New Year's Eve searches bring up London

Most people want to go to England's capital city for the New Year, according to the searches registered with Skyscanner. This is followed by the wintery welcomes for 2009 within driving distance of Geneva. It is polar opposite to the Mediterranean party promise of Malaga which makes it to number three.

Number one: London

London might top the rankings as the most expensive city in Europe, but party-goers are planning to throw caution to the wind in the year of the crunch with most Skyscanner searches for New Year bringing up the English capital. There are plenty of places to visit in London throughout December, including interactive Christmas lights and snow storms in Leicester Square to a cyber trip through to find Santa with a festive fairy in Westfield.

As far as ringing in 2009 goes, Ibiza Underground Party promises to be one of the city’s biggest. However, revellers can also go from their London hotels to the MV London Belle party boat. Whatever the cost, a poll conducted among Telegraph readers showed the credit crunch certainly is not affecting more than 90 per cent of Britons' plans to holiday this year.

Number two: Geneva

Another pricey place makes it into second place on Skyscanner's record of New Year searches. The lakeside city has more than 100 resorts less than two hour's drive away, making it look increasingly likely Europeans are planning to welcome in 2009 on the slopes this year. There’s opera, theatre and a world music reggae festival celebrating New Year in Geneva itself, so book into a Geneva hotel quick..

Number three: Malaga

Winter sun seekers will be browsing this Mediterranean hot spot on the Costa del Sol for December 31st. It is the birthplace of Picasso and certain to have party-goers leaving with colour in their cheeks. The average temperature is about 16 degrees C, perfect for enjoying the great outdoors and water activities. So grab a cerveza, reserve a room in Malaga and fly on over.

Number four: Paris

The Champs Elysees is where everyone heads to Paris on New Year’s Eve, but to get a better view of the fireworks over the whole of the city there is a park near Belleville, one of the up and coming trendy regions. Why not take your flute of Champagne and papillottes – small chocolates which pop like firecrackers when opened – up there with a loved one?

Number five: Alicante

This warm and welcoming city usually kicks of fiestas with huge family banquets after which people hit the town at night. The city square Plaza del Ayuntamiento in El Barrio is the place to be.

Number six: Tenerife

Corks pop in the church square Los Cristianos where visitors can enjoy a fun-packed fireworks display.

Number seven: Amsterdam

The locals celebrate Oudjaarsavond (Old Year's Eve) in Dam Square and Rembrandtplein, which just happen to be the party streets.

Number eight: Barcelona

Parties do not start until after midnight, but for New Year's Eve these Spaniards make an exception. A great place for gay revellers.

Number nine: Edinburgh

A New Year's party list would not be complete without people searching for the three-day Hogmanay event, which hosts big name DJs.

Number ten: Dublin

Enjoy the craic as the entire city toasts the New Year to Christchurch bells. There's also a Lord Mayor's New Year's Day Parade, if you are out of bed.

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