In Europe, it is customary to celebrate Christmas at the table with family, and New Year – on the streets of the city, where dozens of concerts are played and fireworks are lit. We will tell you where in Europe you can celebrate the New Year cheap and fun.
1. Concerts on the canals of Amsterdam, Holland
In Amsterdam, concerts will begin at 21.00 throughout the city: on the Neumarkt square in Chinatown, on the most fun square in the city, Leidseplein, and on Rembrandtplein next to the Rijksmuseum. In each of these squares and in dozens of other smaller squares, musicians and DJs play.
Fireworks are traditionally launched in the Ostredok area, next to the shipping museum and on the Amstel River, next to the Magere-Brug bridge.
Tours from locals in Amsterdam
2. Shining multicolored Lisbon, Portugal
At the beginning of December, all streets and squares of the city are decorated with garlands and the festive lighting of all buildings is turned on. The most popular places to celebrate the New Year are Praça do Comércio and Parque des Nations.
December 31, at 22.00 concerts will begin at Praça do Comércio and will last until January 3.
Concerts are also popular in Rossio Square, Camoes Square, on the banks of the Tagus River next to the Belem Tower. Many Portuguese prefer to plunge into the ocean while the chimes strike on the beaches of Cascais, Estoril and Oeiras.
3. Concerts among ancient ruins in Rome, Italy
Romans celebrate Christmas at home, and New Year on the streets of the city, with a glass of prosecco in hand. There are Christmas markets in the main squares of the city before Christmas, and after December 25 and until January 1, musicians play there. The main concert and fireworks display will take place on New Year’s Eve on Via dei Fori Imperiali. The second most popular place in the city is Piazza del Popolo, where concerts, fireworks, light shows take place and the whole crowd counts down the seconds to midnight.
As soon as the clock strikes midnight, a solemn procession with candles begins in the catacombs of St. Priscilla, where the first Christians are buried.
Tours from locals in Rome
4. 12 grapes of happiness in Madrid, Spain
Residents of Madrid come with the whole family to eat 12 grapes and make a wish during the chiming clock on Puerta del Sol, the central square of the city. There is also the most beautiful Christmas tree in Madrid and a big New Year’s fireworks display. Concerts are played in Plaza Mayor, at the Alcalá gate, in Plaza de la Villa and Gran Via, and Madrid residents organize a night marathon in the bars of the Sol and La Latina districts.
5. Open air festival in Berlin, Germany
Berlin is famous for its club life and music festivals, which attract tourists all year round. Every year on December 31, more than a million people come to the city for the free Sylvester festival, the largest in Europe. The festival takes place outdoors on five stages over a two-kilometer stretch that runs along Strasse 17 juni, connecting the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column.
At 18.30 the audience will be warmed up by DJs and local bands, the headliners will begin performing from 21.45 until the morning, the concert will be broadcast live on television. At midnight, a grand fireworks display will erupt over the Brandenburg Gate.
