An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. ~Bill Vaughan

All around the world people celebrate the new year’s arrival with lavish and wild parties. Some people travel to exotic destinations. Some travel to big cities to go clubbing. Some people stay at home with friends and family.

In and around Johannesburg many large venues are booked to the brim for parties weeks before the event. Hundreds of people travel to these organized gatherings to dance the night away with friends. Well-known DJs man the decks and make sure that the crowd keep on dancing.

If you are one of the few that prefer to have a quiet evening at home – you might be lucky enough to see fireworks lighting up the Johannesburg sky. If you are really lucky and you are located in a high-rise or high ground… you might see the fireworks over the whole of Johannesburg.

Unfortunately with every big party there are always casualties.

· Fireworks scare animals. Beloved pets run away from home and end up on the street. Lost. Some animals injure themselves in their bid to escape the noise.

· Accidents caused by drunken driving. People don’t realise that no matter what the occasion – you always have to stay within the legally permitted level for alcohol intake if you are the designated driver.

My best New Year’s Party in Johannesburg

I used to own an apartment that had a view over Johannesburg. I had a house party of some close friends. As the time crept closer to midnight, we all went to stand outside on the patio. The fireworks display over the whole of Johannesburg played off in front of our eyes – making this a magical memory.

Next time you don’t know where to go for New Year’s – come to Johannesburg for a rocking party!