How cheap are the airfares? Take a look:
• JFK-OSL: $129
• FLL-OSL: $149
• LAX-OSL: $179
• JFK-LGW: $119
• JFK-BER: $129
• FLL-BER: $139
• JFK-CDG: $139
“We want to give American travelers the gift of adventure this Christmas – where they can experience a totally different kind of New Year, surrounded by incredible cultural sights and senses,: said Bård Nordhagen, Commercial Director, Norse Atlantic Airways. :Celebrate European style with our fantastic array of flight options to choose from.”
Here are rundown of three top New Year’s Eve European destinations one of which is Berlin, one of PubClub’s top NYE destinations.
Sing Auld Lang Syne in London
London has long been known to have some of the best New Year fireworks in the world with stunning displays across the Thames. And, with its renowned heritage, iconic city attractions, buzzing contemporary culture and innovative food and drink scene, you’ll be spoilt for choice for ways to celebrate the arrival of 2023.
“There is no better place to ring in the New Year than London. The city is filled with excitement throughout the entire winter season and there are endless celebrations,” said Gavin Landry, Executive Vice President, The Americas & Australia at VisitBritain. “From captivating fireworks, winter festivals, local Christmas Markets, unique restaurants and experiences, a New Year’s Day parade and so much more, London has an activity for everyone.”
Gavin adds: “For an iconic New Year’s Eve celebration, head over to London for the world-famous New Year’s Eve Firework display. As Big Ben’s bell rings at midnight, enjoy the UK’s largest firework show under the London Eye. Visitors can view the dazzling display up close on the streets of London or on a boozy river cruise down the Thames.
“Enjoy a pre-dinner drink or toast midnight at one of London’s sparkling champagne bars such as The Champagne Bar at St Pancras or Champagne + Fromage in Covent Garden. Or end the year with dinner and a view at one of London’s finest rooftops such as Willows on the Roof, situated above the John Lewis department store on Oxford Street.
“For festivities fit for the whole family, visit Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park which hosts the UK’s largest outdoor ice-skating rink, the Giant Observation Wheel so you can view the twinkling London Lights from up high, Christmas Markets and the Magical Ice Kingdom with 500 tonnes of ice sculptures.”
The festivities continue with London’s Annual New Year’s Day Parade which has become one of the capital’s greatest traditions, featuring performances from marching bands, cheerleaders, acrobats and more.
VisitBritain’s best places to stay in the city over New Year:
- The Tower Hotel provides a luxury retreat amidst many of London’s most iconic landmarks including Tower Bridge, the Shard and the Tower of London UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relax at one of the hotel’s wide range of bars and restaurants and then wander along the River Thames for unbeatable views of the London skyline. Grab front row seats to the city’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display in front of the London Eye and then enjoy a magical walk back to the Tower Hotel as the city rings in 2023.
- Located inside the historic Northumberland House and just steps away from Big Ben, The Grand at Trafalgar Square is another top choice for a memorable New Year’s Eve. Take in views of the New Year’s Eve firework show and a special party just for guests, the Grand at Trafalgar Square has everything you need for an amazing New Year’s Eve celebration.
For more information about spending New Year in London, check out www.visitbritain.com.
‘Silvester’ in Berlin
Germany is well-known for its amazing Christmas markets that continue long past Christmas – and this year they have 70 to choose from. ‘Silvester’ is the German word for the last day of the year and Berlin is also a wonderful city to celebrate – with fantastic restaurants, clubs to keep you dancing long into the night and cosy secret bars to enjoy a Rumplesnuggler in – a warming cocktail of hot chocolate, Bailey’s Irish Crème and Rumple Minze peppermint schnapps!
Alexandra Pashuk-Trumpf Marketing Manager at VisitBerlin says: “New Year is all about unity – celebrating one beautiful moment when all of the world unites. So, where better to celebrate than in Berlin – the city that unites us all; that doesn’t divide or discriminate?
“In Berlin there are New Year’s events for every taste. The iconic Brandenburg Gate, will host a spectacular light show and open air party where at midnight the gigantic virtual fireworks show will ring in the New Year with grandiose effect alongside an impressive list of performers including German rock band, The Scorpions, Welsh DJ, Sasha and singers, Calum Scott and Moncrieff.”
Other options for New Year in Berlin include the opera, cabaret, the ballet – including Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake – and the musical, Im Labyrinth der Bucherat the Friedrichstadt Palast, as well as the Roncalli Christmas Circus at the Tempodrom.
Alexandra adds: “If visitors want to celebrate like a real German, they can start by watching Dinner for One – a famous British TV show from 1963, which is watched every year by thousands of Germans on New Year’s Eve. Or they can look into the future by melting lead – known as ‘Bleigieessen.’ This custom involves heating a small piece of lead in a spoon on a flame then dropping it into cold water. The shape it forms will reveal what 2023 will bring!
“Of course, the Christmas markets in Berlin are the best in the world – filling your heart with joy, light and warmth where you’ll get to try a huge range of local food and drinks. And, Berlin has a wonderful party scene, with night clubs such as Monkey Bar which has the best views over the city, putting on special events. And Ritter Butzke is hosting a gala evening with outstand artists and some surprises.”
VisitBerlin’s best places to stay in the city over New Year:
- Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin – in a location you can’t beat
- Hotel de Rome – five star German luxury
- The Ritz Carlton – this hotel has an extra special Christmas suite, festively decorated with views of the Christmas markets on Potsdamer Platz. And it welcomes its guests with hot chocolate and Christmas cookies.
For more information about spending New Year in Berlin, check out www.visitberlin.de.
Shout godt nytt år in Oslo
Oslo hosts some of the most stunning pyrotechnics in Europe so head to the harbour by Oslo City Hall to watch this amazing display as the clock strikes midnight. Enjoy the incredible snowy backdrop of a city revelling in winter or tuck yourself indoors with a NYE party at the Rockefeller Music Hall or the Radisson Blu Summit Bar, home to amazing cityscape views.
And when you’re ready for some action, Oslo has a host of activities to fully awaken your senses on New Year’s Day! Choose from tobogganing, ice skating, skiing or snowboarding and the perfect way to brush off that hangover – ice bathing.
Norwegians see New Year’s as a joyous time of year worth celebrating,” said David DiGregorio, Manager of Travel Trade & Special Projects at Visit Norway. “We go out for dinner, we dress our best and experience the positive vibes and happiness we share – even in winter! Enjoy countdown parties, countless clubs, fantastic restaurants all with the background of perfect white snow.
“Anyone in Oslo will want to watch the fireworks that launch near the waterfront close to the City Hall. A fun place to watch the show may be from the roof of the iconic Oslo Opera House which is open to the public and easily accessible. And for those outside the city centre, spectacular fireworks are also launched at Furuset Sports Park.”
If you’re looking for a stand-out place to stay Visit Norway recommends the new Sommerro Hotel, a luxury reboot of a 1930s Oslo landmark. It offers spectacular views, a six-course New Year’s dinner and Champagne toast to welcome the New Year as the fireworks explode above Oslo.
For more information about spending New Year in Oslo, check out www.visitnorway.com.
To book and for more information on Norse Atlantic please visit www.flynorse.com.
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