Lonely Planet has named the 9 best cities in Europe to celebrate the New Year 2026. Fireworks, festivals, music, gastronomy – choose the perfect place for a winter trip

Lonely Planet, the world’s largest travel publisher and popular guidebook publisher, has compiled a list of nine European cities that are ideal for welcoming the New Year. Across Europe, people are celebrating the arrival of 2026 with fireworks, concerts, street parties and unforgettable gastronomic events. From royal palaces and cabarets to nightclubs and ancient squares, each city offers its own unique way of saying “Welcome, New Year!”.

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London, United Kingdom – Fireworks over the Thames and New Year’s Parade

Photo – wikimedia.org

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in London is a real spectacle. Every year, more than 100,000 people gather on the Thames embankment to watch a grand fireworks show launched from the London Eye. Tickets for the viewing area are sold out in advance, but you can watch the action for free – from Primrose Hill or Hampstead Heath there is a magnificent view of the city center.

Night cruises on the Thames are especially popular – with champagne, live music and a view of the illuminated landmarks. The Natural History Museum, the Tower and even old pubs host theme parties. And on January 1, thousands of artists, orchestras and dance groups take part in the London New Year’s Parade, which passes through the central streets.

Berlin, Germany – the capital of nightlife and techno beats

Photo – visitberlin.de

Berlin is the European capital of club culture, and New Year’s Eve is celebrated here like nowhere else. The main party takes place near the Brandenburg Gate, where thousands of people enjoy live performances, light shows and open-air DJ sets.

For those who want to continue – the iconic Kulturbrauerei, a former brewery converted into a huge night complex with more than a dozen stages, where dozens of DJs perform. If you are looking for something less noisy – Berlin has plenty of luxurious balls, gala evenings in palaces and cruises on the Spree.

The celebration lasts until dawn, and Berlin is often called the place where the New Year does not end for several more days.

Lisbon, Portugal – Fireworks, Music and the Tradition of 12 Raisins

Photo – tickets-lisbon.com

New Year’s Eve in Lisbon is a combination of romantic atmosphere, music and Mediterranean warmth. The main party takes place on Praça do Comércio, where thousands of people gather to watch the fireworks over the Tagus River. Another popular spot is the Belém Tower, surrounded by light installations.

After the show, you can stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, listen to fado in a cozy restaurant or go on a bar crawl in the Bairro Alto district, where the music doesn’t stop until the morning.

And to welcome the New Year “in Portuguese”, at midnight you need to eat 12 raisins – one for each month of the year, make a wish, and take a sip of sparkling wine Espumante.

Paris, France – Fireworks, Cabaret and Gastronomy

Photo – https://www.flightgift.com/

On New Year’s Eve, Paris lives up to its nickname of the City of Lights. Thousands of people gather on the Champs-Élysées to see a grand light show and fireworks over the Arc de Triomphe. And if you want to avoid the crowds, climb Montmartre Hill – from there you can enjoy a magical panorama of Paris at night.

Paris is famous for its restaurants, so a dinner with champagne and French cuisine is a must-see. In the evening, you can visit a show at the Moulin Rouge, one of the rooftop parties with a view of the Eiffel Tower or a themed party in the style of the 80s. Paris is a party that lasts all night.

Dublin, Ireland – Music, Light and Beer Festival

Photo – https://www.ireland.com/

The Irish know how to celebrate, and New Year’s Festival Dublin proves it. For several days, concerts, DJ sets, light installations and street performances take place in the city center. The main location is Dublin Castle, which turns into an open-air stage.

Before midnight, it is worth visiting the historic Christ Church Cathedral, the Guinness Storehouse museum or simply strolling through the old streets, enjoying live music in pubs. At midnight, the sky over the River Liffey explodes with fireworks, and in the morning you can return to your favorite pub – and start the new year with a glass of beer and friendly conversations.

Edinburgh, Scotland – the legendary Hogmanay

Photo – https://www.nordicvisitor.com/

Hogmanay in Edinburgh is one of the most vibrant holidays in Europe. For four days, the city turns into a continuous party: a torchlight procession, a Concert in the Gardens, folk dancing and fireworks over the castle.

In the evening, you can visit St. Giles’ Cathedral, where candlelight concerts are held, or join in the singing of the traditional “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight.

And in the morning, the most daring dive into the cold waters of the bay during the traditional Loony Dook – a symbolic “cleansing” to start the new year. The atmosphere of unity and joy makes Edinburgh truly magical during these days.

Stockholm, Sweden – Poetry, Music and Winter Romance

Photo –https://www.visitstockholm.com/

Stockholm is the perfect place for those who want to celebrate the New Year in a calm but festive atmosphere. The main show is the fireworks over the Old Town, which are best seen from the Västerbronn and Skanstulsbronn bridges.

In the evening, you can enjoy classical music at the Stockholm Cathedral or the Royal Opera House, and at midnight, the open-air museum Skansen plays Tennyson’s traditional poem “The Wild Bells Are Ringing” and broadcasts it on television.

After midnight, it’s worth going to Södermalm, where bars and clubs welcome guests until the morning.

Madrid, Spain – Grapes, Churros and Dancing Until Dawn

Photo – contentstack.io

In Spain, the New Year is called Nochevieja, and they celebrate it with all their heart. The main tradition is to eat 12 grapes at midnight at Puerta del Sol, each of which symbolizes a month of luck.

After the fireworks, the loudest celebration of the year begins: the Teatro Kapital and Joy Eslava clubs are open until six in the morning, and the streets are filled with festive crowds.

For breakfast, be sure to try churros with hot chocolate at the legendary San Ginés cafe, which has been open to visitors 24 hours a day for over 130 years.

Tromsø, Norway - meeting under the northern lights

Photo - voyage-prive.co.uk

If you want a fairy-tale atmosphere, go to Tromsø, located beyond the Arctic Circle. Here you can watch not only fireworks, but also the real northern lights, which paint the sky with emerald colors.

Locals climb Mount Storsteinen to see the fireworks from the best vantage point in the city. Then continue the celebration in cozy bars or go on a dog-sled safari or aurora-watching tour. Tromsø offers a unique experience - welcoming the new year in the middle of the Arctic night.

Europe offers a variety of ways to celebrate the New Year - from lavish parties to adventures beyond the Arctic Circle. Choose your perfect city to celebrate 2026 - and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Get step-by-step instructions for applying for a tourist visa, travel tips, document requirements, entry rules and useful contacts. Everything you need for a comfortable trip - in one place!

Reminder! Lonely Planet has presented the list of Best in Travel 2026 - 25 of the best destinations of the year that inspire new discoveries. From the savannas of Botswana to the mountains of Peru, from the Mediterranean coast of Italy to the sacred paths of Bhutan - the selection unites countries that combine natural beauty, culture and sustainable tourism. We have already told you where to travel in 2026 to truly experience the world.

Photo - generated by Gemini

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