Unique New Year’s Traditions Across Europe

Every country has its own way of ringing in the New Year, and Europe is no exception.  The largest capital cities tend to have equally large celebrations; however, the unique traditions and ceremonies vary from country to country.  Whether you are looking to celebrate with fireworks or a quiet night in, you will be able to find your ideal New Year’s Eve in Europe.

France

Parisian nightclubs are generally packed on New Year’s Eve (or, in French, “la Saint-Sylvestre.”)  The night is also commemorated with a lavish feast (typically including pancakes, foie gras and champagne) called “le Réveillon de Saint-Sylvestre” and a formal ball or “soirée dansante.”  The next day is the first of the year, or “Jour des Étrennes.”  It is marked with a gigantic parade through the streets of Paris that ends right under the Eiffel Tower.  Other activities include gift-giving, cruises down the River Seine, torchlight processions to pick grapes at midnight, and pranks among children (similar to the American April Fool’s Day) to honor a tradition called the “Poisson d’Avril.”

Recommended hotels in Paris: Hotel Elysees Mermoz, Adagio Paris Opéra

Italy

New Year’s Eve in Italy, or “La Festa di San Silvestro,” is a celebratory affair filled with food (especially lentils to symbolize money and good fortune, and pork to symbolize the richness of life in the upcoming year) and drink (a lot of prosecco, Italian sparkling wine.)  Fireworks, music and dancing also play major roles.  Big cities like Rome and Naples are hubs of excitement, and Bologna hosts the annual Fat Ox Fair.  In the southern part of the country, locals celebrate by throwing their old things out the window to ready themselves for a new year—and don’t forget to wear red underwear for luck!

Recommended hotels in Rome: Hotel Villa Pinciana, Navona Palace Residenze Di Charme

The Netherlands

Not surprisingly, the city of Amsterdam is a happening place on New Year’s Eve.  If you’re looking for a big party scene, definitely head here on “Old Year’s Evening” (which is what the locals call the holiday.)  Parties and nightclubs aside, the Netherlands has a handful of unique New Year’s traditions.  Locals typically spend the day visiting friends and family members and historically, men were required to eat and drink a glass of liquor at each home they visited.  Other distinctly Dutch traditions include burning Christmas trees, eating donuts (anything in the shape of a ring is thought to bring good fortune) and—most famously—diving into the freezing cold waters of the North Sea at noon.

Recommended hotels in Amsterdam: Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam, Hotel Estheréa

The UK

Like in other major cities around the globe, London rings in the New Year with a huge fireworks display.  Fancy restaurants and nightclubs are packed on New Year’s Eve, and many opt to take a cruise down the romantic River Thames.  Additionally, London hosts the largest fetish ball in Europe—the Torture Garden New Year’s Eve Ball—on the big night.  The next day, British locals celebrate in unique ways: the old customs of the “burning of the bush” and “first footing” are still followed in earnest.  The latter tradition states that the first male visitor to enter a house on New Year’s Day brings good luck (he also brings with him auspicious gifts, like bread or money.)  A blonde, red head or woman is not allowed to enter first.  Lastly, the UK has one of the world’s largest New Year parades.

Recommended hotels in London: Lancaster Gate Hotel, Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel

Germany

One of the most interesting New Year’s traditions in Germany is the custom of “Bleigiessen,” or the telling of fortunes.  Molten lead is dropped into cold water, and the shape it takes predicts the future of the person in question.  Locals also leave a bit of every food on the table until after midnight; this is thought to ensure plenty of food in the upcoming year.  Quirky customs aside, Germany celebrates the New Year as most other countries do: with eating (especially fish, lentils, cabbage and carrots for good luck), drinking and general merriment.  The giant celebration on New Year’s Eve is called “Brandenburger Tor,” and it is accompanied by fireworks and ringing church bells.

Recommended hotels in Berlin: Hotel California am Kurfürstendamm, Hampton by Hilton Berlin City West