Hi everyone, My friend and I are planning a trip to Europe for January. What country do you suggest would be the best place to spend New Year's Eve? We are looking for a place with public celebrations (would rather not spend New Year's in a hotel room), and also a place where there might be thngs open to entertain us (sights, etc.) on January 1. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have read many posts about Christmas in Europe, but can't find anything about NYE. Any ideas would be great. We are in our mid-20s. Thanks!
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9222 posts
Berlin, Berlin, Berlin! First of all, fireworks are legal here the 3 days before NYE, so the country literally explodes, no matter where you are. These are pretty good fireworks too, almost professional. I think in 2009, enough fireworks were sold to equal about 150 euro for every person in Germany. Every city will have its citizens letting off fireworks for at least 30 or 45 min. Parties in all the clubs and bars, special concerts and balls will be going on too. Berlin is the best outdoor celebration though. As to the 1st, many museums will be open as will many restaurants. Look for concerts on New Years day too, if you like stuff like that.
Posted by
Boston, MA, USA
250 posts
We were in Venice a few years ago over New Year's and it was pretty special. Huge celebration in Piazza San Marco, concerts, performances, all the sites open on New Year's Day.
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
I have to agree with Jo. We celebrated NYE in Berlin in 2009/10 and loved it! With more than a million people on the street there is great atmosphere. Most sights close for the pm of Dec 31 and am of Jan 1 but to be honest, we struggled to make it out of bed in time to make it to our pre-arranged noon tour of the Reichstag on Jan 1 ;-) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . One word of caution: Berlin can be very cold at this time of year. Do dress accordingly! We took "toe warmers" along to place inside our boots to keep warm while standing/walking for hours through slush and snow. That worked quite well.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
I can only speak for one: London. New Year's Eve there a few years ago was fantastic. Big Ben chiming midnight, fireworks over the Thames, pubs and restaurants jumping, huge crowds celebrating. I'd definitely put London on your list of possibilities.
Posted by
Finkle
195 posts
I have to say Edinburgh. Concerts, parades, its realy really a big deal.
Mike DC
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
AUSTRIA, anywhere in AUSTRIA. The most romantic and fun New Year's on Earth. At midnight all TV and radio stations and speakers in the streets play the Blue Danube Waltz and everybody, really everybody dances in the streets - be it in the heart of Vienna or the market place of an Alpine village. Great party going on all night. New Years anywhere in Austria is more fun than in New York City or anywhere in the US, UK, France or Switzerland (I've done all of that. Believe me!).
Posted by
Edmonton, AB, Canada
668 posts
Andreas - have you been in Edinburgh on Hogmany (New Year's Eve? Hogmany is THE holiday in Scotland - bigger than Christmas and they have never heard of Thanksgiving!
Posted by
Orlando, Florida
676 posts
Paula, My friends went to Venice last NYE, and said it was fun but the water was up, so their feet got a little wet...I saw the Berlin celebration on TV while at work and it looked so great that that's my plan for this year! LOTS of fireworks, bands, lots of people-plus Berlin is cheaper I think than Edinburgh, tho I've heard it's great there too. Not sure what's open on the 1st tho, but if you really celebrate the way they were last year, you might not be moving too fast... :)