6 of the Best Cities to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Europe

Recently updated on January 23rd, 2020 at 11:24 pm

Fireworks, Champagne toasts and musical entertainment all promise to be a part of the vibrant celebrations marking the beginning of 2017 across the globe. But where do you go to find these New Year celebrations at their best? We take a look at where to spend New Year’s Eve in Europe for an unforgettable start to the year.

London 

Said to draw in crowds of up to 250,000 revellers, London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display is one of the annual highlights of the capital’s event calendar. See the fireworks light up the sky over the River Thames from one of the official viewing areas, or join one of the parties nearby that also afford views of the spectacle, such as a Thames River Cruise or The View from the Shard.

Paris 

Before midnight, Parisians and visitors alike gather in the area around Champs-Elysées, which is the ideal location for viewing the Eiffel Tower lit up at night, along with the fireworks display that takes place at the strike of 12. People celebrate at restaurants and bars across the city throughout the evening and into the night, then on New Year’s Day, many gather to watch the Grande Parade de Paris, a procession of floats, bands and dancers.

Berlin

Thousands of people in Berlin see in the New Year at the 18^th century landmark Brandenburg Gate, where each year a fireworks display lights up the sky, while others head up to the top of Teufelsberg hill, or Viktoriapark in the Kreuzberg area, for the views each place affords of the display. These New Year’s Eve celebrations are preceded by the annual New Year run, Berliner Silvesterlauf, which proves popular each time it comes round. 

Rome

With its backdrop of ancient ruins and piazzas, Rome is undoubtedly one of Italy’s most spectacular settings to ring the New Year in. Many people choose to join the city’s biggest celebration at Piazza del Popolo, where a huge concert and fireworks display take place.

Prague

This culturally rich city truly comes alive during its New Year celebrations, known here as Silvestr. Parties take place in every bar and restaurant citywide, with New Year’s Eve river cruises, and people gathering on the river banks as well as the streets around Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square, to watch the fireworks at midnight.

Stockholm

Nyarsafton, or New Year’s Eve, is celebrated across Stockholm, but many people make their way to the open-air museum of Skansen, where New Year’s Eve celebrations have taken place since 1895. At midnight, fireworks are let off and Tennyson’s ‘Ring Out, Wild Bells’ poem is read by a local celebrity.

Travel through Europe on a trip with Trafalgar, such as Traditional Europe and European Highlights.

Image credits: Cover photo of Rome on NYE © iStock / franckreporter. New Year’s Eve in London © iStock / franckreporter. Paris © iStock / 8213erika. New Year’s Eve at Brandeburg Tor in Berlin © iStock / franckreporter. New Year’s Eve in Rome © iStock / gcammino.New Year’s Eve in Prague © iStock / sduben. Christmas and New Year lights in Stockholm © iStock / scanrail.