Lithuanians are also proud of their jazz heritage, not to mention their warming food (you haven’t lived Lithuania until you’ve eaten a cepelinai dumpling!), so whether you spend the New Year in the town or above it, there’s every chance to enjoy the atmosphere  afterwards! airBaltic operates direct flights to Vilnius from 12 European cities.

Classical in Vienna: The city which gave its name to the waltz is Europe’s heart at the New Year. Revellers from around the world crowd into the city’s squares, to dance the Viennese Waltz and drink champagne as the clocks strike midnight. And, with the city’s cafes famed for their allnight hospitality, you can make the Old Year last until well into the New Year. airBaltic flights depart for Vienna from Riga every day.

Sweet in Barcelona: Catalonia’s capital says it with grapes. According to Barcelona’s traditions, revellers gather in the city and eat grapes as the Old Year chimes away and the New Year rings in – one grape per chime, to bring luck in the twelve months of the following year. With the city that the Romans made great and Gaudi made beautiful to explore on the first of January, this is a fine place to start a sweet 2007! Flights depart Riga for Barcelona on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Exotic in Istanbul: Istanbul – or Constantinople – has been the “city of the world’s desire” for almost 2000 years, and its people have not lost their ability to charm visitors. The combination of classical history and modern, dynamic present makes it a fascinating location for a New Year’s Eve, and the city’s long tradition of hospitality means a variety of festivities to fit everyone’s taste. Flights depart Riga for Istanbul on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Sunny in Egypt: for the ultimate New Year’s getaway, why not run away to the sun of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt’s premier resort? On the last day of the year, the whole town of Sharm gathers into the main pedestrian street to party the sun down and up again. Every hotel has its own special New Year’s programme laid on, with whirling dervishes, belly dancers, karaoke shows and a dozen types of music on offer. And in the morning, you can lie out on a warm, sunny beach, watch the dolphins jump and forget that snow ever existed. Flights depart Riga for Sharm every Saturday.