Time does fly now that we're so close to the end of 2023! This is a special moment to be spent together with your loved ones and thank them for the support and presence they share with you throughout the year.

New Year celebrations are also remarkable due to the diversity in ways different countries around the world celebrate this special moment. Let’s get to know some of them!

United States

by Yunika for SweetEscape in New York

by Haris for SweetEscape in New York

For New Year celebrations in the United States, New York City is the center of attention! People from across the country and around the world would gather at Times Square to watch the Ball Drop event which takes place when the clock strikes midnight, signifying the start of the New Year!

Philippines

by BG for SweetEscape in Manila

When it comes to New Year celebrations in the Philippines, the abundance of food is king! People across the country would gather with their families and loved ones on New Year's Eve for a feast at midnight called Media Noche, enjoying food and drinks to welcome the New Year ahead. Attendees would bring in dishes that represent good luck!

Spain

by Sara for SweetEscape in Barcelona

by Maria for SweetEscape in Barcelona

Spain also has a unique way to celebrate the end of the year, which involves food. It is a custom for Spaniards to eat 12 grapes when the clock strikes midnight, where each of these twelve grapes is said to represent each month of the year! This tradition is believed by people across the country to ward off bad luck in the new year.

Australia

by Deffry for SweetEscape in Sydney

Due to being in the southern hemisphere, the so-called land down under is one of the earliest countries to welcome the new year! Fireworks are a massive affair here, especially in Sydney where people gather around Sydney Harbour to watch the awesome fireworks over the Sydney Harbour and Port Jackson area.

South Korea

by Min for SweetEscape in Seoul

by Minho for SweetEscape in Seoul

South Korea’s new year celebration is called Seollal, and is commemorated on the start of the Korean Lunar Calendar which falls around the month of January and February every year. This special moment is marked by family gatherings, performing rituals, enjoying traditional foods and activities.

So you can capture more memories to welcome the new year anywhere you are, get our exclusive Year End Holidays Promo: Get Free All Downloadable Photos Quota using promo code ETAHOLIDAY for your booking! Promo code is valid for booking date until 7 January 2024 and for photoshoot date until 9 January 2024.

For any moments of special occasions you would like to cherish, SweetEscape connects to local professional photographers in 500+ cities worldwide who can capture every moment for you! Smile, we're here!