17 Best Places in Europe to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

Europe offers countless ways to celebrate the New Year, from grand fireworks displays over iconic landmarks to festive street parties steeped in local traditions. Here’s a guide to the 15 best places in Europe to ring in the New Year, each offering a unique atmosphere, stunning scenery, and unforgettable experiences.

1. London, England 🇬🇧

London’s New Year’s Eve celebration is legendary, with fireworks lighting up the sky over the Thames River and London Eye. Crowds gather early to secure a view as Big Ben’s chimes mark midnight. Alongside the spectacular display, you can enjoy street festivities and countdown parties throughout the city, from the banks of the Thames to iconic spots like Trafalgar Square.

Must-try: Take a Thames River cruise for a unique vantage point of the fireworks.

Best places to stay in London

2. Edinburgh, Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Scotland’s capital is famous for its Hogmanay festival, a three-day celebration featuring torchlight processions, live music, and one of the world’s largest street parties. Join in the massive ceilidh (traditional dance) and marvel at the fireworks over Edinburgh Castle. The festivities continue on New Year’s Day with the Loony Dook, where brave souls take a dip in the icy River Forth.

Unique experience: Participate in the torchlight procession on December 30th, a mesmerizing sight as thousands march through the streets with lit torches.

Best places to stay in Edinburgh

3. Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪

Berlin’s New Year’s celebration centers around the Brandenburg Gate, where over a million people gather for live music, dazzling laser shows, and a midnight fireworks spectacle. The “Party Mile,” stretching from Brandenburg Gate to Victory Column, is lined with food stalls, bars, and entertainment, creating a lively and multicultural atmosphere.

Insider tip: Try the local currywurst and grab a glass of glühwein (mulled wine) to stay warm.

Best places to stay in Berlin

4. Paris, France 🇫🇷

In the City of Lights, New Year’s Eve is a magical experience. Watch the Eiffel Tower’s glittering display, enjoy fireworks from Champs-Élysées, or book a Seine River cruise to float under illuminated bridges. For a romantic touch, many couples flock to the Eiffel Tower area for a memorable midnight kiss.

Recommendation: Head to Montmartre for a more laid-back celebration with panoramic views of Paris.

Best places to stay in Paris

5. Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹

Ring in the New Year in style in Vienna, where you can attend a classical concert or a grand New Year’s Eve ball. The Silvesterpfad (New Year’s Eve Trail) transforms the city center into a festive fair with music, dancing, and food. Enjoy the countdown and fireworks at the Rathaus (City Hall) for an elegant evening.

Highlight: Join the locals in waltzing at midnight, a Viennese New Year tradition.

Best places to stay in Vienna

6. Reykjavik, Iceland 🇮🇸

In Reykjavik, New Year’s Eve is a community affair with locals gathering around bonfires, setting off fireworks, and partying in the streets. With no official firework show, the sky is filled with bursts of light as everyone joins in the celebration. If the weather cooperates, you might even see the Northern Lights.

Unique touch: Experience the community bonfires, where locals gather to bid farewell to the old year.

Best places to stay in Reykjavik

7. Madrid, Spain 🇪🇸

Celebrate in Puerta del Sol with thousands of locals and follow the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight—one for each stroke of the clock—to bring good luck in the coming year. The atmosphere is lively, and the streets are filled with parties and open-air festivities throughout the night.

Tip: Get your grapes ready to take part in this beloved Spanish tradition.

Best places to stay in Madrid

8. Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿

New Year’s in Prague is a sight to behold, with fireworks illuminating the sky above the Vltava River and Prague Castle. The historic Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square come alive with live music, food stalls, and a lively crowd celebrating into the early hours.

Recommendation: Cross the Charles Bridge to watch the fireworks for an iconic Prague experience.

Best places to stay in Prague

9. Amsterdam, Netherlands 🇳🇱

The entire city of Amsterdam turns into a giant party on New Year’s Eve. Major celebrations take place in Dam Square, Nieuwmarkt, and Museumplein, where you can watch fireworks and enjoy live music. The city’s iconic canals make for a beautiful backdrop as revelers enjoy the festive energy.

Highlight: Dance the night away at one of Amsterdam’s famous clubs or outdoor events.

Best places to stay in Amsterdam

10. Budapest, Hungary 🇭🇺

In Budapest, the Danube River becomes the center of celebration, with fireworks illuminating landmarks like the Chain Bridge and Buda Castle. For a unique twist, head to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths or Gellért Baths for special New Year’s Eve spa parties, where you can relax in warm waters while celebrating.

Unique experience: Ring in the New Year with a relaxing soak in one of Budapest’s iconic thermal baths.

Best places to stay in Budapest

11. Copenhagen, Denmark 🇩🇰

New Year’s Eve in Copenhagen centers around City Hall Square, where the clock tower chimes mark midnight. The famous Tivoli Gardens hosts a festive evening with live music, beautiful lights, and a fireworks display that lights up the gardens and skies.

Must-see: Tivoli Gardens’ fireworks and illuminated displays offer a magical holiday ambiance.

Best places to stay in Copenhagen

12. Venice, Italy 🇮🇹

In Venice, head to St. Mark’s Square for a romantic celebration. The city’s canals and historic architecture provide a picturesque setting as locals and tourists gather to welcome the New Year with live music, fireworks, and a communal midnight kiss to celebrate love and peace.

Highlight: Join the locals in St. Mark’s Square and enjoy the beautiful reflections on the canals.

Best places to stay in Venice

13. Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹

In Lisbon, New Year’s Eve is celebrated in the grand Praça do Comércio square, with concerts, DJs, and fireworks over the Tagus River. For a more intimate celebration, head to Bairro Alto, a district known for its lively bars and street festivities.

Recommendation: Enjoy local dishes like bacalhau (codfish) and pastel de nata for a true Portuguese celebration.

Best places to stay in Lisbon

14. Dubrovnik, Croatia 🇭🇷

Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town is a stunning setting for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Open-air concerts in Stradun, Dubrovnik’s main street, fill the night with music and dancing, while fireworks light up the sky over the Adriatic Sea. The mild winter weather adds to the appeal of this beautiful coastal city.

Tip: Wander the city walls for an elevated view of the celebrations and fireworks.

Best places to stay in Dubrovnik

15. Stockholm, Sweden 🇸🇪

In Stockholm, celebrate New Year’s Eve by watching the official fireworks display from the waterfront at Skeppsholmen. For a panoramic view, head to Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum, where traditional celebrations and live music add to the festive atmosphere.

Highlight: Experience Skansen’s traditional New Year’s events for a unique Swedish touch.

Best places to stay in Stockholm

16. Porto, Portugal 🇵🇹

The charming city of Porto offers lively New Year’s celebrations in Avenida dos Aliados, with concerts and a midnight fireworks display over the river. The Ribeira district comes alive with music, and the beautiful Douro River provides a stunning backdrop for the festivities.

Best places to stay in Porto

17. Valletta, Malta 🇲🇹

Malta’s capital, Valletta, combines Mediterranean warmth with vibrant celebrations. The historic Grand Harbour is lit up with fireworks, while Republic Street hosts live performances and street parties. Valletta’s mild winter weather and festive atmosphere make it an underrated New Year’s Eve destination.

Best places to stay in Valletta

Europe’s best New Year’s destinations offer diverse experiences, from grand fireworks and street parties to romantic riverside celebrations. Whether you’re celebrating in the bustling streets of London or taking in the majestic views from Stockholm, these cities provide unforgettable ways to welcome the New Year!

Found something amazing? Spread the wonder and share it with your friends! 🥰