Travel Tips

Where to find the best New Year celebration in Europe for 2025

Discover the best New Year celebrations in Europe, from London’s riverfront fireworks to Paris’s Champs-Élysées light show and Budapest’s Danube cruises.

If you’re looking for the best New Year celebration in Europe this year, you’ll find unforgettable experiences in many cities, including London, Paris, Berlin, and Barcelona.

But what makes New Year’s in Europe so special is that each celebration is unique.

From London’s iconic riverfront fireworks to Paris’s Champs-Élysées light shows and Berlin’s massive open-air party, Europe delivers New Year experiences as diverse as its cultures.

Whether you want a romantic evening, a party that goes on until the early hours, or a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, there’s a 2025 New Year celebration for everyone. So read on to find out where is the best New Year celebration in Europe for your vibe!

In this article

London, UK: Fireworks over the Thames

Timing: From 8 pm

Location: Along the River Thames (Victoria, Embankment, Waterloo, and Westminster Bridge)

Ticket prices: £20 – £55 GBP

Source: Shutterstock

London’s New Year’s celebrations are world famous, from the iconic London Eye countdown and the spectacular firework display over the River Thames. It’s definitely one of those bucket-list moments, but the city gets crowded, so planning ahead is key.

London’s New Year’s Eve celebration is a ticketed event with six designated zones. The roads around each zone have a specific closure time on New Year’s Eve (from 2 pm to 8 pm), so you need to get there before your zone closes.

Note that the final batch of tickets is on sale now and expected to sell out fast!

If you don’t get a ticket in time, you’ll be pleased to know there are some fantastic free spots around London where you can watch the fireworks from instead. Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath and Greenwich Park Observatory are among the best options.

Paris, France: Champs-Élysées light show

Timing: From 7 pm

Location: Champs‑Elysées (from the monumental Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde)

Ticket prices: Free!

Source: Shutterstock

Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe all year round, but on New Year’s Eve, the city truly shines (literally), thanks to Champs-Élysées, a stunning light show. The famous avenue turns into a pedestrian party zone, where revelers celebrate the New Year under sparkling lights and fireworks.

There’s a spectacular 3‑D light show projected on the Arc de Triomphe, followed by an 8-minute midnight firework display. The vibe is both lively and romantic, perfect for couples.

What’s more, as Paris is one of the most well-connected cities for train travel in Europe, it makes for an easy trip from other European countries, including the UK.

Berlin, Germany: One of Europe’s biggest street parties

Timing: From 10 pm

Location: Brandenburg Gate (Platz des 18. März and Straße des 17. Juni)

Ticket prices: Free!

Source: Shutterstock

If you’re after street‑party energy to end 2025, Berlin is the best New Year celebration in Europe for you. In 2025, the city will once again host a major open‑air celebration stretching more than 2 km.

Here, you can expect DJs pumping party beats, live‑music sets, food and drink stalls, light shows, and, of course, the midnight fireworks display (lasting 7.5 minutes).

While entry is free, you’ll need a ticket, available online from December 15th.

Admission is between 9:30 pm and 11 pm from one of three entry points: Ebertstraße Süd at Behrenstraße, Ebertstraße Nord at Dorotheenstraße, and Yitzhak-Rabin-Straße at the corner of Scheidemannstraße.

Barcelona, Spain: Warm-weather New Year by the sea

Timing: From 10 pm

Location: Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina (near Plaça d’Espanya)

Ticket prices: Free!

Source: Shutterstock

If you’re dreaming of ringing in the New Year with the sea breeze on your face and a festive city atmosphere, you’ll find your dream New Year’s celebration in Barcelona.

The city’s main celebration takes place along Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina (near Plaça d’Espanya). Here you’ll find a dramatic show blending pyrotechnics, light, and sound to ring in the new year.

The celebration also includes the Catalan tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight for luck and prosperity in the coming year. You can buy these at the event, but they’re typically overpriced, so it’s better to purchase them beforehand.

Barcelona’s New Year celebration is one of the most modern events in Europe, so it’s popular among young people and friendship groups. However, it gets hectic, so arrive early if you want a good spot.

Prague, Czech Republic: Classic fireworks over the Vltava

Timing: No official start time

Location: Various areas, including the Old Town and Vltava River

Ticket prices: Free!

Source: Shutterstock

On New Year’s Eve in Prague, the city’s squares fill up with people, laughter, and dancing. The best places to experience the party atmosphere are Staré Město Square in the Old Town and Wenceslas Square in the New Town.

While the city doesn’t have an “official” fireworks show, there are always fireworks over the Vltava at midnight. Many people flock to Charles Bridge or nearby riverbanks to watch the sky light up.

Spending New Year’s in Prague makes for a magical fairy‑tale experience. Plus, as the Czech Republic is one of the cheapest European countries to visit, Prague’s New Year’s Celebration is a top choice for those seeking a low-cost festive trip.

Budapest, Hungary: Danube river cruise celebrations

Timing: Departing between 7 and 9 PM

Location: Docks on the Pest (east) bank of the Danube

Ticket prices: Varies from €100 – €300 EUR

Source: Shutterstock

Heading to Budapest for December 31st? The Danube River is where all the action is. Here, the river is full of cruise boats, where locals and tourists are aboard, ringing in the New Year in style.

There are various NYE river cruises available, from lively party cruises with DJs and open bars to elegant dinners with live entertainment. As you float down the Danube, you’ll get a spectacular view of the fireworks and the historic buildings illuminated under fairy‑tale city lights.

However, note that Budapest’s New Year’s cruises typically sell out fast, so you’ll need to book in advance.

Kraków, Poland: Music-filled Old Town countdown

Timing: 8.30pm,

Location: Main Market Square

Ticket prices: Free

Source: Shutterstock

In Kraków, you’ll find a huge New Year’s celebration in Rynek Główny (Main Market Square), the historic heart of the city. Here, there’s a large stage in the middle of the square with live music performances throughout the evening as well as light shows and fireworks at midnight.

Spending New Year’s Eve in Kraków offers an idyllic blend of old‑world charm and lively nightlife. The beautiful old town is full of bars where the celebrations continue long into the early hours of New Year’s Day.

After New Year’s, consider extending your trip and traveling to Zakopane for a ski adventure. Zakopane, Poland in winter is a true snowy paradise, and the ski resorts here are much cheaper than in the Alps.

Vienna, Austria: Elegant Silvesterpfad gala

Timing: From 2pm

Location: Various locations in the city center

Ticket prices: Differs (public street party is free)

Source: Shutterstock

Vienna may be known for having one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, but its New Year’s celebrations are just as impressive.

On December 31st, prestigious locations around the city host Silvester gala evenings, the most iconic being the gala at Rathaus City Hall. Here you’re served an exquisite 4-course Gala dinner while listening to traditional bands and orchestras, followed by a midnight waltz.

While this Silvester gala is incredibly exclusive, you can find cheaper and more accessible (yet still elegant) alternatives at many luxury hotels throughout the city.

Or, for a free alternative, head to Vienna’s historic centre, where you’ll find a huge outdoor street party with live music and dance floors for waltzing along with food and drink stalls.

Heading to Europe for New Year’s 2025?

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