New Year’s Eve in Berlin
With huge fireworks displays, traditional treats like Feuerzangenbowle (spiced mulled wine) and Marzipanschwein (marzipan pigs), and street parties taking off around the country, New Year’s Eve, or ‘Silvester’ as it’s known locally, is the biggest event on the German calendar. Whether you want to join the free festivities in the capital or splash out on a New Year’s cruise along the Rhine, there are plenty of choices for where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Germany – here are a few ideas.
1. Berlin
Germany’s biggest and brightest New Year’s celebrations take place in Berlin, with more than 1 million revelers descending on the city for one of Europe’s biggest street parties. The main festivities are held between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column, with live music, street food, party tents and lightshows, culminating in a spectacular firework display as the clock strikes midnight. The two-kilometer-long street is cordoned off for the events but is free to enter, with last entry at around 10:30 p.m. (although it’s advisable to get there earlier to avoid disappointment).
New Year’s Eve in Hamburg
2. Hamburg
Hamburg’s glittering waterfront makes a dramatic backdrop for a fireworks display and the port city has long been famous for its dazzling New Year fireworks. For the best views, pre-book a New Year’s Eve cruise along the Elbe river or join the crowds along the Landungsbrücken at midnight, where you can watch the colourful fireworks rain down over the river. The fun doesn’t stop after midnight either – head to the St. Pauli, Reeperbahn or Schanzenviertel districts, where bars and nightclubs will be serving champagne until the sun comes up.
3. Frankfurt
Frankfurt’s main Silvester celebrations are held along the River Main waterfront, where a firework and light show marks the first moments of the New Year – popular viewing spots include Römerberg square in the Old Town, Eisenbrucke pedestrian Bridge and the Eiserner Steg bridge. The fireworks aren’t the only highlight of New Year in Frankfurt – the city also hosts a special New Year concert at the Old Opera House, as well as a wide variety of exclusive events, parties and club nights held at the nightclubs, bars and hotels in Sachsenhausen and along Textorstrasse and Schweizer Strasse.
New Year’s Eve in Cologne
4. Cologne
There are few more romantic ways to countdown the New Year than cruising along the scenic Rhine River and a number of dinner and party ships set sail from Cologne on Dec. 31. The highlight of a cruise is the waterside views of Cologne’s elaborate fireworks, set against a backdrop of the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral. Alternatively, book tickets for one of the many New Year’s Eve concerts like the annual Bläck Fööss show at Lanxess Arena, or exclusive programs at the Philharmonic Hall and the Cologne Opera.
5. Munich
Munich’s biggest New Year celebrations take place at the Tollwood Winter Festival, located at the Theresienwiese Oktoberfest site, where they’ll be multiple party tents, fairground rides, a festive market and a roster of live bands and international DJs. Alternatively, join the crowds for the countdown in front of the New Town Hall on Marienplatz; watch the annual fireworks display from Marienplatz, Odeonsplatz or the Friedensengel monument, or join the giant street party on Leopoldstraße.
Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Germany from Germany Things to Do