Anticipated as the first year of the modern era’s Roaring Twenties, be sure to ring in 2020 in style! If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, perhaps you’d be interested in joining one of these spectacular European New Year’s Eve celebrations. Whether you want to experience something different, or simply set the tone for the new year, one of these destinations is sure to catch your eye.
Berlin, Germany
The aptly named “Party Mile” stretches from the Victory Column to the Brandenburg Gate every New Year’s Eve. Hundreds of thousands of attendees, comprised of locals and tourists alike, gather for live music, DJ sets and light shows, all rounded up with a breathtaking firework display to celebrate the start of the new year. Be sure to come prepared as this party generally doesn’t end until well into New Year’s Day!
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Hogmanay street party in the Princes streets district of central Edinburgh begins with a torch carrying procession, complete with pipes and drums, and only ramps up as the night progresses. As the new year dawns, the fireworks from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle compete with thousands of voices in a traditional rendition of Auld Lang Syne. It’s small wonder that Hogmanay is one of the oldest, largest and most renowned New Year’s Eve festivals!
Paris, France
The City of Lights truly lives up to its epithet every New Year’s Eve, whether it’s the bedazzled Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées light show, or simply admiring the city’s skyline from the plaza at Sacré Cœur. From attending a masquerade ball to a formal dinner on a boat drifting down the Seine with a live orchestra for ambience, there’s certainly plenty to do that will trump any New Year’s Eve celebration you’ve ever experienced before!
Venice, Italy
As always in Italy, any significant occasion begins with food! In Venice, enjoy the traditional New Year’s Eve meal of Capodanno. Lentils always make an appearance, no matter where you choose to eat, as a symbol of good luck. If your significant other is with you, join Venician couples in the annual “Love Event” by sharing a kiss and a glass of prosecco while you watch the fireworks in Piazza San Marco.
Stockholm, Sweden
While most Swedes prefer to escape the cold and watch the annual New Year’s Eve live broadcast (which oddly includes a very British recital of Tennyson’s Ring Out, Wild Bells) from the comfort of their homes, there is still plenty for tourists to experience in this bustling Scandinavian capital. Get wrapped up to watch the Royal Castle firework display from a number of vantage points, or enjoy a live concert at the Stockholm Cathedral. If a party of the less refined is what you seek, head to the Sölderman area for all the trendiest nightclubs.
Whether it’s the thrill of the unknown or the pull of experiencing long standing traditions from across the world that appeals to you this New Year’s Eve, there’s certainly every reason to celebrate and no shortage of celebrations to attend. Be sure to immerse yourself in an experience that will stay with you long after the fireworks have dissipated, and surround yourself with those who will support and encourage you to make 2020 your best year yet!
Sources: https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/top/best-destinations-to-celebrate-new-year-s-eve-in-europe/, https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-city-for-new-years-europe, https://www.tourradar.com/days-to-come/best-cities-in-europe-for-new-years-eve/
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