Best places to celebrate the New Year in Europe

Did you know the New Year’s kiss isn’t a global tradition? While we’re planting sloppy ones on our mates’ cheeks, those in Spain are trying to eat 12 grapes in 12 seconds for 12 months of good luck. In Denmark, they smash plates for luck. And in Romania, they dress up as bears to scare away evil spirits. 

Why are we telling you this? Because, while celebrating NYE at home is brill, why not kick off the New Year somewhere new? Why not check out an amazing European city with its own unique traditions, bars, parties, food, culture, people, and more? 

If that got you curious, you can find the best European cities to spend New Year’s Eve in below.  

Madeira Islands, Portugal

Photo: Mario La Pergola / Unsplash.com

One of the worst bits about NYE in the UK is the cold bite in the air. If you hate it too, you might like Madeira, one of the sunniest islands in Europe. While it’s not roasting, the Portuguese island rarely drops below 13 degrees in the winter, so you can enjoy yourself without the big coat!

The main attraction of Maderia in the New Year isn't the weather, however. The island hosts one of the biggest New Year fireworks displays in all of Europe! 

The Bay of Funchal treats onlookers to mesmeric 360 views of skyward explosions that capture the wonder of a New Year like few others (the image above doesn't even come close to doing it justice). 

Berlin, Germany

Photo: Europe Express / Facebook.com

If you’re a raver, you’ll know some of the wildest, most highly-desired parties go down in Germany’s capital. It’s home to some of the world's best clubs, known for their hedonistic vibes. 

If you’re the kind with lots of stamina who likes to party all night long, Berlin is perfect as the city has no official closing time. You can literally go out until the sun rises and stay out until it sets again. That’s the kind of madness we need on NYE. With some of the best clubs in the world and the best beer you’ve ever tasted, it’s a solid way for any partier to start the new year. 

Rovaniemi, Finland

Photo: Timetravels / Facebook.com

Not everyone likes baking in the sun. Maybe your idea of paradise is a winter wonderland covered in a thick blanket of glistening snow. If that sounds like the perfect way to kick off 2025, Rovaniemi may be one of the best European cities for NYE for you.

Maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of the ethereal Northern lights. Or visit Santa Claus Village, where you can ride snowmobiles, and meet huskies, reindeer, and Santa. New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be all about partying, it’s a fantastic opportunity to see in the new year with some unforgettable experiences in a beautiful, snowy city. 

Amsterdam, The Netherlands 

Photo: Amsterdam New Year's Eve / Facebook.com 

Amsterdam’s nightlife is smashing any time of year, never mind New Year's Eve. A hedonist's dream, the city has plenty of pubs, coffee shops, clubs, gigs, and parties, so you’ll easily find something to get up to. 

The local New Year’s Eve tradition is to munch oliebollen (oily balls) at midnight while losing yourself in the delightful chaos of the various street parties filled with friendly faces. When it comes to the best European cities to spend New Year’s Eve in, Amsterdam (obviously) ranks high. 

But there is one extra tradition. If you’re brave enough, to tackle your hangover, you and other daring (or just straight crazy) mates can take turns jumping into the freezing North Sea for the New Year’s Dive... if you can handle it. 

Kitzbühel, Austria

Photo: USAG Vicenza / Facebook.com 

Austria’s Ski Capital, Kitzbühel, is an incredible option for New Year’s Eve. It offers a dazzling display of mountaintop fireworks that illuminate the surrounding summits and provide a unique way of entering 2025.

Plus, when you aren't in the run-up to the countdown, you can fill your days with snowy alpine activities, from skiing and snowboarding to tobogganing to mountaintop trails; whatever your vibe, the resorts and towns will have you covered. So indulge in a truly magical winter for New Year’s this year at Kitzbühel; you won't regret a thing.

Porto, Portugal

Photo: Living Tours / Facebook.com

Porto makes a pretty big deal out of the end of the year. Free concerts are common, there’s usually a fireworks display by the river and above the Luis I Bridge, the countdown takes place outside the town hall, and there are plenty of stunning bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and street parties to celebrate at.

Porto is an incredibly safe city with lots to get up to, and most of the attractions are conveniently within walking distance of each other. Brimming with unique charm, Porto is a fantastic place to break in a new year, whether you’re looking to party hard or just want to enjoy a different, rich culture. 

Tbilisi, Georgia 

Photo: Xtopher Web / Facebook.com 

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a foodie, you definitely have to check this city out around New Year’s Eve. Up and down the country, locals break out Georgia’s best traditional desserts for the new year, such as gozinaki - a sweet dessert made of honey and nuts - and churchkhela - a sweet made with grapes and nuts. 

The locals adore fireworks, so expect to see the dark night skies taken over by dozens of bright, colourful explosions (peep the image above!). What’s NYE without fireworks, anyway? Oh, and Tbilisi is home to the legendary techno nightclub, Bassiani, if you want a boogie. 

Prague, Czech Republic 

Photo: Prague Experience / Facebook.com 

Delicious beer, a party atmosphere everywhere you go, and loads of bars, clubs, and restaurants to celebrate in are waiting for you in one of Europe's cheapest capitals. We’re sold already! But if sitting in a bar sounds a bit… meh, you can hop on a party boat that’ll take you out on the water to get a closer look at the fireworks. 

Partygoers from all across the globe head to Prague for its electric New Year’s party atmosphere. And when you consider the fact that Czechs drink more beer per capita than any other country in the world, (yep, the world) it’s pretty obvious why. If a cheap and cheerful NYE getaway with a beautiful backdrop sounds like your idea of fun, Prague could be your best bet.  

It’s not just the UK that goes hard for New Year’s Eve. It’s an important celebration in many cultures. So why not take a step back from what you’re familiar with and try something different this year? 

If you’re staying in the UK for NYE, discover all the brilliant NYE events across the UK. 

Or check out the best NYE events in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, Nottingham, Birmingham, Bristol, Brighton, London, and Cardiff. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

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