(CNN) – For a while there, it seemed like we could ring in New Year’s Eve in major cities around the planet with something akin to last year’s big celebrations.
Another Covid-19 surge and the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus have dashed those hopes – at least in some parts of the world.
But several major European cities, where the spread of Omicron has been startling, have announced that they will cancel the plans.
Other cities around the world with traditional iconic celebrations still plan to hold their events but with safety precautions.
As of 3 p.m. ET on December 25, this is what some cities around the world with traditional giant New Year’s Eve events are doing.
Event Canceled
The following cities (or countries) have announced that they are canceling their large items:
Traditionally, Greece has a fireworks display over the Acropolis during New Year celebrations. The show was canceled this year.
Image Milos Bicanski / Getty
ATHENS
There are no fireworks displays over the Acropolis this year. Health Minister Thanos Plevris said at a press conference on Thursday, December 23, that all planned Christmas and New Year celebrations by the autonomous cities are cancelled.
All travelers arriving in Greece will be advised to undergo a Covid-19 test on the second and fourth days of their arrival, in addition to the existing requirement to provide a negative test result to enter Greece. .
Starting at 6 a.m. on Thursday, December 24, masks will be back to mandatory in both indoor and outdoor spaces. For supermarkets and public transport, double masks or high protection masks will be required.
The measures will last until January 3, when, according to Plevris, more restrictions may be introduced regarding sports and entertainment venues.
BERLIN
Germany will impose strict contact restrictions to limit the spread of Covid starting December 28 and ban New Year’s Eve gatherings, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on Tuesday, December 21.
That means there are no big fireworks gatherings in the capital Berlin, nor in other major gatherings like Munich and Frankfurt.
From December 28, up to 10 people will be allowed to meet in groups, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or recovered, Scholz said. Children 13 and under are exempt from the new exposure limits.
EDINBURGH
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said New Year’s Eve celebrations in Scotland would be cancelled.
Sturgeon said the move “also means unfortunately that large-scale Hogmanay celebrations – including those planned here in our capital city – will not go ahead. I know how disappointing this will be for those looking forward to these events.”
LONDON
“Due to the increase in Covid cases, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our NYE event in Trafalgar Square,” tweeted Khan from Khan’s verified account. “The safety of all Londoners must come first.”
A statement attached to the tweet said the celebration was expected to involve 6,500 people at Trafalgar Square.
Instead, a show will air at midnight on BBC One, Khan said.
NEW DELHI
The government of the union territory of India Delhi, which includes the national capital New Delhi, has announced a ban on all social, cultural, political and festive gatherings until further notice because an increase in Covid-19 cases, New Delhi’s CNN Office reported.
All officials “will ensure that no cultural events/gatherings/meetings take place to celebrate Christmas or New Year” in the area, as ordered by the Delhi government.
Bars and restaurants will only be allowed to operate at 50% capacity.
Paris is lit up for Christmas at venues like Place Vendome, but it won’t host a grand New Year’s Eve.
Ludovic Marin / AFP via Getty Images
PARIS
ROMAN
Major New Year’s Eve celebrations around the country have been cancelled, including outdoor concerts and fireworks in Venice. Nightclubs will also close in January.
Events still scheduled
Sydney, Australia, plans to host a spectacular fireworks display on New Year’s Eve 2021.
PETER PARKS / AFP / Getty Images
Not all cities around the world have stopped celebrating. Here are a few cities famous for their tradition with special fireworks and major New Year’s Eve events that are still continuing as per their plans as of 3pm ET on December 25th. Click the link. For detailed information, including pandemic safety measures:
BANGKOK
CAPE TOWN
DUBAI
LAS VEGAS
RIO DE JANEIRO
After canceling New Year’s Eve celebrations earlier this month, Rio de Janeiro, the party capital of Brazil, reversed course this week.
“We wanted to celebrate the end of the year in a calm, safe and organized way. We met with the Scientific Committee, which confirmed that it would be safe to celebrate the city’s New Year in accordance regulations set forth by the city government”. Mayor Eduardo Paes said.
Those who like to have fun are encouraged to stay close to their homes to “avoid unnecessary travel.”
SYDNEY
TAIPEI
CNN’s Barbie Latza Nadeau, Laura Ly, Jason Hanna, Chris Liakos, Berlin Bureau, Lauren Kent, Samantha Beech, Swati Gupta, Duarte Mendonca, Maija Ehlinger and Marcelo Medeiros contributed to this article.
