The World’s Best Firework Displays

With Divali just gone and Guy Fawkes’ not far off, we’re thinking even bigger, louder, and brighter than usual. Our travel specialists have put together a list of the world’s very best and most impressive fireworks displays. Get your upwards-head-tilt-with-gaping-mouth look at the ready (you know the one) because we’re starting the week off with a bang. From kaleidoscopic explosions, to warmly glowing bonfires, these are the events lighting up our calendars around the world.

New Year’s at the Burj Khalifa

Just when you thought the sky-scraping silhouette of Dubai’s most iconic buildings couldn’t get more imposing, New Year’s fireworks at the Burj Khalifa came along. New Year’s Eve in the Middle East is synonymous with this world-renowned display and thousands descend on the city to watch this pyrotechnic masterpiece each year. When the clock strikes 12, you’ll want to take pride of position in front of the Burj and the Dubai Fountain, where you can catch multicoloured jets of water shooting into the air alongside a jaw-dropping firework display. We recommend you arrive early, or make a booking at one of the restaurants at the Burj Plaza. Trust us – this is a hot ticket. Where to stay: Vida Downtown Dubai

New Year’s Eve fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa, Dubai.

Singapore National Day Fireworks

Aside from exuberant performances, dazzling parades, and neck-craning aerial displays, Singapore knows how to light up the sky on their National Day. Since achieving Independence in 1965, August 9th has been a day of celebration in Singapore, with each year’s events outshining the last. We recommend heading to the Marina to watch this visual extravaganza reflected in the still waters. Although this firework display is far from a secret, visitors may not know that between one and two months before the big day, there are also several practice runs. The rehearsals are far less crowded. Where to stay: Marina Mandarin Singapore

Singapore National Day fireworks over the Marina Bay Waterfront.

Montreal International Fireworks Competition

Little did you know, Montreal is home to the largest pyrotechnics competition of its kind in the entire world, attracting over three million people per year. Look on as international teams battle it out for the title of most eye-popping display. The festival runs across dates in late June and July and you can guarantee to see fireworks come rain or shine (the show must go on!). Whilst you can buy official tickets online, there are also several sweet spots around this francophone city where you can catch the competition for free – like the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. Prepare your ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ because you’ll definitely need them. Where to stay: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

Montreal’s International firework competition held at La Ronde.

Walt Disney World Fireworks

Then again, why wait for New Year’s when you could watch one of the greatest fireworks displays in the world every single day? It’s called the happiest place on earth for a reason, guys. Before turning in after a fully charged day of Disney magic, ensure you leave on the grandest of finales. We recommend sticking around for the spectacular Happily Ever After show at Magic Kingdom Park, which features an animated lightshow of Disney favourites, dipping and diving across the silhouette of the world’s most beloved castle. Meticulously synchronised fireworks explode across the night’s sky to a soaring score of heartfelt anthems for almost 20 minutes. We double Disney dare you not to cry. Where to stay: Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort