a New Year’s eve retreat.
This is the perfect way to start your New Year as you mean to go on, making time for yourself and enjoying a thoroughly restorative experience.
Read more of our articles relating to preparing for the new year here:
You will find New Year retreats based in the U.K and also retreats in the U.S, with many offering the chance to reconnect with yourself via workshops and the use of spiritual tools, such as yoga and meditation.
You can also find retreats in other corners of the world if you feel the need to escape to somewhere new.
Ring out the old, bring in the new!
The New Year brings with it fresh hopes and a time for optimism and cheer.
You can reflect on the past but don’t dwell on it. If things haven’t gone your way this year look upon your New Years Eve celebration as a chance to put the past behind you and move on to bigger and better things.
Start the New Year with a promise to be kind to those around you and most of all to yourself. Relax and enjoy the possibilities of a New Year. “Bring it on” we say and in the words of Peggy Toney Horton:
As the year comes to a close, it is a time for reflection – a time to release old thoughts and beliefs and forgive old hurts. Whatever has happened in the past year, the New Year brings fresh beginnings. Exciting new experiences and relationships await. Let us be thankful for the blessings of the past and the promise of the future.
