London
Everybody knows London throws the best parties. So expect the streets to be thronging with revellers on the big night, out to catch a glimpse of the fireworks. Sadly, tickets to watch the display have all long sold out. But you might catch a better view further down river near Lambeth Bridge, says Ben Norum in the Evening Standard. Or head to higher ground. Hampstead Heath or Primrose Hill should do the trick. "A flask of mulled wine will do wonders at keeping the cold out, and a mince pie or three will ensure you're not flagging by the time Big Ben is chiming." For something a little more substantial, tables can still be booked for a Gatsby-themed dinner at the Sky Garden's Darwin Brasserie (SkyGarden.london) atop 20 Fenchurch Street, better known as the Walkie Talkie. A four-course dinner for two costs £165.
Edinburgh
The Scottish capital is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its festivals with a special Hogmanay this year. Judging by the line-up of events, it promises to be one of the best. While tickets to the Concert in the Gardens, headlined this year by singer Paolo Nutini, have all been snapped up already, last-minute revellers can still dance the night away at Edinburgh's Street Party to music from The Charlatans as well as Celtic and jazz music on four live stages. Firework displays will be held every hour on the hour against the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, culminating in the "Midnight Moment" when 2017 will be welcomed in with yet more fireworks. See EdinburghsHogmanay.com.
Powys
Over in the Swansea Valley, the New Year will be ushered in with a ritual procession involving a person covered in a white sheet, bearing a horse's skull on the end of a pole, known as the Mari Lwyd. The tradition is thought to have pagan origins, says Geraint Thomas in the South Wales Evening Post. The Mari Lwyd or "Grey Mare" is performed over the Christmas and New Year season. The Mari Lwyd goes from door to door, knocking to gain entry and refreshment then "chasing away last year's bad luck from the premises". This year's torch-lit procession will leave from the town square of Llanwrtyd Wells for the Victoria Wells Motel on the outskirts of the small town. Torches cost £3 see VisitWales.co.uk.
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Belfast
Toast the New Year with style at Titantic Belfast (TitanicBelfast.com). Opened in 2012, the visitor attraction built on the site of the old Harland & Wolff shipyard, birthplace of the ill-fated RMS Titanic, was this month voted the best in the world at the World Travel Awards. For £40 a head, guests will be greeted on arrival with a cocktail, followed by dinner and a live band, before hitting the dance floor in front of a stunning replica of the grand Titanic staircase.
Elsewhere in the city, Crumlin Road Gaol (CrumlinRoadGaol.com) is hosting a "Governor's Ball". This black-tie event kicks off with a snazzy drinks reception with a "special guest", followed by a four-course dinner, and, naturally, more dancing. Tickets cost £49.50.
Newcastle
Expect plenty of fun on the Tyne this New Year's Eve. Newcastle is holding a Winter Carnival Parade of "monstrous beasties", which will snake its way through the city centre before arriving at the grand finale a free fireworks display at the Newcastle Civic Centre.
While the many hotels and bars will be holding parties across the city, one of the swankiest can be found at The Vermont Hotel (Vermont-Hotel.com). Its New Year's Eve Diamonds & Ice Ball consists of a "sumptuous" five-course banquet, and some live Motown music to keep the party swinging beneath the ballroom's glittering chandelier. Tickets, at £189 per person, include access to the rooftop terrace bar, the Vermont Sky Lounge & Gardens, which has stunning views across the city. It's the perfect spot from which to admire the fireworks with a glass of Champagne.
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