Nothing says Christmas like a good German Christmas market. The cold, the gluhwein and sausages, the pretty candles and all the Christmas tree decorations. The closest you will get to that in Asia is the Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay.

But, while nothing beats Christmas in Europe, but what about New Year’s Eve?

The Asia Pacific region sure puts on a massive show with fireworks in Sydney, Taiwan and Singapore taking on a whole new level. Here are 8 ideas for a New Year’s Eve in Asia.

Sydney

New Year’s Eve in Sydney takes a whole new level. As one of the first countries to ring in the new year, the fireworks over the harbour in Sydney has become synonymous with party, celebrations and drinking until the sunrise. It does help that it is summertime there.

If you want to continue on, consider joining the Lost Paradise Festival, one of the best festivals in Australia, and the first to welcome the new year in with great music just an hour outside of Sydney.

Bali

Hit up the hottest nightlife spots in Seminyak and Kuta, where all the party people go during all times of the year. During New Year’s’ Eve, you can expect to party harder and louder, amidst the flashing lights, thumping beats, and spectacular firework displays.

Alternatively, enjoy a festive starlight dinner along the beach at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali, overlooking the waters of the Indian Ocean. And end your night with the salsa party while awaiting the countdown.

Four Seasons Resort Bali will also celebrating with a festive party, which will be held atop the Rooftop Lotus Pond, a prime spot for admiring the fireworks.  And for a quieter experience, they have a New Year’s Eve Meditation and a New Year Morning Yoga session for you to embrace the new year with a dose of wellness.

Seoul

Spending NYE in Seoul is definitely a great idea. The city sees a huge array of parties and there is a general atmosphere of fun and celebration despite the cold temperatures.

Party-seekers, you’ll find the city’s most popular clubs at the glitzy Gangnam area, as well as the university district of Hongdae where the young and hip hang out. You can also party the night away in Iaewon.

For a more serene and intimate vibe, grab a picnic mat and relax along the Han River, where you can watch the fireworks show while enjoying the river breeze. The river is also where the Banpo Rainbow Fountain is located, the world’s longest bridge fountain that puts on a spectacular water show every evening.

Within Seoul’s luxury hotels, the classy bars and lounges offer laid-back venues to await the midnight countdown as well. These include JJ. Mahoney’s at Grand Hyatt Seoul, The Library at The Shilla Seoul, and Woobar at W Hotel Seoul. Chech this guide for the insider tips on where to stay in Seoul and here are some unique things to do.

Pattaya

If you’ll be visiting Thailand, head to Pattaya Beach for all the action during New Year’s Eve. Pattaya Beach Road comes alive as the sun goes down, with party-goers taking to the streets where tons of bars, clubs, and other nightlife spots can be found.

New Year’s Eve parties will be taking places in some of the most happening clubs there, including Club Insomnia, Club Pattaya, Mixx Discotheque Pattaya, and Differ Club Pattaya, so head into those clubs to party the night away.

At one end of Beach Road, the Bali Hai Pier is where the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony occurs, signifying the coming of the new year. It is also a prime location to catch sight of the festive fireworks.

If you are looking for where to stay, check out this accommodation guide to Pattaya where you can find recommendations for quieter places and options to be in the middle of the party.

Manila

If you didn’t already know, it’s party central in the Philippines on the last day of every year. This is one of the most exciting places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Asia. In fact, the fireworks are said to be even crazier than those that go off during New York’s NYE parties.

At 71 Gramercy, the city’s highest club, you’ll be able to catch sight of the fireworks that will be happening not above, but below you during their New Year’s Eve party. The club is perched on the 71st storey of Manila’s tallest residential skyscraper, providing a breathtaking view that makes it a splendid party spot.

Another hot party location is House Manila, where there’ll be A Hat Affair, a special New Year’s Eve party where you can show off your most creative hat as you countdown to 2017. Expect to groove to the beats of international DJs like DJ Dana Jasmine, DJ Spank & DJ Lady Trinity.

 

Shanghai

For a more traditional celebration, begin your New Year’s Eve by ringing the ancient bell at Longhua Temple, Shanghai’s largest temple complex. The festivities will commence with lion dance and other folk performances, while visitors pray for good fortune in the coming year.

Foodies, why not snack on local street food at the late-night food market as you welcome the new year? Take to the streets of Shouning Lu, where you can grab Tsingtao beer and eat your way to midnight.

And if you are a fan of parties, some of the most popular nightclubs in the city include the Cirque Le Soir, featuring unique circus-themed entertainment.

The on the next day, head out to explore the UNESCO Venice of China, Suzhou. Here is how to spend a day there.

Macau

The already bustling Fisherman’s Wharf is expected to be even more buzzing when New Year’s Eve rolls around, with live music and topped off with a fireworks display. Apart from that, this famous attraction is also “the largest leisure and themed entertainment complex in Macau Peninsula”, so you definitely won’t run out of things to do!

Along the Nam Van Lake is another excellent place in Macau to catch sight of the New Year’s Eve celebratory fireworks. The lake is also where Asia’s largest man-made fountain, the magnificent Cybernetic Fountain can be found.

Of course, you could also spend time trying your luck at Macau’s casinos. The city has some of the best casinos in the world, including MGM Grand Macau, The Venetian Macau, and the City Of Dreams Macau.

Osaka

The numerous temples around Osaka offer the option of celebrating New Year’s Eve in a more traditional way, while getting to know the local culture. The festivities at most temples involve ringing the temple’s bell repeatedly to get rid of bad luck, drinking sake and sometimes eating mochi.

To observe the city’s festivities from above, head up the Floating Garden Observatory, also known as the Umeda Sky Building- a 173 meter tall skyscraper that will provide you a breathtaking view like no other.

In addition, Universal Studios Japan is the place to end the year off with a bang, with their annual countdown party. With lights, sounds, and a dazzling firework show, along with the magical Universal Studios experience, this is would one of the most memorable ways to spend New Year’s Eve in Asia.

Check this post for ideas on where to stay in Osaka.

Singapore

One of Singapore’s most iconic attractions, visit the Marina Bay area to soak up the festive atmosphere as the new year rolls around. For the best views and the most luxurious experience, lounge at the infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands, the highest and largest in the world.

Clubbers would enjoy checking out the numerous nightlife spots along the Singapore River all night long, while waiting for the clock to strike twelve. Popular party spots include the infamous Zouk, the sleek and minimal Club Kyo, and the stylish Attica.

For a an outdoor celebration by the beach, head to Sentosa for the Siloso beach party. As the city’s one and only beach countdown party, you can expect it to be a blast, with beautiful fireworks and DJs spinning records all night long