Where to Toast to New Beginnings in Europe

New Year’s Eve. A signal of new beginnings, pregnant with possibilities. As 2022 comes to a close, seek out the brightest celebrations with friends, spend it with your partner or gather the whole family together. Follow our guide and discover magnificent fireworks, the most glamorous celebrations and end-of-an-era parties in Europe.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Best for: multi-generational families

When it comes to New Year’s Eve, the Scots do it best. Hogmanay – as it is locally known – is met with a blast of canons and marching bands at Edinburgh’s Castle with festivities lasting for days. Celebrate in the Scottish capital and you’ll be continuing a tradition as age-old as Mary, Queen of Scots, whose return from France brought with it ‘hoginane’ or ‘gala day’.

Make The Balmoral your base and witness a river of light flowing through the city. Formally starting the city’s celebrations on 30th December, Edinburgh’s annual Torchlight Procession invites torchbearers to march towards Holyrood Park.

During the twilight hours of the big night, fireworks are set off for Bairns Afore, taking place in Princes Street Gardens just five minutes from our hotel, as performers take to the stage to entertain the wee ones. When the night descends and the smallest of the bunch are tucked up in bed, teenagers and energetic adults can join the throngs of revellers at the Hogmanay Party at the Bells, where they can expect rousing entertainment by a big name act. Previous years have seen Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, Lily Allen and The Proclaimers perform to vast crowds.

At The Balmoral, parents and grandparents can toast to new beginnings at our New Year black tie evening, with free-flowing Champagne, canapés, live music, and five courses of perfectly paired food and wine. For the most memorable experience, choose our 120th New Year’s Eve Celebration and stay in the Sir Walter Scott Suite, enjoying panoramic views over Edinburgh Castle and the best seat in the house for the city’s famous firework display.

Rome, Italy

Best for: young couples

Ah, the Eternal City. Incredible under colourful fireworks, viewed from our roof terrace right in the heart of Rome. Hotel de la Ville rings in the New Year in a very sophisticated 1920’s New York fashion, with a fabulous Great Gatsby Grand Gala Dinner.

Get dressed up in your finest flapper dresses and jazz suits and toast to new beginnings with a flute of Champagne. After dancing the Charleston, Lindy Hop and the seductive Shimmy, head out into the streets of Rome and enjoy the lively carnival atmosphere until the early hours.

Whether you dance the night away, happen upon a lively bar or eat late, Italian style, getting your fill of Italy’s famous pasta, it doesn’t get much better than this, when you’re young and the world is at your feet.

Palermo, Sicily

Best for: recently retired

As the inky blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea sparkle and the stars align, see if you can spot  the brightest from the cliff top terrace at Villa Igiea. Scene of legendary parties hosted by the Florio family, our villa on the northern coast of Sicily, is lit up by colourful fireworks ringing in the New Year – the grand finale to our refined gala dinner.

Begin the New Year in style at Villa Igiea’s elegant Belle Epoque Ballroom, an elegant space steeped in the history of the ‘Beautiful Age’. The evening’s entertainment includes live music and dinner showcasing the seasonal flavours of Sicily, carefully prepared our team of expert chefs. Enjoy your evening safe in the knowledge that you can retire whenever you want. After all, it’s a slow amble upstairs to your comfortable room.

London England

Best for: groups of friends

Gathering the gang for a New Year’s Eve celebration in London? Aim high. Rooftop bars are the place to be and Spanish restaurant and bar Aqua Nueva is a mere 10-minute walk from Brown’s. Renowned as the London neighbourhood with the most glamorous nightlife, the riches of Mayfair are on your doorstep when you stay with us. Enjoy exclusive menus curated by Michelin-starred Chef Adam Byatt or raise a glass at The Donovan Bar as the countdown to midnight begins.

With a whole roster of celebrities, from rock royalty to actual royalty, choosing London as their favourite city for New Year’s extravaganzas, the capital is a wise choice when it comes to partying with your dearest pals. On the stroke of twelve, drawing your friends close, enjoy a spectacular light and firework show across London’s , cocktail in hand, and marvel at the lofty ambitions the start of a New Year inspires.

Reflect on the year gone by and ring in the New Year in style at glittering hotels across Europe with Rocco Forte Hotels.