{"id":63494,"date":"2026-08-28T19:38:55","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T16:38:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/yak-zustrichayut-novy-rik-u-evropi\/"},"modified":"2026-08-28T21:09:05","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T18:09:05","slug":"yak-zustrichayut-novy-rik-u-evropi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/en\/yak-zustrichayut-novy-rik-u-evropi\/","title":{"rendered":"How New Year is celebrated in Europe – traditions, festivals, ideas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

New Year in European countries: how locals celebrate, who holds festivals, what traditions exist in European countries.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you decide to celebrate the New Year while traveling, try to be in the epicenter of the fun at midnight. Find out how and where to celebrate if the New Year finds you in Madrid, Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna, Zurich and other European cities. What to do on New Year’s Eve and what dishes to try, and what to do on January 1, taking into account the traditions of local residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Where to see the Northern Lights this winter and why you should do it in 2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Madrid \u2013 12 grapes in Puerta del Sol Square<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In Madrid<\/strong>, it is customary to celebrate the New Year with a large, noisy crowd that gathers on the evening of December 31st at Puerta del Sol Square<\/strong>, near the zero kilometer mark, under the main clock of Spain. Tens of thousands of people gather here, so you need to book a seat in advance. The Spaniards have a special New Year’s tradition: with each stroke of the clock, they eat one grape and make a wish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To do this, before the New Year, specially packaged sets of grapes of different colors and grape varieties are sold. You can buy them in any supermarket. Or just buy a large bunch of grapes for the company to tear off one at a time with the ringing of the bells. But drinking alcoholic beverages on the streets and squares in Spain is prohibited by law. But the police turn a blind eye to this on New Year’s Eve, when thousands of people drink the Spanish analogue of champagne – Kava<\/strong>. After the New Year, the square turns into one big party: music, garlands, fireworks, and people in carnival costumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On New Year’s Eve in Madrid<\/strong> it’s warm. There no snow or frost, you can stand all night in the square, getting to know people around you and finding fun company. Or go to a party at one of the nightclubs together, dance the night away on the dance floor and drink cocktails until the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the last minute of the year, the clock specially slows down its movement. The chimes occur every 15 seconds, then the clock strikes twelve times at a certain interval so that no one chokes on grapes. And yet, write down your 12 wishes<\/strong> in advance on a piece of paper so that you have time to voice them to the universe and not forget anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay in Madrid:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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I really like staying in the city center, but not for crazy money. That’s why I choose hostels with great infrastructure. Last time I stayed for three nights in Bluesock Hostels Madrid<\/a><\/strong>, which is located on the very Gan Via. From here it is close to all the sights, shops – this is the very center of Madrid. A private room, unlike hotels, here costs only 75 Euros per night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips<\/strong>: Stay in Madrid for a week. From January 6th to 7th, they celebrate the night of the Three Kings<\/strong>. A grand cavalcade of Their Eastern Majesties Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar will pass through the city center, addressing everyone with a message of peace and solidarity. A grand street performance featuring performing arts groups. And twelve festive carriages with giant puppets, flying machines, inflatable toys with lights and other inventions. In total, the cortege consists of more than 2,000 people who will accompany the Three Kings on their arrival in Madrid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I recommend you to read: The best areas of Madrid \u2013 where to stay for tourists<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Vienna \u2013 waltzes and marzipan pigs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The day before New Year’s Eve in Austria, and in many European countries, is called Sylvester<\/strong>. This is a Roman Catholic holiday in honor of the pope and saint of the same name. And despite the common name, in Vienna New Year’s Eve is celebrated in a special way, not like everyone else. Although there are some similar notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Vienna, shortly before midnight, the main national television station shows the short film “Dinner for One” – a short comedy sketch recorded in 1963. Then at midnight, the giant Pummerin bell of Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral rings<\/strong>, announcing the arrival of the New Year. It is also broadcast on television and at this moment everyone drinks champagne and makes wishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As soon as the echo of the last blow of the Pummerin subsides<\/strong>, the whole celebration spills out onto the streets of the city. Salutes and fireworks fly into the sky from everywhere: from balconies, courtyards, streets and squares. And after that comes an exciting and romantic moment. Vienna is immersed in the kingdom of music of Strauss’s waltz “The Blue Danube”. This is a very exciting and truly festive New Year’s miracle. Thousands of people merge into a single rhythm of the waltz and circle until the last chord sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And then it is customary to give each other marzipan pigs. This is in no way tied to the Chinese calendar – the pig in Germany and Austria is a symbol of happiness and prosperity. After that, all that remains to be done is to say Prost<\/strong>! – an analogue of our Cheers!, drink a glass of champagne. And bite off the head of the marzipan pig and forget all the sorrows of the past year. And then head to the Prater, an old amusement park where the Praterturm, the world’s tallest chain carousel, stands 117 meters high. This flight will quickly clear your head, but dress warmly – it’s windy up there and quite chilly at speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay in Vienna<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The city center will be ideal for celebrating the new year. From my own experience, I recommend Wombat’s City Hostel Vienna Naschmarkt<\/a><\/strong>. Very cool location for not too much money. It’s located near the Naschmarkt<\/strong> market. Two blocks from the Vienna Opera and Albertina, a couple more blocks – and you are near St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The hostel has a nice coffee shop on the first floor, where from 8 am they will make you coffee for 3 Euros, and in the evening they will offer you a glass of wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips<\/strong>: To see Vienna lit up by the New Year’s fireworks, climb to one of the observation decks. For example, try to book a table in advance at the Danube Tower or Das Loft restaurants with a magnificent view of the city. Or climb the hills around Vienna – Kahlenberg<\/strong> or Leopoldsberg<\/strong>, from where you can see all of Vienna in the palm of your hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I recommend you to read: TOP 5 districts in Vienna \u2013 where it is better to book a hotel for tourists<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Venice \u2013 gondolas, kisses and lentils<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Venice<\/strong> is an absolutely romantic city with gondoliers singing songs, graceful bridges and foggy winter canals. On New Year’s Eve, it turns into a mass kissing scene<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main New Year’s event in Venice takes place in Piazza San Marco<\/strong>. On the evening of December 31, thousands of people gather here to count down the last seconds of the year together. With the last chime of the bell on the Campanile of St. Mark’s Basilica, a salute thunders over the city, which is beautifully reflected in the waters of the canals and on the walls of ancient palazzos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is at this moment that everyone present in the square arranges mass kissing. This is a fairly new tradition that appeared in Venice after a competition for the longest kiss, accompanied by sincere congratulations and wishes of joy and happiness in the new year. Then everyone disperses to the surrounding bars and clubs to continue the banquet, or takes a long walk through the streets along the canals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is another tradition that concerns New Year’s Eve on the island of Lido<\/strong>, which is also part of Venice. Here they organize mass swimming – this is one of the main Venetian winter attractions. For those who have already drunk enough prosecco, the cold water is not scary enough. But the joyful screams that accompany swimming in the sea encourage other participants to take mass swimming<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay in Venice:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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I recommend staying in Mestre, the mainland of Venice. There is a nice hostel there a&o Hotel Venezia Mestre<\/a><\/strong>, where a family room for 4 people costs only 100 Euros per night with breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips<\/strong>: In Italy, all restaurants are very seriously preparing for the New Year, as many people celebrate it away from home. On New Year’s Eve, Italians go to restaurants, where they spend many hours of family dinners from eight in the evening until midnight. Be sure to order the traditional lentil dish, which symbolizes wealth and prosperity – the beans really do look like small coins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I recommend you to read: Venice \u2013 three-day trip<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Amsterdam \u2013 festival of light and swimming in orange hats<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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New Year’s Amsterdam<\/strong> becomes the epicenter of a bright festival of light. The tourists can which it from all over Europe flock like butterflies. The city turns into a continuous installation from November 26 to January 17, 2027<\/strong>. The canals are lit up with bright lights every day from 5 to 11 pm. To bring avant-garde works of light art to reality, artists, architects, designers and lighting specialists work annually to create their own original installations. As a result, more than 20 light compositions are placed throughout Amsterdam: above the arches of bridges over the city canals and along the Amstel River.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To see the festival of lights, you can choose one of three ways to get around: by boat \u2013 taking a cruise along the canals, by bike or on foot. You can download a map of the light installations and events held as part of the festival of lights in advance on the website www.amsterdamlightfestival.com<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On New Year’s Eve, the compact city center is particularly suitable for impromptu street parties. Fireworks traditionally light up the night sky over the Amstel River.<\/strong> And the best place to watch them is from the Maghere Brug (Skinny Bridge)<\/strong>. In recent years, the city’s official New Year’s Eve fireworks display has been held in various locations, for example against the backdrop of the brightly colored VOC Ship The Amsterdam<\/strong> at the National Maritime Museum and at the Kop van Java<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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And in the morning, you can get rid of your hangover. There you can take a part in the traditional Nieuwjaarsduik<\/strong> dive into the Sloterplaats lake in the west of Amsterdam<\/strong>. The mass swim of daredevils in orange hats will begin on January 1, 2027 at 10:00 AM. And, possibly, will end in just a minute, when hundreds of participants will run in and immediately jump out of the icy water. They will be met on the shore by fans with warm blankets and a glass of hot mulled wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay in Amsterdam<\/strong><\/strong>:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Very unusual hostel Ecomama<\/strong><\/a> in Amsterdam, where you can feel like you’re in a glamping or eco-camp at the same time. There are dormitories, and there are private rooms that are more like cabins in a camping. And in the living room there is a huge tent where you can sit in the evening with friends and chat with new acquaintances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips<\/strong>:Be sure to try the New Year’s sweet Dutch doughnut Oliebollen<\/strong>, filled with raisins or currants. They are sold at street stalls and in Dutch bakeries throughout the city. They are traditionally eaten before the New Year, as people believe that Oliebollen drives away evil spirits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Amsterdam \u2013 the most interesting areas where it is best for tourists to stay<\/a><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Budapest \u2013 fireworks and open-air baths<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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On New Year’s Eve, Hungarians and tourists who have come to Budapest<\/strong> have a lot of fun. Because there is a popular belief: the more noise on New Year’s Eve, the happier the next year will be. Many shops and shopping pavilions are open all night. The most popular goods these days are various hats, masks, clown noses, pipes, rattles and horns. Exactly at midnight, people dressed in fake costumes begin to scream, blow, squeak and hug, deafening the capital of Hungary and all participants in the New Year’s celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hungarians serve a traditional New Year’s treat for the New Year’s table – roasted pig<\/strong>. But at street parties it can be easily replaced with hot pork sausages. They also sell various spicy sausages, mulled wine, and you can have a snack with the traditional “Hungarian pizza<\/strong>” from the kenierlangos<\/strong> oven<\/strong>. And for dessert \u2013 K\u00fcrte\u015fkal\u00e1c<\/strong>, an analogue of the Czech tyrdilnik, a sweet Hungarian cylindrical pastry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In the park, located near Heroes’ Square<\/strong>, there is a huge hourglass (Time Wheel<\/strong>), which traditionally turns over at 12 o’clock, and it begins the countdown to the new year. The sand in them is exactly one year old, and a lot of Hungarians and tourists are going to see this ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main street parties take place on three central squares: Veresmarti<\/strong>, Oktogon<\/strong> and Eiffel Square<\/strong>. You can watch the festive fireworks from any point on the Danube<\/strong> embankment. And then go to any bar or restaurant – they are all open on New Year’s Eve. There will always be a table to celebrate the arrival of the new year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay in Budapest<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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I have stayed at the hostel Maverick City Lodge<\/a><\/strong> twice already. There are private rooms here, where you can stay very comfortably and inexpensively in the center of Budapest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips<\/strong>: On the morning of January 1st, it’s better to go to the Sz\u00e9chenyi Baths. They open at six in the morning and by eleven there are still no queues and not many people. Steaming your bones after a night of partying is a real pleasure for only 20 Euros.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Budapest in winter \u2013 what to see in three days in the capital of Hungary<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Berlin \u2013 pancake race and celebration at the Brandenburg Gate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The German capital also celebrates the New Year \u2013 they call it Silvester. On the afternoon of December 31st, the traditional New Year\u2019s pancake festival \u2013 Berliner Silvesterlauf<\/strong> \u2013 takes place on Unterd-den-Linden Street. Participants in carnival costumes run from 2 to 15 kilometers. At the finish line everyone is treated to a festive pancake treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main New Year\u2019s celebration takes place near the Brandenburg Gate. On New Year\u2019s Eve, Berlin is buzzing with wild parties, and the epicenter of fun is the \u201cparty mile\u201d \u2013 a two-kilometer stretch of bars, restaurants, laser shows, party tents, and music stages located on the stretch between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It all starts at midnight near the Brandenburg Gate<\/strong>: a grandiose salute, clinking glasses, and then dancing until the morning. Artists, circus performers and numerous DJs perform, snacks and drinks from all over the world are sold. A festive disco accompanied by light and laser animation will last until 3 a.m. The clubs are filled with young people, and continue to work after New Year’s Eve. The parties continue for several more days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay in Berlin<\/strong><\/strong>:<\/h3>\n\n\n
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It’s really cool to stay in a hotel on a boat, in a so-called botel – Eastern & Western Comfort Hotelboat<\/a><\/strong>. It is located on the Spree River near the Oberbaumbr\u00fccke bridge<\/strong>. A double cabin costs 85 Euros per night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips<\/strong>: The New Year’s Eve party at the Brandenburg Gate starts on December 31 at 2:00 p.m. It is advisable to be there no later than 7:00 p.m. Admission to the legendary party is free for all visitors, but due to the number of people who want to go closer to midnight, the admission of people is stopped for security reasons – the area may be crowded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Where to stay in Berlin \u2013 the best areas for tourists<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Edinburgh – Hogmanay New Year’s Eve celebration<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Edinburgh, Scotland, December 29, 2026 \u2013 January 1, 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The world-famous New Year’s festival in the capital of Scotland is Edinburgh’s Hogmanay<\/strong>. It lasts for several days and includes a torchlight procession, a street party on Princes Street (up to 45,000 people) and a Viennese ball. The culmination is a fireworks display from Edinburgh Castle on New Year’s Eve at 00:00.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hogmanay is a Scots word meaning the last day of the year or New Year’s Eve, and is generally considered the most important Scottish holiday<\/strong>. Christmas was not celebrated as a festival and was practically banned in Scotland for about 400 years. And so it was until the 1950s that many Scots worked on Christmas and celebrated the winter solstice on New Year’s Day. At this time, family and friends gathered to party and exchange gifts, which became known as Hogmanay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Edinburgh Hogmanay Festival began in 1993. Than it has grown into one of the largest outdoor New Year’s celebrations in the world. Hogmanay technically lasts only one day. But Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh (as elsewhere in Scotland) last for 3 or 4 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The big events include a torchlight procession. It’s a massive open-air street party, a headline concert and fireworks. And a free cultural trail around the city – and of course, just after midnight on New Year’s Eve, thousands of revellers traditionally join hands and sing Robert Burns’ “Auld Lang Syne” before continuing to party late into the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hogmanay has been repeatedly named in the “Top 100 Things to Do Before You Die”. Each year, around 45,000 people take part in the Street Party and numerous other events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets<\/a> for the main events (Torchlight Procession, Street Party) are sold out immediately after the official announcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay in Edinburgh<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hotels in the center are booked up in the summer, so it’s better not to wait until the last minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n