Europe's New Year Spectacle for Spontaneous, Free Concerts, Luminations and Fireworks for the First Time, 2022/2023

Lifestyle Calendar, 26 December 2022

Discover Europe's cities and their New Year's Eve spectacles at the end of 2022. If you couldn't plan a trip, we show you recommendations for spontaneous trips on a budget that you can reach by train. Free concerts in Piazza Duomo, Milan, Rome and Vienna. The most bombastic New Year's Eve street party in Europe at the Brandenburger Tor, Berlin. Fireworks in Brussels for the first time again. An illuminated cathedral in Lausanne. New Year's parades in Paris, London, or start the New Year at the Vatican, Rome. Or enjoy empty dreamy beaches in Deauville, Normandy on New Year's morning.

Barcelona, Font Màgica de Montjuïc ©Vitaliy Zamedyanski

Paris streets ©Jorik Kleen

Lifestyle Calendar, 26 December 2022: Was the year so busy that you couldn't plan a trip? Are you spontaneous enough to just take off and experience a little adventure? All European cities are easily accessible by train. Shows and restaurants are certainly booked up, but maybe you just want to stroll through a new city and toast the New Year with strangers.

Toast to the fact that your dreams are bound to come true in 2023.

2022 is a special year as many places will be allowed to have fireworks again. In some capitals there will be free concerts, like in Rome at the Circus Maximus, in Milan at the Piazza Duomo and the city of Vienna has organised the Sylvesterpfad (New Year's Eve Trail). If you like it quiet, you can take a carriage ride through romantic Karlo Vary or enjoy the empty Norman beaches of Deauville or Mont-Saint-Michel. Or you can really let it rip at the bombastic New Year's celebration at the Brandenburger Tor in Berlin. Find out where parades take place on New Year's Day, like the Grande Parade de Paris and the New Year's Day Parade in the Piazza del Popolo.

If you live in Europe, it's possible to just head out with your loved ones on a budget. Rail travel can be organised with Deutsche Bahn, Thalys, Eurostar, SBB CFF FFS, Flixtrain, OBB, Treniitalia, Renfe, ScotRail:

Here are our tips for the European end of year and the day after.

Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile ©Mat Napo

Paris

The centre of the action is undoubtedly the fireworks on the Champs-Élysées, but the street parties in the hilly Sacré-Cœur are also wonderful. On the edge of Montmartre is the Moulin Rouge. Or else take a Champagne Cruise on the Seine.

On New Year's Eve, the Christmas markets are also still open, such as: Saint-Sulpice, Saint-Germain-des-Près, Place de la Nation and Place des Abbesses in Montmartre. Even the Chinese New Year 2022 will be celebrated in Paris.

Dancing with the mice at Disneyland Paris? Unforgettable, but perhaps already booked up.

Don't forget to cure that little hangover in the morning in a Parisian street cafe with a croissant and cafe au lait.

Grand Parade de Paris

On New Year's morning, the Grand Parade de Paris starts at 2.30 pm at the Trocadéro, directly opposite the Eiffel Tower on the Seine.

Royal Casino Barriere a Deauville

Deauville

Enjoy New Year on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world in the small Norman town of Deauville, the weekend resort of the Parisians. After all, it's only 2.5 hours by train from Paris. In the evening, you might be able to get a ticket for the Royal Casino Barrière, Deauville. Deauville is a town so elegant that Coco Chanel opened her second boutique here after Paris, in what is now Barrière Le Normandy. The next day, you could take a trip to the magical monastery mountain of Mont-Saint-Michel, located between Normandy and Brittany.

Magic Place Mont-Saint-Michel ©Michel Roxxie

Cannes ©Joachim Lesne

Cannes

Le Saint Sylvester in Cannes begins with a New Year's address "Les Veux presidentiell" by the French President. After that, it's time to swarm into the city. The Boulevard de la Croisette is lit up by fireworks and at the same time a musical takes place, this time with a rock'n roll theme.

Of course, Cannes also has a Christmas Village with ice rink in La Bocca / Centre-Ville and there is said to be the largest animated Christmas tree in the world on the Esplanade George Pompidou with 33 meters.

Nice

In Nice, however, it's the Promenade des Anglais where the fireworks are best seen and there's a street party at Place Masséna.

Monte Carlo ©Geoff Brooks

Monte Carlo
If you take a trip to Monte Carlo, Casino Square (Place du Casino) is a nice place to see the fireworks, and also the fanciful illuminated facade of the Casino de Monte-Carlo. see the fireworks best Casino Square (Place du Casino).

Meanwhile, the Ballet de Monte Carlo dances a Faust piece on New Year's Eve of you listen to a classical concert. Or you can stroll through the Christmas Village at Port Hercule de Monaco.

Grand Place, Brussels, ©JTorres

Brussels

Good news: The fireworks spectacle is back in the Belgian capital after a 2-year absence and will take place at Place de Palais. From 23.00, visitors can access the site at Place des Palais, Place du Trône, and Boulevard du Regent. With the Happy Brussels Pass, you can enjoy more attractions. Or stroll through one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, the Grand Place. The day after, we recommend a day trip to the medieval city of Bruges, popular film set or Ghent.

Medieval city of Bruges, 1 hour from Brussels ©Azamat Esmurziyev

Brandenburger Tor ©Norbert Braun

Berlin

Arguably the most bombastic New Year's Eve street party in Europe takes place in the German capital at the Brandenburger Tor, starting on 30 December and lasting until the morning of 1 January.

There are live performances, DJs and light and music shows, followed by a breathtaking fireworks display to mark the turn of the year. There are usually over a million people on the streets.

Dresden ©Tim Hufne

Dresden

In the beautiful city of Dresden, one of the biggest fireworks displays takes place on Theater Platz.

Ice skating

If you get a room at the Taschenbergpalais, you will be surprised to find an ice rink in the courtyard of the hotel.

Fairytale and Weimar

The next day you could wander through the park of the Cinderella Castle Moritzburg or even 3 hours away through Goethe's birthplace Weimar.

Cinderella castle Schloss Moritzburg ©Denny Muller

Ostseebad Sellin ©Yves Moret

Ruegen

Strandkorbsylvester: Translated it means "Beach chair New Year's Eve". Celebrate the turn of the year on Germany's largest island of Rügen, when the New Year's Eve fireworks are reflected in the Baltic Sea. The "Strandkorbsilvester" in Goehren has become a highlight in German events, where you can walk on the soft sand and look at the stars comfortably in a beach chair. Absolutely romantic and unforgettable.

The "Strandkorbilvester" in Göhren starts at 00.00 o'clock, the fireworks on the Sellin pier at 00.10. More fireworks in Baabe, Kap Arkona, Binz, Bergen and Ummanz."

Rügen ©Birk Enwald

Grand Hotel Heiligendamm ©Filipp Romanovski

Heiligendamm

Heiligendamm, the "White Town by the Sea", is Germany's oldest seaside resort, situated on the Baltic coast. In the 19th century it became a fashionable meeting place for the aristocracy and the upper middle classes, of which the classicist buildings along the beach promenade still bear witness. The Grand Hotel Heiligendamm became famous because of the G8 summit in 2007. Germans love Sylt on the North Sea, but the Baltic Sea and its "Mecklenburg Baltic Sea resorts" are just as beautiful.

Ostsee ©Philipp Deus

Ben Tivoli Garden ©Ethan Hu

Copenhagen

In Copenhagen, as in the rest of Denmark, New Year's celebrations begin with the Queen's traditional Christmas speech at 6pm. You can celebrate especially nicely in the Ben Tivoli Garden, which is still decorated for Christmas, and have dinner in one of the nice restaurants. Then around midnight, head over to Town Hall Square to enjoy the fireworks.

Szechenyi Baths ©Linda Gerbec

Karlovy Vary, Carlsbad

Karlovy Vary was founded in the 14th century by a king who began using the water here as a cure - the term Karlovy Vary means "Charles' boiling water". The 100 thermal springs feed bathhouses, including the Szechenyi Baths, the largest in Europe. Architectural highlights include the five-star Carlsbad Plaza Hotel and the Grand Hotel Pupp, known as James Bond and Vesper Lynd's Casino Royale.

Charles Bridge ©Ryan Lum

Prague

The capital of the Czech Republic awaits you on the 31st with concerts, fireworks and Champagnert. Šťastný Nový rok! Charles Bridge is the center of New Year's Eve celebrations on the river. Fireworks are usually set off from Prague Castle and other higher places, sometimes from barges on the river. Or the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are also exciting places in Prague.

Prague is a city with wonderful hotels and restaurants at amazingly reasonable prices.

Cathédrale de Lausanne ©Ivan Guerrero

Lausanne

Every year since 1904, at midnight on 31 December, the "Amis de la Cité" light up Lausanne Cathedral, headquarters of the International Olympic Committee, to welcome the New Year.

Illumination de la Cathédrale

The city's inhabitants gather on the cathedral's esplanade for champagne, mulled wine, tea and apple juice. Or, budget permitting, glide into the New Year on Lake Geneva in a CGN cruise ship with a festive menu.

Zürich ©Paul Guillotel

Zurich

Another free folk festival: the open-air event Sylvesterzauber takes place in Zurich. From 0.20 a.m. to 0.35 a.m., fireworks light up the sky above Lake Zurich. In addition, the Casino Zurich has set up at the Guisan Quai directly on the lake in large marquee, where you can party into the night. As of today, tickets are still available.

New Year's morning: Maybe you feel like seeing the Marc Chagall windows in the Frauenmünster the next day? Or take a walk through the old town, the "Dörfli", which stretches between Central and Bellevue. Don't miss the Cabaret Voltaire, the cradle of Dadaism. Or enjoy a cup of hot chocolate at Sprüngli, the most beautiful confectionery.

Piazza Duomo, Milan offers a free concert on New Years Eve ©Benjamin Voros

Venice ©Marialaura Gionfriddo

Milan

The traditional New Year Concert will take place, as always, in Piazza Duomo. If you are a fashionista, you can stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and still enjoy the fashion museums Armani Silos and Fondazione Prada. Then try to find a seat at one of the countless restaurants and bars around Piazza Duomo before the concert starts.

Venice

Yes enjoying the fireworks in St Mark's Square is nice, but you could also take a water boat to Giudecca Island, located in the lagoon, and enjoy the fireworks from there. Lucky people got hold of a ticket to the Venice New Year's Concert (Concerto di Capodanno di Venezia). As of today, tickets are still available.

On New Year's Day you could visit the Murano Islands, a one square kilometer archipelago consisting of 7 islands connected by bridges. It is famous for its glass blowing art and there is also an glass exceptional museum, Museo Del Vetro.

Florence ©Karsten Winegeart

Florence ©Sergiu Valena

Florence

Celebrate in the most beautiful Renaissance city in the world. Take your loved ones to Piazzale Michelangelo and enjoy the unique view of the city. Restaurants are available for every budget, from the terrace of the Westin Excelsior to the Hard Rock Cafe. Or buy takeout and stroll the popular squares like Piazza della Signoria, Piazza Santissima Annunziata, Piazza San Lorenzo or Piazza del Carmine. You can best enjoy the fireworks from the Arno River.

Green Line

Until January 8, you can enjoy the Green Line spectacle that illuminates palaces such as Palazzo Vecchio or Palazzo Medici Riccardi.

Rimini ©Giordano Rossoni

Rimini

The popular coastal resort on the Adriatic Sea has announced to have the longest New Year's celebrations, the festival "Capodanno più lungo del mondo". Already since December 3, more than 150 events are held, culminating with a gigantic show on December 31 and fireworks at the Malatesta Castle.

New Year's Eve is celebrated in ten squares of the historic center, Piazza Cavour, Piazza Malatesta, Teatro Galli and Teatro degli Atti, the courtyard of the library and the new wing of the Museo della Città. A tip is also the newly opened Fellini Museum, dedicated to its famous citizen, film director Federico Fellini.

San Marino

On New Year's morning we recommend a trip to San Marino, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view over Emilia Romagna and the Adriatic coast. In the old town you can browse through boutiques and souvenir stores. You will pass by Palazzo Pubblico and the Basilica di San Marino, landmarks of the city.

San Marino ©Lorenzo Castagnone

Rome ©John Rodenn

Rome

Celebrate Capodanno in the eternal city. The City of Rome has announced that the traditional free concert has moved from the Imperial Forums to the Circus Maximus, starting at 10 pm. The famous Roman singer Claudio Baglioni will perform.

A concert will also be held in Piazza Del Quirinale, usually attended by the Italian President. Live bands will perform in Piazza del Popolo. If you go up the stairs, you will have the best view of the fireworks.

If you wake up early on January 1, you can take part in the New Year's parade, which begins at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square with the Pope's New Year's blessing. Then it's down Via della Concilliazione before the parade ends near Castel Sant'Angelo.

London Eye at New Years eve ©Kevin Hackert

London

One of the most breathtaking fireworks displays in the world takes place on the London Eye. The best views are from Jubilee Bridge, Westminster Bridge or Victoria Embankment. Big open-air parties go on at Trafalgar Square, the Millennium Dome and Picadilly Circus.

On 1 January there is a New Year's Day parade that is not to be missed. Thousands of performers, acrobats and musicians parade from the Ritz Hotel to Big Ben. The parade represents 20 boroughs of London and is also televised.

If you want to enjoy classic England on New Year's Day, it's only 1.5 hours by train to the Cotswolds. A green landscape characterised by rolling hills, charming villages and sheep in the pastures.

Cotsworld ©John Dancy

Edinburgh ©Kate Bielinski

Edinburgh, Scotland

The main event is the three-day Hogmanay Spectacular, which begins on 30 December with a Viking-style torchlight procession down the Royal Mile. A Scottish music programme then begins, after which concert-goers can catch a glimpse of the midnight fireworks over Edinburgh Castle. On New Year's Day, the traditional fancy dress swim in the ice-cold Firth of Forth (known as the "Loony Dook") continues.

An unforgettable experience for life is a subsequent trip through the Highlands. From Edinburgh you can take the Scotrail to the Highlands.

From Edinburgh you can take the Scotrail to the Highlands ©George Hiles

Vienna, Hofburg ©Andreas Weilguny

Vienna

The City of Vienna has once again organised the Sylvesterpfad (New Year's Eve Trail), where visitors can stroll through the city with offers of food, drink and entertainment. At the squares Freyung, Am Hof, Stephansplatz, Kärtner. Straße, Neuer Markt concerts take place and can also be done. At Kohlmarkt, Annagasse and Graben you can walk under the sparkling chandeliers.

Lucky ones have got hold of tickets to the Kaiserball in the Hofburg. Or you can get active and take part in the waltz run in the Stadtpark, which starts 2 minutes before midnight.

Barcelona, Font Màgica de Montjuïc ©Vitaliy Zamedyanskiy

Barcelona

The highlight of the New Year celebrations in Barcelona is certainly the Font Màgica de Montjuïc (Magic Fountain of Montjuïc) in Plaza Espanya. The concerts in this square begin at 9 pm. At 11.30 pm, the sound and light show "son et lumière" will take place. A few minutes' walk from the Magic Fountain is the New Year's party in the Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village). Don't forget to eat 12 grapes at every stroke of the bell at midnight.

Sagrada Família

The Sagrada Família, the "Temple of Atonement of the Holy Family," construction of which began in 1882, is scheduled for completion in 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gaudí's death. When construction is completed, the Sagrada Família will be the tallest building in Barcelona and also the tallest church in the world

Madrid ©Vitaliy Zamedyanskiy

Madrid

Or you can celebrate in a place that is particularly famous for this tradition: the large square Puerta del Sol, the central square in Madrid. Thousands of people gather under the clock on New Year's Eve to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

Sagrada Família, the "Temple of Atonement of the Holy Family" ©Ken Cheung

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