New Year is one of the most popular holidays, celebrated all over the world for centuries. Learn more about the traditions and features of New Year celebrations in different countries of the world

The holiday is approaching! New Year is a day that unites us all, regardless of religion or views. Even those who do not believe in miracles celebrate the end of the old and the beginning of the new year. Each country has its own unique traditions and even special dates for celebration.

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

Traveling around the world gives bright emotions, but it is also important to take care of safety. Travel insurance will help you avoid unforeseen expenses in case of illness, injury or trip cancellation. The policy covers medical care, hospitalization and emergency support abroad.

Travel confidently, knowing that you are under reliable protection in any country.

Finland

At midnight, Finns take to the streets, set off fireworks and tell fortunes for the coming year using wax and tin.

Kemi, a city in Finland, is famous for its annual snow and ice festival. Near the city is an impressive snow castle measuring 20,000 square meters, which has become the pride of the country.

United Kingdom

Residents of Great Britain celebrate the New Year in a relaxed manner. Instead of noisy parties, their celebration is based on unwritten rules. On New Year's Eve, anyone is free to visit any house, even strangers, and they are obliged to be warmly welcomed. 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 burn as long as possible in this house.

France

New Year's traditions in France are filled with charm and anticipation. French children, like all children in the world, eagerly await gifts. To win the attention of Pere Noel, the generous wizard, children put their shoes by the fireplace, hoping to fill them with various surprises. If unfortunately Pere Noel could not visit, children wrote letters to Santa Claus, who always responded with a personal New Year's card.

The French celebration also includes the tradition of Pere Fuetard, the horned grandfather, who gives a coal to those who are naughty. Treats and toys are left only for obedient children.

During 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", getting the right to have funny fun all New Year's Eve.

Germany

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

A popular tradition is fortune-telling on molten lead (Bleigießen), when people try to predict the future by the shape of the solidified metal.

Austria

In Austria, they believe in symbols of good luck and prosperity during the New Year. Traditionally, the chimney sweep and the pig have become their amulets. People used to run after the chimney sweep to touch and get dirty with soot. On January 1st, it is important to have a meal of 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 from decorating the Christmas tree and decorating their homes for the New Year. For them, a festive evening is a family dinner and watching holiday programs. Despite this tradition, it is worth noting that Saint Nicholas himself, who became the prototype for Santa Claus and Father Frost, was born in Turkey in the 3rd century. The city of Demre has a church of Saint Nicholas, where his holiday is celebrated for three days, starting on December 6.

Japan

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

China

In China, the celebration of the New Year is determined by the phases of the moon, 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, illuminating the way into the new year. The Chinese believe that the holiday is surrounded by evil spirits, which must be driven away with firecrackers and fireworks. In the evening, the family gathers for a festive dinner, and in the morning, parents give children red envelopes with money, considering this a sign of a happy start to the New Year.

Spain

New Year in Spain is celebrated with special chic - in red underwear (for love and prosperity) and with 12 grapes on hand. By the way, this tradition of eating a grape for every stroke of the clock is shared by the Spaniards with their Portuguese neighbors.

Sweden

On New Year's Eve, Swedes recite poems and toast the future. It is a popular tradition to set off fireworks and send glowing lanterns into the sky.

Mexico

On New Year's Eve, Mexicans light candles of different colors, symbolizing wishes for the coming year: health, money, love. It is also customary to break a piñata to attract success.

New Year's traditions in different countries of the world demonstrate cultural diversity and people's common desire for renewal and hope. Whether it is bells in Japan, grapes in Spain or fireworks in Europe, each nation puts its own special meaning into the celebration. When traveling around the world during the New Year period, it is important not only to discover new customs, but also to take care of your own comfort and safety.

Celebrating the New Year in different countries is an opportunity to see unique traditions, festivals and holiday rituals, but also a responsibility for your own safety. Travel insurance is especially important during winter travel, when the risk of injuries, illnesses and flight delays increases. The policy provides access to quality medical care, covers treatment costs and helps in emergency situations abroad.

When planning a New Year's trip, take care of insurance protection - so that holiday memories remain only pleasant.

Let's remind you! Tired of the winter cold and dreaming of a sunny trip in February? Find out where to go in Europe in February 2026 to be warm and inexpensive: budget destinations, cities with carnivals, a mild climate and the best places to watch the northern lights.

Photo - generated by Gemini

---

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.