Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve in Europe

New Year’s Eve is incredibly exciting in Europe. As those final hours of December set in, it feels as if the entire continent is holding its breath waiting for the tension to finally crack. Wherever you are in Europe, you can expect wild celebrations and entertainment, but of course there are some places which hit better than others. If you’re sat there wondering where the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Europe are, then you’re in the right place. I’ll go through my personal favourites from past experiences to help you find the best one for you.

Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve in Europe

Edinburgh, Scotland

New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh isn’t just limited to the 31st of December. In fact, the entire celebrates it for three days in a festival known as Hogmanay. It is arguably one of the most iconic celebrations in Europe and is comprised of many different Scottish traditions. There is a large torchlit procession, a massive firework display above Edinburgh Castle, and even a free Arts trail. When you add in the rich Scottish culture and welcome, I genuinely think that you have a New Year’s Eve which is impossible to forget.

For more information, why not check out my post on 48 Hours in Edinburgh | Your Ultimate Weekend Guide?

Paris, France

If you are after a romantic trip away, then let me suggest a New Year’s Eve in Paris, the romance capital in Europe. Paris isn’t called the City of Light for nothing and you’ll find dazzling displays across the city, especially down the Champs-Élysées. On the big evening itself, you’ll also see glittering lights (and lasers!) running down the Eiffel Tower. Before the big parties inevitably hit Paris, I would recommend strolling around, taking a cruise down the Seine, or maybe use Paris as a base to explore some nearby places.

For more ideas, check out my posts on Visiting Paris at Christmas Time | 2025 Guide or Day Trips from Paris: Exploring Paris’ Outskirts.

Berlin, Germany

Event: Party at the Brandenburg Gate

Berlin is one of the best places in Europe to throw a party, and New Year’s Eve really steps it up. In particular, the area between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column becomes a massive open-air party; one of the largest in Europe. Expect to see different stages, DJs, food stalls selling that incredibly comforting German food, and of course light shows. When midnight strikes, you’ll see plenty of fireworks burst above the gate, lighting up the skyline. Before the party though, you’ll be pleased to know that all the Christmas Markets will still be open for you to explore!

If you think that Berlin might be the one for you, check out my post on Berlin at Christmas Time | Festive Things To Do [2025].

London, England

London’s New Year’s Eve is iconic. In fact, the fireworks over the River Thames are world-famous and illuminate the nearby landmarks of the London Eye, Big Ben and Westminster Bridge. The main issue is that tickets to get up close to the fireworks sell out fast, so you need to book ahead. However, from past experiences, you can easily watch them from a nearby pub or bar. There are plenty of rooftop / sky bars in London which are all open on New Year’s Eve. They’ll all have amazing views of the displays and also are in the nearby vicinity to other nightclubs.

For more information, check out my post on The Best Christmas Markets in London 2025 | Your Quick Guide.

Reykjavik, Iceland

For a truly Nordic experience, check out New Year’s Eve in Reykjavik. In 2025, we decided that we would spend part of December here and, whilst there was only 4 hours of daylight, we absolutely loved it. For New Year’s, the entire experience is more intimate and personal than some other large cities. Families usually spend it together around bonfires, before locals all set off fireworks at midnight (which, to be honest, happens in most European cities!). You could also combine this with an evening out before to see the Northern Lights, which makes the whole trip a magical experience.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna has to be one of my favourite European cities; it has an incredible elegance and old-world charm. The city at New Year’s Eve is equally as glamorous. You have the Silvesterpfad, the New Year’s Eve Trail, which transforms the city centre into a walking festival.expect to see various waltz performances and live orchestras, as well as being able to tuck in to plenty of street food. You can even book tickets to the iconic venue of Hofburg Palace, where a grand Viennese ball is held each year. Tickets sell out incredibly fast though, so make sure that you book ahead.

For more inspiration, check out my post on Vienna at Christmas Time: December in Vienna.

Prague, Czech Republic

Visiting Prague is an experience any time of the year. There is just something so beautiful about this city which always draws me back. New Year’s Eve plays on this and makes for an incredibly enchanting experience. Firstly, communities will gather along on the Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square to watch the fireworks at midnight. Before this, there are plenty of lively bars and pubs that are around to enjoy. Plus, many of these are open after midnight for you to sample some of the best beer in the world.

For more information, check out my post on 48 Hours in Prague | Things That You Must Do.

Madrid, Spain

Whilst not the wintery wonderland you might want for New Year’s Eve. However, Puerta del Sol adds something different and unique in Europe. Firstly, thousands gather for the famous 12 grapes ritual, eating one for each stroke of midnight for good luck. Whilst this might seem rather… Unique, the entire atmosphere is fantastic and there are plenty of celebrations held across the city. After the clock chimes, Madrid shows off its famously late-night energy. If you’ve ever been to Spain for a party, let me assure you that you won’t go to sleep until the sun rises.

Rome, Italy

Rome is another city which is faraway from a classical European winter. However, it is definitely a favourite of mine for New Year’s Eve. There really isn’t anything more impressive than seeing fireworks burst over the Colosseum and Roman Forum at midnight. It has to be the most dramatic and cinematic place to spend New Year’s Eve in Europe. Add in the traditional Italian foods, street performers, the Circus Maximus and Prosecco, and you have a very special New Year’s Eve.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you are looking for unique experience, a New Year’s Eve canal cruise in Amsterdam could be just what you are after. Of course, the city has plenty of lights which decorate the banks of the canals, and there are parties across the city. It makes for a much quieter experience compared with other places, but definitely a top place to spend New Year’s.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest has one of Europe’s most atmospheric New Year’s Eve celebrations. You of course have a fantastic backdrop for fireworks with the Buda Castle, Chain Bridge and the Parliament Building. Not quite as dramatic as Rome, but still very special. However, what is perhaps most unique is that the local thermal baths actually host lively New Year’s Eve parties. Whilst this is not for everyone, throw in the hearty Hungarian dishes and lively bars and you’ll definitely have a night to remember.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Similarly to Iceland, Denmark has to be a bucket list New Year’s destination for anyone. Copenhagen is perhaps one of the best places to experience this. In December, the city turns into a festive wonderland as it is, but throw in local celebrations and plenty of fireworks, and you have an incredible New Year’s Eve ahead of you. If you want to have a local experience, gather at the City Hall Square. This is where the official countdown begins and it promises a lively atmosphere.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Old Town of Dubrovnik becomes a spectacular open-air venue at New Year’s. Across this beautiful city you’ll experience live concerts and performances, as well as street parties. This is without mentioning the beautiful historic stone buildings which glow under the festive lights. The atmosphere here is a lot more personal. You won’t find as many tourists this time of year and sot there isn’t as much chaos. Overall, it is perfect for anyone who wants a lively, but cosy, celebration.

Stockholm, Sweden

New Year’s Eve in Stockholm feels calm, elegant, and beautifully wintery. At Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum, people gather for different performances. These range from choirs to speeches. You’ll also find traditional celebrations here and impressive fireworks from across the city. It is a much quieter experience again with meaningful celebrations.

Lisbon, Portugal

I personally love Lisbon, especially during the New Year’s period. The waterfront Praça do Comércio becomes the centre of the festivities, with plenty of live concerts and fireworks. From past experiences, the weather will again be mild, but this only means that you can stay out later! After the midnight celebrations, you can start January enjoying tapas and drinks in some of the local bars.

For more information, check out my posts on 72 Hours in Lisbon | Your Quick Guide and Day Trips from Lisbon | Your Quick Guide.

Brussels, Belgium

As I’ve said in many of my recent posts, Brussels is really underrated as a destination. Not a lot of people would consider Brussels as a one of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Europe, but it really is. The fireworks are fantastic and are held at the Atomium, and the night markets from the Christmas period are still up and running. Give it a try and you won’t regret it.

For more information, check out Visiting Brussels at Christmas Time | Your Quick Guide and Day Trips from Brussels | Your Quick Guide.

Tallinn, Estonia

If you haven’t heard of Tallinn, then I would suggest you give it a look. It has to be one of the most up-and-coming places in Europe and I personally can’t wait to visit. From what I’ve read, the entire atmosphere is far more cosy and local; don’t expect giant crowds. What you can expect through are beautiful buildings being illuminated by a fantastic firework displays. Seriously – don’t overlook this one.

Krakow, Poland

Krakow is one of my favourite cities in Europe. It blends history and electric energy together throughout the year, but never as well as it does on New Year’s Eve. The main event happens in the main square, beneath the Basilica of St. Mary’s. There is a huge fireworks display and many of the nearby bars are open until late. If you are after more of a party-vibe for New Year’s, but still want to experience a rich history of a destination, consider Krakow.

Venice, Italy

Lastly, Venice has to be on this list. It is again one of the most amazing cities in Europe and, whilst incredibly touristy, is effortlessly beautiful. Whilst St. Mark’s Square is the centre of the celebrations, I think that you almost have limitless possibilities here. The city is small and you’ll get to see the fireworks and soak up the Venetian atmosphere anywhere you go. If you want crowds and atmosphere, go to the heart of the square. If however you fancy something quieter, go down one of the many side streets and enjoy fantastic Italian food and wine. What a way to end the year!

Final Thoughts | Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve in Europe

European cities are incredibly diverse. You have winter snowscapes, bustling metropolises and ancient hubs. In short, you could spend your life going to different cities to experience New Year’s and still get a different experience each year.

I hope that you found my list useful – I know that it has really got me excited for New Year’s and I can’t wait to plan my next trip to see the new year in. If you think I’ve missed anything, do let me know. I always love hearing from you.