New Year is a truly international holiday, one of the most popular calendar days. This event has been celebrated around the world for many centuries. Find out more about the traditions and peculiarities of New Year's Eve celebrations in different countries

Get free information about 200+ countries

Click here

The holiday is coming! New Year's Eve is a day that unites us all, regardless of our religion or beliefs. Even those who don't believe in Santa Claus or Santa Claus celebrate the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one. Each country has its own unique traditions and even special dates for celebrations.

We have prepared an interesting selection to tell you what unusual New Year's rituals exist in different countries.

Finland

Finland is the real homeland of Santa Claus, known here as Joulupukki, who lives in Lapland. At midnight, Finns take to the streets, launch fireworks and tell fortunes for the coming year using wax and tin. Kemi, one of the cities of Finland, is famous for its annual snow and ice festival. Near the city there is an impressive 20 thousand square meters snow castle that has become the pride of the country.

Great Britain

Residents of the UK celebrate the New Year in a relaxed manner. Instead of loud parties, their celebration is based on unwritten rules. On New Year's Eve, everyone is free to visit any house, even strangers, and they are obliged to give them a warm welcome. Guests are encouraged to bring pastries, whiskey, and even a small piece of coal, which is thrown into the family hearth, accompanied by a wish that the fire burns as long as possible in this house.

France

New Year's traditions in France are filled with magic and anticipation. French children, like all kids in the world, look forward to receiving gifts. To earn the attention of Per Noel, a generous wizard, children place their shoes by the fireplace, hoping to fill them with various surprises. If it is unfortunate that Per Noel is unable to visit, children escape by writing letters to Santa Claus, who always responds with a personal New Year's card.

The French celebration also includes a tradition with Père Fouettard, a horned grandfather who gives a coal to those who are naughty. Treats and toys are reserved only for obedient children.

These days, the French decorate their Christmas trees with ordinary toys, and put santons on the floor - wonderful wooden or clay figures. And before tasting the New Year's cake, they do not forget to add a bean to it. The one who finds the bean becomes the "bean king" and is entitled to playful fun all New Year's Eve.

Germany

During New Year's Eve, Germans express their best wishes by saying "Guten Rutsch!", which translates to "have a good entry into the New Year". The last 10 seconds of the year are spent loudly counting down, hugging each other and saying "Happy New Year!". Then the sky is lit up with sparklers and fireworks. The traditional German toast is "Prosit Neujahr!", which translates to "to your health!". All of this is celebrated with a cheerful and festive atmosphere, and champagne is consumed as a symbol of a new beginning all over the world.

Austria

Austria believes in symbols of good luck and prosperity during the New Year. Traditionally, a chimney sweep and a pig have become their lucky charms. People used to run after the chimney sweep to touch and get dirty with soot. On January 1, it is important to dine on pork (for happiness), horseradish (for health), and green peas (for prosperity). In Vienna, the Mint has a tradition of issuing souvenir coins depicting a boy riding a pig as a symbol of wealth and good luck.

Turkey

In Turkey, Muslims are forbidden to decorate the Christmas tree and decorate their homes for the New Year. The festive evening for them is a family dinner and watching holiday programs. Despite this tradition, it is worth noting that St. Nicholas himself, who became the prototype for Santa Claus and Father Christmas, was born in Turkey in the third century. In the city of Demre, there is a church of St. Nicholas, where his holiday is celebrated for three days, starting on December 6.

Japan

In Japan, New Year's Eve is a special holiday that lasts several days. The Japanese decorate their front doors with wreaths of pine and bamboo branches and straw to ward off evil spirits. This period is also used for self-improvement. At midnight, the bell begins to ring, with 108 strikes. Each strike symbolizes getting rid of one of the human vices. The Japanese believe that there are six basic flaws, but each has 18 different shades, making a total of 108 flaws to get rid of in the New Year.

China

In China, the celebration of the New Year is determined by the lunar phases, usually falling in late January or early February. During the festive procession on New Year's Eve, the streets are filled with the light of huge numbers of lanterns, lighting the way to the new year. The Chinese believe that the holiday is surrounded by evil spirits that need to be driven away with firecrackers and fireworks. In the evening, the family gathers for a festive dinner, and in the morning, parents give their children red envelopes with money, considering it a sign of a happy start to the New Year.

Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need travel insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.