Top five New Year’s Eve events in the world

New Year's Eve is probably the most anticipated day of the calendar with many choosing to do the countdown in with friends or loved ones. But what if you do could it over and over again in the space of 24 hours? Would you dance the night away on a sun-drenched beach or head to your local to do a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne? Luckily you can celebrate New Year up to 39 times thanks to the number of fractional time zones on the planet. All you need is a good flight, an accurate watch that adjusts automatically to whatever time zone you’re in like the Seiko Astron GPS and our guide to point you in the right direction.

Time zone – GMT+11 Sydney, Australia

As one of the first capitals in the world to celebrate New Year, Sydney does an impressive job getting the ball rolling. The party kicks off early with revellers occupying every inch of grass surrounding the harbour and the Opera House from 6pm. As midnight strikes, Sydney Harbour is transformed into a stage of lights with an extravagant display of fireworks illuminating the city’s skyline with festivities continuing well into the small hours.

Don’t fancy the crowds? Then hire a boat and camp out in nearby Cockatoo Island (advance booking is a must) where you can enjoy all the fun, without the masses.

Time zone – GMT+7 Thailand, Bangkok

New Year’s Eve beach parties don’t get more fun than in Koh Pha Ngan, home to the famous Full Moon Party. Upwards of 12,000 happy-go-lucky revellers descend on Sunrise Beach in Had Rin to see in the New Year while dancing the night away to some of the world's best DJs spinning house, hip-hop, trance and techno music with most joining just before midnight.

With festivities continuing as far as the following afternoon, it’s advised to grab a bite to eat on the sunset side of the island beforehand as it’s literally a case of last man standing.

Time zone – GMT+2 Berlin, Germany

Celebrations start early on New Year’s Eve or Saint Sylvester’s Day (as it’s known to locals) with crazy revellers lining the streets to do the Berliner Silvesterlauf (pancake race) where they run up to six miles in fancy dress. As dusk falls, the city turns into party central with more than a million people seeing in the New Year at the world’s largest open-air party which starts at Brandenburg Gate all the way to Victory Column.

With 1.2 miles of continuous booze, food, bars, music and fireworks lining the route, it’s no wonder it has earned its moniker, the ‘Party Mile’.

Time zone – GMT+1 Edinburgh, Scotland

Three days, 80,000 people and a whole lot of Scottish fun are what you should expect if you’re heading to Hogmanay this New Year’s Eve. Scotland’s biggest street jamboree kicks off on 30 December with a spectacular torch procession from Parliament Hill. On New Year’s Eve, 80,000 revellers gather for The Concert in the Gardens where headliners, The Pet Shop Boys, Django Django and The Chvrches will set the mood for the festivities. Come midnight the famous Hogmanay Midnight Fireworks are given a Scottish twist as revellers sing a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

Not feeling too wobbly on New Year’s Day? Take your chances playing a game of ‘scotch hoppers’ or ‘deadnought’ in Edinburgh Old Town.

Time zone – GMT-3 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

With temperatures soaring up to 86 degrees in December it’s no wonder the two million or so visitors who flock to Brazil’s vibrant city head straight to the beach. Although celebrations start as soon as the sun rises, 8pm is when the official party starts. Copacabana is where all the action takes place with everything from live music to dazzling fireworks to copious amounts of champagne.

While you don’t have to, it’s customary to wear all white as it’s said to bring good luck for the upcoming year. Leave your favourite whites at home unless you don’t mind being doused in champers by merry well-wishers.