Five Unique New Years Around the World

The family hoog on the 30th offers Scottish ceilidh dancing, and there's even a kids' duathlon to accompany the Edinburgh Bicycle Triathlon on Jan. 1, for those who are able to shake off a hangover with a brisk ride.

More adult partiers will find a wealth of concerts and opportunities for boozing and dancing, and a less intimidating Loony Dook on the first, as the well-dressed keep their clothes on to swim in the River Forth.

Napa Valley Wine Train
California's Napa Valley

Oenophiles might want to head out to Northern California and reserve a spot on the Napa Valley Wine Train, where revelers spend the night hurtling toward 2009.

A five-course meal, which includes sparkling wine from Domaine Chandon, oysters and a caviar reception, is followed by dancing at the train station to the sounds of Casino Royale. Pretend you're Bond, James Bond, on the train's traditional route, which meanders along a 36-mile roundtrip trail of wine valley between Napa and the quaint village of St. Helena.

The Napa Valley Wine Train

Sit back and enjoy the wine and the food, in vintage style, aboard restored Pullman Dining and Lounge cars dating back to 1915 or above in 1947 Vista Dome rail cars.

See the New Year Before Anyone Else
Gisborne, New Zealand

The Kiwis beat us each year in greeting the New Year, so why not join them? This coastal town on the island nation is the first to see the sun every day of the year, and also the first to see midnight on Jan. 1. You'll be the first to ring in 2009, or 2010.