Out with the old, and in with the new — Happy New Year! For millions around the world, New Year’s Eve (NYE) culminates in watching spectacular fireworks displays — but when and where this tradition started is not entirely known. The origins of fireworks can be traced back to second century Liuyang, China. By the 13th century, these mesmerizing displays had spread to Europe, and by the 15th century, they had become a staple of religious festivals and public entertainment.
Nonetheless, when the clock strikes midnight and the calendar flips to 2024, colorful aerial pyrotechnics are the name of the game. We did a little research and a couple of the most iconic NYE fireworks shows in each of the Pinkerton Crime Index countries. If you are heading out to one of these celebrations, we want you to be safe. Take a look at the neighborhood-level Pinkerton Crime Index (PCI) risk scores below.
You can’t get any closer to all the action of Australia’s largest New Year’s Eve fireworks than at Sydney Opera House in Sydney. Nestled on the banks of the harbour, it is a central vantage point to watch all the pyrotechnics launched from Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney’s other iconic landmarks.
Skansen is Stockholm’s largest and most famous public place to celebrate the NYE. Dating back to 1895, revelers ring in the new year with the traditional reading of Alfred Tennyson’s New Year’s poem “Ring Out Wild Bells” (1850) and fireworks.
London’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks event will be ringing in 2024 with glittering explosions that can be seen from vantage points throughout the city. One of the best viewing areas is right in the middle of the action — live from the banks of the Thames near the Westminster Bridge and the London Eye.
Canada has many New Year’s Eve parties and spectacular fireworks displays, but one of the largest happens in the country’s largest city, Toronto. While some say taking a harbor tour is the best way to experience the fireworks, the show is viewable from anywhere within Toronto’s Inner Harbour.
When you think of iconic New Year’s celebrations, Times Square will be at the top of the list. For those who are bold enough to endure the crowds and the chill a grand fireworks display illuminates the sky at the stroke of midnight, following the renowned ball drop that dates back to 1907.
Another iconic show takes place a couple of time zones west at a little place called Las Vegas. Fireworks are launched from the rooftops of eight legendary hotel casinos along the Las Vegas Strip. While the fireworks can be seen from just about anywhere in the city, they are best viewed right next to the action on Las Vegas Boulevard.
Mexico’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration is in Mexico City, centering around a huge street festival in the city's huge main square, the Zócalo. From here you can eat 12 grapes, make 12 wishes, and watch the fireworks as the clock strikes midnight.
Our data scientists and legal team want you to know that PCI scores are country-specific and relative to other neighborhoods within a country. It is not possible to directly compare scores across countries.
And, they also want you to know that PCI can help you make informed decisions, but it cannot predict if you will be the victim of a crime.
Know your risk. Be safe. Happy New Year.
