Where to See in 2027: The World's Best New Year's Eve Fireworks, and Staying Online at Midnight

Some cities don't just mark the new year, they put on a show the whole world watches. If you have ever wanted to be there in person, here are four of the biggest, and how to plan for each.

Sydney: the first big city to celebrate

Sydney Harbour is one of the first major cities to welcome the new year, and its fireworks over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House are famous. There is an earlier family display at 9 pm as well as the midnight show.

• The best harbourside vantage points fill up early in the day. Some vantage areas are ticketed, others are free but have capacity limits.
• It is summer in Australia, so bring water and sun protection for a long wait.
• Your HOAM eSIM connects to Optus in Australia. Australia eSIM

Dubai: the Burj Khalifa

Dubai's display lights up the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, with fireworks and a light show.

• Downtown Dubai roads close in the afternoon and the metro runs to capacity. Arrive early and plan your exit before you go.
• Restaurants and hotels with Burj views sell NYE packages months ahead.
• Your HOAM eSIM connects to du and Etisalat (e&). UAE eSIM

London: the Thames

London's fireworks launch over the Thames by the London Eye, timed to Big Ben's midnight chimes.

• The official riverside viewing areas are ticketed, and tickets sell out. Without one, find a spot away from the river or watch from a rooftop bar.
• Public transport runs late on New Year's Eve, but some stations close temporarily to manage crowds.
• Your HOAM eSIM connects to EE, O2 and Vodafone UK. UK eSIM

New York: Times Square

The ball drop in Times Square is the classic, but be prepared: people arrive in the early afternoon, the viewing pens have no facilities, and once you leave you can't get back in.

• Many visitors prefer a party with a skyline view, or the fireworks in Central Park or over Brooklyn.
• Your HOAM eSIM connects to AT&T. USA eSIM

Why your phone goes quiet at midnight

Every one of these events puts hundreds of thousands of people around the same few cell towers, and at 23:59 they all try to film, post and call home at once. The network slows to a crawl. It isn't your eSIM; it's every network in the crowd.

1. Send your "Happy New Year" messages a bit early, or late.
2. Agree a meeting point with your group, because messages will arrive late.
3. Film now, upload later. Your videos will send in seconds once the crowd thins.
4. Bring a power bank. You'll have waited for hours before the fireworks start.

Before you fly

Install your HOAM eSIM at home on Wi-Fi. Your plan starts on first use abroad, not on installation. Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line when you land.

Your eSIM stays on your phone afterwards, ready for next year's trip.