Where to Go for New Year’s Eve: Best Places to Count Down to 2019

Address: Main Mall SM Central Business Park, SM Mall of Asia, Seaside Blvd, 123, Pasay

Besides the fantastic Christmas parade show that the SM Mall of Asia hosts every year, the mall is also known to celebrate the New Year with style. It has been the venue of several New Year’s Eve countdowns over the last several years, which is why Mall of Asia has become a staple go-to place for Filipino families. The bay area near the mall is a great location for watching fireworks. Along the walkway is also a mini amusement park for kids, where they can try to ride the giant Ferris wheel called the “Eye of Asia.” When you get hungry, you can check out the kiosks at the bay and the restaurants at the mall.

Address: Roxas Blvd, Malate, Manila

For those who do not want to spend too much while celebrating the New Year, you can take your friends and family at Rizal Park. Rizal Park is among the cultural landmarks you can visit in Metro Manila along with Intramuros and Fort Santiago. At the morning before the New Year’s Eve festivities, you can go on a tour around the 40.1 acre park and take pictures to your heart’s content. Kids will surely love the colorful Magical Dancing fountain while adults will enjoy the monuments of the country’s heroes such as Jose Rizal.

Since 2010, this significant landmark has been hosting a yearly New Year’s countdown wherein families can have a picnic while watching live bands and an amazing fireworks display for free.

Address: Newport Blvd, Newport City, Pasay

If you’re willing to spend a hefty amount of money for a grand celebration, Resorts World Manila is known to hold epic fantasy-themed New Year’s celebrations. The resort is spacious enough to accommodate over 4,000 guests in their ballroom. For their New Year’s celebration, guests can wine and dine while being serenaded by some of the country’s best performers. The yearly lineup for the Grand Countdown is something to look forward to; in the past, the resort has brought some of the country’s biggest stars such as Martin Nievera, Jake Zyrus, and Zsa Zsa Padilla to their hotels as a treat to partygoers.

Address: New Seaside Drive, Entertainment City, Brgy. Tambo, Parañaque City

For a more chill night out with friends during the New Year’s Eve, hanging out at a rooftop bar would be a great alternative to loud celebrations in public places. The Firefly Roofdeck at the City Garden Hotel is among the distinct rooftop resto bars in Metro Manila. Here, you can view not just the majestic city lights of the Makati Central Business District, but also the area’s fireworks displays. Besides the good company you have, the food and drinks at the menu will keep you occupied while you wait for the clock to strike midnight.

Address: Terrace 33 (one floor above Firefly Roofdeck), 33rd floor, City Garden Grand Hotel, Makati

Just like Resort’s World, Okada Manila goes all out when it comes to celebrating the New Year. Along with their already popular dancing musical fountain, Okada also has an extensive list of New Year festivities that will happen in different venues within the resort, namely the Crystal Corridor, the garden, and The Cove. If you have extra money to spare, you can even try your luck at the casino with your friends before the year ends!

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