Every Dec. 31st , 2 million people gather at Copacabana Beach to celebrate New Year's in Rio de Janeiro.The crowd, all dressed in white, parties all night at the dozens of different shows and events along the beach.

There are also other smaller celebrations at Ipanema and Leblon Beach. Vip Parties are available, usually at The Jockey Club and Hipica Club in Lagoa. It is expensive, but those parties are wothy it if you want more privacy.

You should book your hotel room with at least 2 or 3 months of advance. The best hotels with ocean view in Copacabana and Ipanema get sold out as early as July.

Hotel Packages in Rio during New Years have a minimum of 3 or 4 nights. Renting an apartment is a good option, there are a lot of options.