Reykjavik

With only four hours of daylight in late December, locals in the northernmost capital of the world are ready to party like no one else. New Years Eve kicks off with community bonfires (they symbolize burning away troubles from the past year) around which people sing, dance, and play music. Meanwhile, fireworks light up from every corner of the city thanks to fairly relaxed government restrictions. As midnight approaches, crowds gather around local landmarks like Perlan and Landakotskirkja church for the best views of the official fireworks display and of the city, after which they head to bars and clubs. Come 5 am, youll see many staving off hangovers with hot dogs or a trip to the hot springs.