Ringing in the New Year with Kids: A Global Celebration Extravaganza!
Have kiddos with early bedtimes? Don't let that stop you from ringing in the New Year in style! Join us on a global journey via livestream. From London, Dubai, Bangkok, and back to the heart of NYC, Times Square.
Ah, the sweet nostalgia of New Year's Eve with my parents. Playing board games, munching on finger foods, and sipping Martinelli's sparkling cider, all while watching Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve special. Fast forward to today, and as a parent myself in the heart of NYC, our celebration has needed to take a creative turn.
With kiddos who usually hit the hay by 9 pm, we've found a way to keep the festive spirit alive and include them in the global countdown. Thanks to the wonders of livestream videos on Youtube, our little ones can dance to fireworks from around the world and still be tucked in bed at a reasonable hour.
Here are some of our favorite New Year's Eve spectacles to tune into for our annual celebration. These fabulous firework displays take place across the globe so you can celebrate at your leisure all day long until you're ready to bid the little ones goodnight. Use this handy time zone converter to figure out what time people will be celebrating relative to where you are.
Sydney, Australia
Kick things off in Sydney with not one, but two New Year’s Eve firework shows at 9 pm and midnight. Sydney Harbor creates a breathtaking backdrop with the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge. Watch New Year's 2025 Sydney Fireworks Here
Taipei, Taiwan
The Taipei 101, the tallest skyscraper in Taiwan, takes center stage after hours of festivities, featuring live performances from popular Taiwanese artists. Fun fact, Taipei 101 was the world's tallest building from 2004 until 2009 when it was finally surpassed by another world renowned landmark mentioned here, the Burj Khalifa. Watch 2025 Taipei New Year's Here
Hong Kong
The Victoria Harbour hosts a spectacular countdown with colorful fireworks, lighting effects, and pyrotechnics from iconic buildings on Hong Kong Island. Watch 2025 Hong Kong New Year's Celebration Here
Bangkok, Thailand
Enjoy a dazzling fireworks display spanning 1.4 km across the Chao Phraya River bend, lighting up the famous Wat Arun, Temple of Dawn.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai competes for the top spot with record-breaking fireworks at multiple points across downtown Dubai, including the Burj Khalifa, The Palm, and Burj Al-Arab. Watch Dubai 2025 New Year's Fireworks Here
London, United Kingdom
Catching the BBC New Year's Eve Special broadcast from London is perfect for East Coasters with kids who need to start winding down for bed soon after. The annual fireworks display takes place in Westminster, overlooking the London Eye and Big Ben. Watch London 2025 New Year's Celebration Here
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Rio de Janeiro fireworks show takes place off the shore of Copacabana Beach with more than 4 million people in attendance. Luckily for you, you'll get to watch the firework spectacular from the comfort of your home. Watch Brazil's 2025 New Year's Fireworks Here
New York City, United States
Last, but certainly not least, let's bring it all home with our celebration in the heart of Times Square, where millions of jubilant people usher in the New Year.
Reflecting on the pre-parenting era, one of the memorable ways I welcomed the New Year in New York City was by participating in the NYRR's Midnight Run. This 4-mile race holds a special place in my heart as it was the first race my now-husband convinced me to tackle—and now I have four full marathons under my belt! The fireworks in Times Square kicks off the run through Central Park with thousands of other revelers. One of these days, I hope our kids will join us and it'll be the start of a new family New Year's Eve tradition! Tune in to The NYC New Year's Live Webcast Here
As the clock ticks towards a brand new year, let's challenge the notion that early bedtimes have to spoil all the New Year's fun. Whether it's creating a cozy fort in the living room for a family game night, crafting DIY pom-pom poppers, or baking delicious treats together, there are countless ways to make the countdown to midnight a joyous and fun affair for the entire family.
Share the traditions that light up your New Year's Eve celebrations with your little ones. Whether it's a cherished family recipe, a dance party, or a creative twist on the traditional countdown, your experiences and ideas can inspire and bring smiles to families around the world. Here's to a new year filled with love, laughter, and magical family moments!
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