I am in the middle of a dilemma which I'm hoping can be solved by all you Fodorites. I have the option to go away for New Year's and the problem is, I'm just not sure where. My choices are: Brussels, Paris, Rome and Madrid.

Here is my background so you can make an informed comment. I have already been to Paris for New Year's 3 years ago and have loved it ever since. I wouldn't mind going back to see everything I missed the 1st time. Or, I can try and go another time of year. I have also been to Rome but not for New Years. I also loved Italy and again feel there were things that I missed. I have never been to Brussels or Madrid. I feel I am somewhat active. I go to sightsee since that's what I'm there for, to see all the things in real life, then to shop for all my souvenirs. I hope this is enough information and appreciate any advice.

I HATE people who answer specific questions like yours the way I'm going to; but have you not thought of Edinburgh? We invented it, you know?

I would cross Brussels off the list. Much as I like Brussels, having spent four New Year's Eves there, I can assure you a New Year's Eve in Paris is more fun. Have no idea what NYE is like in Rome or Madrid, so hopefully others will answer that part.

Paris, by all means--at least among those you named.

Amongst those you mentioned probably Paris but you might want to try Madrid if you haven't been before.

I think Madrid would be fantasticO!
The weather would be better than Paris or Rome or Brussels (I think) and you haven't been there
I like that idea! What fun!
Now you will have 8 months to plan what to pack LOL

sheila: Invented what? Anxious, given my parentage, to find another thing the Scots invented (I've been reading about how the Scots invented everything)

I've done New Years in Athens and Florence and would repeat neither -- so for my part: I'd say Paris or Rome.

The comment about weather is insightful. Maybe Rome on balance....

Thanks for all your replies.

Sheila-Edinburgh is high on my list (and that it's the place to be on New Year's Eve) but more when the weather is warmer and when my mom can get off from work (she's a teacher's aide). It would be great if I could take her since my great grandmother came from Cambuslang and I'm doing some family reseach.

BTilke- I heard Brussels wasn't exciting but wanted to confirm that.

I've been itching to go back to Paris and anywhere in Italy but wanted to be open to new places. Planning this far in advance helps fake my mind out. Pay for the trip now. Then only pay for my "shopping habit" later. Makes it seem like I'm not really spending that much money .

Sheila's right ye know! Hogmanay (New Years) is traditionally Scottish partying at its best (not that others didn't do their own thing for the new year but the Scots were at it all pagan style for a loooong time). Edinburgh is AMAZING at New Year...I just wish there were more first footing like there used to be...sigh. Auld Lang Syne was written by Robert Burns and is still sang all over the world (sometimes just the chorus!) Makes me homesick

MADEIRA .... for New Year's Eve
Have noted your preferences, but would like to suggest Reid's Hotel (or another) at the island of Madeira.
My serious searching revealed New Year's Eve in Madeira would be a lifetime experience. Unfortunately my time spent there was not at New Year, but can well imagine it would be wonderful. There's a web site called Nancy's Portugal (or something similar) that would assist you in investigating the possibility. Of course as you would realise, the weather would be so much warmer at Madeira than the other cities you have listed (although I would like to spend a New Years eve at each of them too).
ps-Don't discard the idea too hastily. For info Winston Churchill used to holiday here, and I gather painted many landscapes of the nearby area.

(referring to last post)
http://home.online.no/~nancys/portugal/

Tedgale, we invented Hogmanay, of course. Everything else is a pale immitation (though I fear I do side with mousireid- remember the days of sinsongs round the piano...and no breathalysers?)

And sassy, even you, my sweet, can't move New Year to summer!

Well, not in this hemisphere, anyway

You should see Sydney, Hong Kong or Bangkok at New year! Now they are something!

I believe Madrid gets very cold in the winter as it is high up; so I think it would be colder than Paris or Rome (definitely) and Brussels (probably).

Paris!