Originally published 02 November 2011

Sydney Harbour Bridge at New Year

New Year in Sydney

One of the most iconic New Year destinations from around the world, it's hard to beat the lively atmosphere, spectacular fireworks display and general merriment of Sydney at this time of the year. With celebrations that are screened on televisions the world over, head to the heart of the action, the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, and be a part of it yourself.

For the southern half of the country this is also the peak time to visit, so don a pair of flip flops, grab your sunglasses and take to the beach for a Christmas barbie.

To find out more about a tailor-made holiday to Australia over the Christmas and New Year period, please speak to an Australia specialist directly on 01993 838 810.

Tongabezi in Livingstone, Zambia

Safari Christmas in Zambia

A magical Christmas morning at Tongabezi in Livingstone starts with a visit from Father Christmas and his elves - complete with African melodies and followed by a lavish breakfast served on a white sand river beach.

The day is filled with canoe trips, game drives, dancing and singing, not to mention the kind of lunch that lasts until after sunset! Father Christmas returns to the fireplace in the evening after dinner to tell stories by firelight.

To find out more about incorporating the Tongabezi into a tailor-made holiday of Zambia over the Christmas and New Year period, please speak to a Zambia specialist directly on 01993 838 505.

St Basil's Cathedral on a winter's night in Moscow

Christmas & New Year holidays in Russia

For those who don't mind the cold, a visit to Russia during Christmas and New Year offers a real winter wonderland experience that is sure to enchant youngsters and adults alike.

Gorky Park is turned into an ice rink and sleigh rides can be arranged, along with any number of winter activities to make a magical trip for the whole family. End your stay by booking a table at one of the many restaurants near Red Square on New Year's Eve to enjoy fireworks from the comfort and warmth of your own table.

To find out more about a tailor-made holiday to Russia over the Christmas and New Year period, please speak to a Russia specialist directly on 01993 838 230.

Kaya Mawa, Malawi

Mince pies in Malawi

At Kaya Mawa Santa will not be disappointing the kids as during the night, he busily hangs chitenji stockings stuffed with local Malawian treats outside your room.

Lunchtime and evening menu's will have a Malawian twist on the traditional Christmas fare, but don't worry, they won’t be straying too far from the usual suspects that we all love to see on the festive plate!

To find out more about incorporating Kaya Mawa into a tailor-made holiday of Malawi over the Christmas and New Year period, please speak to a Malawi specialist directly on 01993 838 540.

Ariara Island in the Philippines

Private island & Christmas pudding at Ariara

Why not take the whole family away and enjoy Christmas on your own private island in the Philippines!

With room for up to 17 people, your family Christmas could be spent singing carols in the Lodge before enjoying a delicious Christmas lunch created by talented Swiss chef Jacqueline Haessig Alleje. Place your drinks order before you arrive and spend Christmas Eve sipping mulled wine while overlooking the beautiful Sulu Sea.

To find out more about a stay at Ariara over the Christmas and New Year period, please speak to a Philippines specialist directly on 01993 838 155.

A snow monkey bathing in the naturals springs of Yudanaka

Sake & snow monkeys in Japan

Over Christmas and New Year, the crisp cold days and bright blue skies make Japan an excellent place to explore. In the more mountainous areas of the country thick blankets of snow sit atop shrines and temples and snow monkeys can be seen bathing amidst the snow in natural hot springs.

The New Year festival (Oshougatsu) which is held from the 1st - 3rd of January, is the most important holiday in Japan. The first shrine visit of the new year (Hatsumode) is the most significant, where giant bells are tolled at midnight to mark the occasion and all visitors are served a hot cup of sweet rice wine to welcome the new year as they line up to pray.

To find out more about a tailor-made holiday to Japan over the Christmas and New Year period, please speak to a Japan specialist directly on 01993 838 210.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rockin' around the palm tree in Rio

There are many highlights to a trip to Brazil, but one of the things we know they do better than any other country is celebrate - just take the Rio Carnival for instance. So, it's no surprise that the country's New Year celebrations are also an event not to be missed!

Do as the locals do and head down to Copacabana Beach to throw flowers and small mementoes into the surf - it is said if they don't come back your wish will be granted. See the New Year in with the massive fireworks display that lights up the sky at midnight.

To find out more about a tailor-made holiday to Brazil over the Christmas and New Year period, please speak to a Brazil specialist directly on 01993 838 610.

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