New Year in Europe

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Do you want to avoid the typical New Year's Eve parties and festivities? What about traveling to Europe? You can spend New Year's Eve in one of the top European destinations, such as London, Marbella, Tenerife, or Rome. Celebrate new year’s eve in the most picturesque squares in Europe, marvel at the most stunning fireworks displays in the world, and sing and dance to the beat of the New Year's festivities and concerts.
You can also visit the magical Christmas markets in Europe that are usually opened up until NYE.
There are countless locations worth visiting in the world. However, we have selected some of the top spots in Europe to celebrate New Year's Eve. So pack your bags, you are about to have the new year of your dream.

15 Best Places for New Year in Europe

We have selected 15 charming locations in Europe. There is an ideal European location for you, irrespective of whatever you choose to do this coming New Year.

1. Marbella, Spain

You will immediately notice the difference between Marbella and most of the Costa del Sol resorts. It features a stunning beachfront promenade, is much more upscale, attracts younger tourists, and is packed with trendy beach bars, opulent hotels and resorts, busy nightlife, party tents, and trendy restaurants.
Marbella's New Year's Eve is a marathon, not a sprint. If you have a plan, you can stroll down to the Marbella Puerto Deportivo's bars and clubs, which are always magnificent.
The Plaza de Los Naranjos in Marbella's town center is a must-see. A gathering place for people to ring in the New Year. A few hours before midnight, people slowly congregate with their cava bottles and 12 grape bunches per person. Traditions believe a person will have success and pleasure in the upcoming year if they consume 12 grapes by the moment the clock finishes ringing in Spain.

2. Amsterdam, Holland

Amsterdam serves as the Netherlands' capital and significant economic and financial hub. Amsterdam is well-known among the many tourists who come here each year for its historical landmarks, outstanding art collections, and the distinct color and flavor of its old neighborhoods that have been so carefully kept.
The New Year's Eve celebrations in Amsterdam are fantastic! The party scene and world-class nightlife in the Dutch capital are well-known. The entire city transforms into a massive celebration with fireworks, concerts, and activities happening everywhere. When it comes to New Year's Eve festivity in Amsterdam, partygoers are spoiled for choice, from black-tie affairs to warehouse raves and street parties.
Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, and Nieuwmarkt old town square in Chinatown are all well-recognized gathering places. These establishments are packed by 9 p.m., with people sipping beer or mulled wine and trying the oliebol, a Dutch winter specialty available all year. When the time is right, they exchange Gelukkig Nieuwjaar greetings.

3. Lisbon, Portugal

One of Europe's most charismatic and active cities, this seven-hilled city offers an appealing alternative to Europe's more well-known capitals. It is a fantastic perfect destination for New Year's fest. The expansive Praça do Comércio is a great place to ring in the New Year down by the ocean.
Parque das Naçes and the area around Torre de Belém both feature excellent entertainment options, and Castelo de So Jorge, one of the city's highest points, opens to the public for the midnight celebration and offers a breathtaking view of the city and the official fireworks beside the Tejo River.
For New Year's Eve, many restaurants in Lisbon offer special set dinners. This is a great way to have an inclusive evening, with everything from wine and petiscos to dessert and champagne.

4. Prague, Czech Republic

Early in December, fireworks are on sale for the Czech New Year. This holiday season is one of the best national occasions to launch massive, ornate fireworks displays. A little snow has fallen, and the sky is clear and set to reveal champagne's most magnificent fireworks.
Partygoers can take in the grandeur of New Year’s eve fireworks over water as the Old Town on one side of the river and Prague Castle frame them. Most of the pyrotechnics are launched from regions surrounding Prague Castle and other high points, occasionally from barges on the river.
It is hard to get bored in this city since there are many fantastic cafes and restaurants, parks in every neighborhood, virtual reality museums, and selfie museums. It’s no wonder Prague is considered to be one of the 20 best European cities to visit this winter.

5. Tbilisi, Georgia

Georgia does observe the New Year on January 1 and again on January 13 of each year. Why? Because the Eastern Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, which has January 13 as the genuine New Year, Georgians refer to this day as Old New Year.
The best places to feel festive are on the streets with their glittering lamps. Tbilisi is sparkling with lights, and a stroll across the city at night will let you experience the ethereal mood of the forthcoming celebrations.
The top five meals to include on your supra (feast) if you want to commemorate this significant occasion like a genuine Georgian are Satsivi, Gozinaki (a traditional Georgian treat composed of caramelized nuts fried in honey), Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), and Churchkhela (Traditional sweet).

6. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is a bustling city all year round and is frequently rated as one of the friendliest cities in the world. However, the Irish capital changes when fireworks light up the sky and crowds fill the streets on New Year's Eve. However, you'll need the ideal lodging before you start the festivities.
Make sure to sample some delectable Dublin specialties, such as Colcannon, Roast gammon, Seafood chowder, Beef, Guinness pie, and Dublin coddle. You'll also adore the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, the Guinness Storehouse, Crumlin Road Gaol, Blarney Castle, and the Blarney Stone.

7. London, England

The ideal place to ring in the new year is believed to be London, the capital and largest city of both England and the United Kingdom. London's New Year's Eve celebrations traditionally include a midnight fireworks display; the South Bank serves as the event's focal point, where Big Ben's chimes herald the start of the new year. Pyrotechnics are also released from barges along the River Thames and the London Eye.
People hold hands on New Year's Eve and sing the classic song "Auld Lang Syne" just before midnight. Roast beef, handmade pies, treacle sponge, and Eton mess are all traditional British favorites that satisfy your appetite.

8. Sao Miguel, Azores

São Miguel, the largest island in the Portuguese Azores archipelago, is renowned for its flora, marine life, and rich volcanic scenery, which includes whales. People participated in a traditional street party on New Year's Eve in Ponta Delgada's central center. American and Portuguese music was performed live.
Its gorgeous beaches and verdant landscape have given it the moniker "the Hawaii of Europe." It is the largest island in the Azores, with a land area of about 750 km2.
Aside from its award-winning Terra Nostra Park, Sao Miguel is renowned for its outstanding golf courses, lakes, beaches, land, magnificent landscape, century-old architecture, and, most importantly, its inhabitants.

9. Seville, Spain

Seville, the largest city in Southern Spain, is renowned for its flamenco dancing and distinctive architectural styles. It is one of the fascinating year’s eve destinations to visit in Spain since it is supposed to have been constructed by Hercules himself.
Nochevieja, which means "The Old Night," is the Spanish name for New Year's Eve. On New Year's Eve, tens of thousands of people assemble in Madrid's Puerta del Sol to listen for the clock's chimes on the tower that dominates the main town hall square.
People congregate in Seville at Plaza Nueva in front of City Hall. It is, without a doubt, Seville's most famous location to hear the 12 gongs and eat grapes. The first and second grapes are simple. It will be challenging to resist laughing as your cheeks plump up, making it more difficult to finish all 12 grapes on schedule.

10. Venice, Italy

Venice, often called "Serenissima," "The Floating City," and the "City of Canals" is undoubtedly one of Italy's most attractive cities. Venice is a well-liked tourism destination because of its winding canals, impressive architecture, and lovely bridges.
One of the most well-attended events in Venice is New Year's Eve! Imagine the Doges' Palace and St. Mark's Basilica illuminated with a thousand different colors as you watch the magnificent fireworks over St. Mark's Square from a first-row seat! Have you considered taking a lagoon cruise on New Year's Eve? If you are looking for something with a touch of romance, a new year's eve jazz cruise is something you want to consider.
The Redentore church may be found on Giudecca Island. Venetians set up tables and chairs along the promenade to prepare for their evening, including supper with friends and watching fireworks. The show may be seen from where you stand behind them.

11. Berlin, Germany

The city is renowned for its art culture and cutting-edge structures like the 1963 construction of the golden, swoop-roofed Berliner Philharmonie. Berlin welcomes the new year with a massive outdoor party at the Brandenburg Gate, with music, celebrities, and entertainment.
The New Year's Eve party at the Brandenburg Gate in 2022 was formerly regarded as one of the largest New Year's Eve celebrations worldwide. Alexanderplatz, between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column, is the ideal place to see the new year.
The city center of Berlin can get pretty crazy and noisy while having a New Year’s party. So that you know, Berliners will set off their fireworks and firecrackers all day on New Year's Eve. Do not say we did not warn you.

12. Reykjavik, Iceland

This city is renowned for its active nightlife and for playing host to some of Europe's most significant music events, including Iceland Airwaves. The downtown area is excellent for bar crawls because of its vastness. There are breweries everywhere, and the assortment of craft beers is impressive.
On New Year's Eve, the fireworks display in Reykjavk begins in the early hours of the evening and lasts well into the night. Icelanders lit fireworks throughout the evening instead of a planned and choreographed show occurring only at midnight. They build up at 11:30 p.m. and reach their peak at midnight.
You can go on a cruise where experienced sailors will take you out of Reykjavik's Old Harbor to see the spectacular and renowned fireworks display.

13. Rome, Italy

Rome's flawless fusion of art, culture, history, and modernity makes it the ideal location for New Year's Eve festivity. For a very authentic New Year's Eve experience, spend the evening immersed in Roman culture rather than merely partying the night away in Rome. Locals and visitors converge on the streets as midnight draws near, and they ring in the New Year together.
Kissing beneath the mistletoe to ring in the new year and wearing red underwear on New Year's Eve may seem strange, but the Romans believed red represented good fortune. One of the highlights of New Year's Eve in Rome is the fireworks, combined with several free concerts and delectable food everywhere.

14. Dubrovnik, Croatia

For the past ten years, Stradun in Dubrovnik has been one of the most significant locations in Croatia to celebrate the new year. Dubrovnik's New Year's celebrations offer a unique mood and ambiance. The best possible prelude to the craziest night will be provided on New Year's Eve, December 31, when traditional Dubrovnik carols and an all-day music program will see the past year out.
Croatia will amuse numerous tourists and international stars as the New Year starts in Dubrovnik. The Stradun New Year's eve concert by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra has been a wonderful present for tourists. The orchestra will play gorgeous operatic tunes, adding to the spectacular New Year's festivities.

15. Rovaniemi, Finland

The capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi, situated near the Arctic Circle, is another beautiful city to ring in the New Year. There are eight distinct seasons in this Nordic area, each with a unique light, temperature, and natural occurrences. They ring in the New Year at Lapland's enchanted Arctic Circle boundary.
The elements of fire, ice, darkness, snow, lights, music and dancing come together to create a wonderful experience for the entire family. As the New Year approaches, the enigmatic fortunetellers heighten the excitement, and Santa Claus will even stop by! Enjoy the enormous snow disco, snow bars, impressive New Year dance show, and powerful fireworks.

New Year in Europe: Top Tips for a Successful Trip

Get Schengen Travel Insurance

It is recommended for all European visitors to obtain travel health insurance, but it is not required. Only travelers applying for a Schengen visa are required to have travel insurance.

Book Accommodation

Find properties in the European locations you visit using various techniques. Also, determine whether you require a Schengen visa to enter Europe, prepare your documents, choose your trip's duration and rough departure dates and create a budget.

Check the Europe Travel Requirements

Traveling to Europe will be a little different starting in 2023. The 26 nations that make up the Schengen Zone in Europe will require all travelers from the 63 nations who now do not need visas to apply for ETIAS to be admitted into the Schengen Zone. This is done to secure and safeguard their borders.
A valid passport and email address are required to get the ETIAS, and travelers between 18 and 70 will also need a debit or credit card to pay the non-refundable service cost. Usually, within 96 hours, you'll get an email letting you know whether or not your ETIAS application has been granted. Applications may occasionally require up to four weeks to process if more information is needed.

Wrapping It Up: Best Places in Europe for New Year

Tourists from all over the world travel to various European cities to ring in the New Year. Hearing so many different languages as you count down, celebrating with your new friends from multiple countries, and ringing in the New Year while sipping mulled wine and champagne, Europe offers the best experience.
Around the world, New Year's Eve is a tremendously busy time of year. Reserve your flights, lodging, tours, and activities in advance to have a special New Year's Eve in Europe.
Written by: Fikayomi Abisola
Abisola is an ETIAS Travel and Immigration writer with several years of writing experience in the industry. Abisola has a unique enthusiasm for travels, tours, and tourism and loves to educate travellers about the criteria involved in international travelling.

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