New Year’s Eve has been and gone and 2014 has arrived, which means we can start looking forward to the next 12 months of river cruising. However, different people across the world choose to celebrate the New Year in different ways. Whether they release some Chinese lanterns, stay up watching Jools Holland or just go to bed early, there is one thing that no one can avoid at this time of year and that is fireworks.

Millions of people venture out each New Year’s Eve to catch a glimpse of their local firework displays but too often the council allocate funds elsewhere, leaving firework-enthusiasts feeling disappointed. If you are feeling rather disenchanted by the firework display that you witnessed this New Year ’s Eve then do not worry, as this blog will guide you through some of the best firework displays across Europe that you can cruise to with River Voyages.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is often seen as the party capital of Europe, so what better place to ring in the new year in style. A plethora of clubs, bars and outdoor events are scattered across the city, as well as a number of impressive firework displays. Although, Amsterdam’s most popular firework displays and official celebrations can be found in the Oosterdok area of the city, impromptu festivities often spring up elsewhere, especially in party hotspots including Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. Don’t forget to sample some traditional Dutch New Year’s Eve treats such as ‘oliebollen’ and ‘appelflappen’ to keep your energy up.

Berlin, Germany

In the historic city of Berlin, millions of people gather together on New Year’s Eve between the city’s Brandenburg Gate and Victory Column to await the beginning of the New Year and witness stunning and extravagant firework displays at midnight. The evening’s entertainment also includes performances from world-famous bands and DJs, amazing light shows and the choice of a selection of delicious international cuisine. New Year’s in Berlin is an extraordinary event, well worth experiencing if you get the chance.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a fantastic place to see astounding firework displays on New Year’s Eve. Visitors and locals have two main choices when it comes to attending one of the city’s firework displays. One option is to find a spot overlooking the river, by Prague Castle, Lesser Town or Petrin Hill, where a number of colourful fireworks will be on show within a relaxed environment. Alternatively, head to one of Prague’s main squares and plazas in the Old Town, where the much larger crowds will gather and marvellous firework displays will take place around midnight.

Vienna, Austria

Those people hoping for a more cultural New Year’s Eve experience should consider Vienna as the place to be. The city hosts a world-famous New Year’s concert at the Vienna Philharmonic, which is extremely popular with both locals and tourists. Vienna’s midnight countdown and wonderful fireworks displays can be found around the beautiful St. Stephen’s Cathedral and when the clock strikes twelve, the skies are filled with the bright lights of a thousand fireworks.

Budapest, Hungary

Situated on the banks of the Danube, Budapest is a fabulous yet underrated city in which to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Alongside the spectacular firework displays at midnight in the city’s Parc de Bruxelles, hundreds of late night parties carry on well past midnight every year as the new year arrives. New Year’s Eve is a very popular celebration in Budapest and people often beginning preparing their firework displays and festivities months in advance.

River Voyages can provide river cruises to all of these magical destinations, so when December 2014 comes around, you can welcome the New Year in style.