When it comes to fireworks – bigger is better. Forget those disappointing back garden displays, we’ve put together a list of the very best pyrotechnic demonstrations across the globe.
Here are the spectacular shows that just have to be seen to be believed…
Hong Kong – Chinese New Year
Fireworks were originally invented in medieval China in the 9th century, supposedly to scare away evil spirits. So, as you can expect, fireworks and Hong Kong go hand-in-hand. One of the biggest displays you’ll see is on Chinese New Year. Around 30,000 fireworks are set off from four barges across the Victoria Harbour, and you can see the spectacular show from both the Kowloon and Hong Kong Island sides. You can also take a night harbour tour on a traditional junk boat to get an alternative view of the light show.
Dubai – New Year’s Eve
You’d only expect the biggest and the best from the city that loves nothing more than breaking records. On New Year’s Eve every year, Dubai combines the world’s tallest building with some epic fireworks for a unique and spectacular show. No expense is spared on ringing in the New Year with a breathtaking and colourful display. Catherine wheels and firecrackers are set off along the length of the Burj Khalifa, making the building the focal point of the show, and you can see them from almost anywhere.
New York – Independence Day
There are firework shows in every major city across the US to celebrate the Fourth of July. But, you’ll find the biggest and best Independence Day display in New York City. The annual Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show uses over 75,000 fireworks shells in 25 different colours, and they shoot up to three times the height of the Statue of Liberty. You’ll be able to see them across the city, but grab yourself a prime viewing spot at the East River Park just to be sure.
Paris – Bastille Day
The most important day of the French Revolution is celebrated with street parties, entertainers, parades and a huge fireworks display over the Eiffel Tower. The show has a different theme every year, so you’ll never see the same display twice. And the eclectic mix of past themes have included the Olympics, war and peace, liberation and disco. The best place to see the fireworks is from the Champ de Mars – the long park at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Head there early to bag the perfect spot.
Sydney – New Year’s Eve
Sydney always rings in the New Year in style, being one of the first cities in the world to do so. Their annual New Year’s Eve fireworks show is televised across the globe, and there are two displays – a family-friendly show at 9pm, and the main event at midnight. Every year, a new theme is chosen for the display, and in 2017 there was a rainbow firework tribute to commemorate the legalising of same sex marriages. The event is twelve minutes long to represent the twelve months of the year, and the best place to watch is at Circular Quay or the Sydney Opera House (you’ll have to get there quick).
Ready to see some of the world’s most dazzling fireworks displays? Add at least one of these top light shows to your bucket list. And, browse our bus tours for more inspiration on things to see and do in each city.
