( CNN ) -- In the lead up to every New Year 's Eve the inevitable question of how to celebrate arises . For most , waterfronts become the focal point of the celebrations . It 's hard not to see why with the amazing firework displays looking even more dazzling reflected in the water . So jump in a boat or head to the foreshore for our the top 10 places to countdown to 2012 . River Seine , Paris . See Paris , the 'City of Light ' , be lit with fireworks while cruising down the River Seine on the last day of the year . The Eiffel Tower is the centerpiece for the festivities and from some parts of the river you can get a magnificent uninterrupted view of the famous structure . Sydney Harbor . Sydney prides itself on holding what it claims to be the most spectacular New Year 's Eve celebrations in the world . Thousands of boats anchor in the harbor and millions of people hit the foreshore to witness the firework display with the 'Sydney Opera House ' and Harbor Bridge used as the backdrop . The shores of Kiribati , Pacific Ocean . Leave your worries and the rest of the world behind in 2011 in this tiny Pacific nation . Kiribati is the first place in the world to ring in 2012 . Kiribati prides itself on being the first nation to celebrate the New Year , even changing the name of one of its islands before 2000 to Millennium Island to mark the fact it would be the first country to enter the third millennium . Niagara Falls , Ontario . This is no ordinary waterfront , but with the spectacular backdrop of the Niagara Falls , it 's hard to go past Queen Victoria Park in Ontario . The freezing weather does not deter the tens of thousands of people who hit the park to count down to the New Year . Revelers can listen to live music while watching an amazing fireworks display over the world famous waterfall . Copacabana Beach , Rio de Janerio . Brazilians are renowned for their outstanding parties and New Year 's Eve is no different . It is one of the greatest celebrations in the South American nation , second only to the Carnival . Millions hit the sands of the famous Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro to watch the firework display over the Atlantic Ocean . The Bosporus , Istanbul . Celebrate 2012 across two continents on the Bosporus in Istanbul -- the strait that divides Europe and Asia . A fireworks display lights up the Bosporus Bridge while beautiful mosques and other ancient Turkish are illuminated , giving those on the water a stunning view . Koh Phangan Beach , Thailand . If you want to escape the cold on New Year 's Eve then there is no better place to do it than on the beach in Thailand . Koh Phangan is home to Thailand 's famous moon parties and on New Year 's Eve the celebrations continue . The beach is packed mostly with tourists keen to party well into New Year 's Day . Victoria Harbor , Hong Kong . The vast harbor is lit up when the clock strikes 12 in Hong Kong . Fireworks are set off from the buildings which line the foreshore , using the high-rises as a part of the lighting show and giving the audience a dazzling display . River Thames , London . If you 're willing to brave the chilly winds , a cruise on the River Thames will provide spectacular views . Watch the fireworks with London 's iconic new and old buildings in the background such as Big Ben , Westminster and the London Eye . Victoria and Albert Waterfront , Cape Town . The fantastic sound of African drums beat out at this New Year 's celebration in Cape Town . Revelers enjoy a warm summer 's evening on the water here , with firework displays and street performers for those onshore .
Waterfronts across the world are the focal point for many NYE celebrations . Revelers will need to brave the cold to watch fireworks on the River Seine and Thames . The city of Paris is hosting a huge celebration in honor of its 250th anniversary, with thousands of people expected to descend upon the French capital this year.