Introduction
New Year’s Eve celebrations in London, Paris, or Madrid are the party of the century. Why not do something different? Many European cities offer unique, interesting or distinctive celebrations to mark the arrival of the new year in a deeply cultural, unique, or entertaining manner. We’ve compiled 5 majestic European destinations to help you kick off the new year in style. Whether you are looking for a Hogmanay party or an all-night rave, we have got you covered. The first step of your preparation will be to check out updated EU ETIAS travel requirements coming into force from 2023.
Europe is a great destination for travel and celebrations. The continent that has seen the rise and fall of the world’s strongest empires has transformed all these cultural and historical heritage into rather magical festivities. So, let’s start…
Brussels, Belgium
Bring your dancing shoes and some stamina. Brussels revels in getting the party started early. People gather on Place de Brouckere at 7pm. The city’s nightlife venues will be keeping the party going till 7am on New Year’s Day with DJs, fireworks and other entertainment. Happy Brussels has information about ticketed events.
Enjoy some Smoutebollen (translated as “lard balls”) on New Year’s Eve. They may not sound the most extravagant way to welcome the New Year, but at midnight the Belgian capital will be buzzing with Smoutebollen. You will be satisfied. These delicious sweet treats will fill your stomach and protect you from the worst hangovers of January 1.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s New Year’s Eve celebration offers much more than fireworks and parties. Vienna is a sophisticated and cultured city, and this is evident on New Year’s Eve. You can also go to themed NYE Galas or concerts, in addition to the bars and clubs. Vienna Philharmonic’s traditional end-of the year concert is the most famous. This is an exceptional event and well worth experiencing for a special New Year’s celebration.
However, Vienna isn’t super budget friendly, when it comes to celebrations. But, it’s worth it. NYE in Vienna will offer spectacular fireworks and a wonderful view of the old buildings.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam has a reputation for being a party town, and this year is no different. The Light Festival, which sees artists creating installations along the city’s famous canals or bridges, is held from late November to the big night. The traditional fireworks at the big night were performed along the River Amstel, but they have moved to Kop van Javaeiland in recent years.
The Dutch love their street food and bar food throughout the year. According to old wisdom eating the traditional oliebollen at midnight keeps bad spirits away for next year. You can rent a bike to ride on one of the many trails, Fietsroute, or hire a bike. There are also plenty of other things you can do on New Year’s Day. Amsterdam Forest, also known as Amsterdamse Bos, is three times larger than New York City’s Central Park, and it is just 20m from the city center.
A New Year’s Day Swim takes place at nearby Zandvoort about midday. It’s only 45m away from Amsterdam and there are more than 30 beach cafes for you to warm up afterwards.
Berlin, Germany
On 31 December, join one of Europe’s largest street parties in Berlin. It takes place along the 2km stretch that runs between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column. The party atmosphere is legendary and admission is free. The scene is set by DJ sets, live music, and light shows.
The German capital’s nightlife has a reputation for being diverse and hedonistic. At Kulturbrauerei Berlin’s largest indoor New Year’s Eve party, one ticket gets you into 13 dance floors, 30 DJs and live bands. This party is not the only one in town. Berlin is all about rave, so you can give the way to your wildest dreams.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Scots Gaelic for the end of the year, Hogmanay means “New Year’s Eve”. Scotland celebrates Hogmanay by throwing parties all over the place. Edinburgh hosts a concert on the city’s Princes Street. There are also street parties with parades, floats, and lots of celebrations. The parties at Edinburgh are worth the cost. The fireworks at midnight that light up the Castle and other parts of the capital are a highlight. On 30 December, there is a torchlit procession in the centre of the city – literally a warm up for the big night.
There are many day trips available in Edinburgh to welcome the New Year. To warm up, take a 30-m train ride to the beaches of Berwick or Peebles.
Conclusion
These are some of the very best European destinations where you can kick off New Year in style. These cities not only offer a great atmosphere and the cause of celebration, but also provide a great variety of different activities that you can do once there. Whether you are down for some proper rave or choose to be more on the chill side, these cities have everything.
Even though New Year’s Eve is not as highly acclaimed as Christmas Eve in Europe, these people definitely know how to celebrate big festivities. When the clock ticks twelve times and the throne of the life, universe and everything else is taken over by the New Year, you become the witness of magic. Make a wish and wait for its fulfillment. Who knows? Miracles don’t happen only on Christmas eves.