Copacabana, Brazil

Proceed to the beach to help two million Brazilians honour the Goddess of the Sea. Hundreds of floating candles and little boats full of flower offerings are sent out onto the ocean. It’s a beautiful scene, capped off with beach parties, cheap beer and hotdogs

Reykjavik, Iceland

Since the 18th century, Icelanders have arranged NYE community bonfires with midnight fireworks, traditional foods like pickled ram’s testicles and Icelandic folk songs performed by trolls and elves. Those wanting to continue their merrymaking head to Reykavik’s pubs and clubs or opt for a hot spa.

Colombia

Take all the fun of Guy Fawkes Day and add it to NYE with a pinch of paganism. Colombia celebrates “Mr Old Year” by filling a stuffed doll with junk and burning it at midnight. Say farewell to all your bad karma and start anew. Mr Old Year gives you permission to impulse-buy like it’s going out of fashion — so you can burn it all at the end of the year!

Seville, Spain

In the heart of Sangria and flamenco land, hundreds of Spaniards congregate in Plaza Nueva near the Town Hall. The tradition is to eat 12 grapes, one for each month, while the Town Hall bell chimes. And what to do with the extra grapes? Food fight!

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu is the last major city to celebrate NYE and what better way to go out with a bang than with fireworks over Waikiki Beach. You can DIY, with fireworks readily available for amateur enthusiasts, although state law requires that you have a $25 permit for explosive shenanigans. Start the evening with a couple of Mai Tais and end it on a beach.