Celebrate the New Year in Europe

Celebrate the New Year in Europe

Kicking off the new year in a different country can allow you to immerse yourself in different cultures, try out new cuisines and have a fun time celebrating. 

One of the best parts of being abroad during new year festivities is seeing first-hand how different countries ring in the new year.

Read on to discover the best that Europe has to offer for celebrating the arrival of the new year!

Italian Dolomites

Nestled among the Italian Dolomites, you can reside in a glorious and charming 900-year-old castle on our New Year in an Italian Castle Tour. You can wine and dine in this castle at a spectacular new year’s eve gala, where you might experience some of the Italian new year’s eve traditions. 

One such tradition is to eat lentils at midnight to bring some good luck into the new year. This humble legume is a symbol of prosperity, due to their resemblance to ancient golden coins that were used at the time. 

You can also wear red clothing that is new and gifted to you by someone else. The colour red is said to fend off negativity, helping you with happiness and love.

Verona and Venice

If you’re a Romeo and Juliet fan, then consider our New Year in a Venetian Villa & Tuscany Tour. Wander through the streets of Verona and experience the romance before staying in an 18th century Venetian villa. 

Should you explore the Venetian streets on new year’s eve, then keep an eye out on the first person you see on new year’s day. According to this ancient custom, if you see an older person then you will have great surprises in the new year. Whereas if you see a baby, priest or doctor, you might experience some bad luck. 

Also keep an eye out on windows when the clock hits midnight, as you might find people throwing away old items, especially crockery. This symbolises getting rid of any evil, physical or moral, that’s developed during the year. 

The Bernese Oberland 

For those who want a bit of a Swiss adventure to say hello to the new year, then look no further than our Swiss New Year Adventure Tour. Take in the breathtaking sights of the Swiss mountains, towns and villages of the Bernese Oberland.

You’ll get to experience one of Switzerland’s oldest new year traditions – fondue chinoise! This classic dish is a Swiss take on a Chinese hotpot, which is where the name comes from. It allows you to cook meats and vegetables by dipping them into a hot broth or oil. 

Hohenschwangau

If you’re after a magical way to celebrate the new year, then our Bavarian Fairytale New Year Tour is the one for you! It’s here you can immerse yourself in the historical town of Luzern, and explore the wonders of the Bavarian village of Hohenschwangau.

In this charming village, you can witness spectacular fireworks above the Hohenschwangau Castle. But to add a Swiss twist to your new year’s eve celebrations, get some ice cream and drop it on the ground. This new year’s tradition is said to bring about some good luck for the future ahead.

Austria

The hills are alive with the sound of celebration in Austria. On our New Year with the Sound of Music Tour, you can witness the charming backdrop and surroundings from the iconic movie. Then, end the year on a high with an Austrian dinner.

During this dinner, you might get to experience one of Austria’s long-time new year’s eve traditions – exchanging lucky charms. 

Some popular charms include a four-leaf clover and a horseshoe. But for those looking for an unconventional lucky charm, opt for fly agaric, ladybird beetles, pigs and chimney sweeps.

Start Planning Now

If you want a new year’s eve celebration that you won’t forget, then book your spot on an Albatross Tour! We’ve got a number of tours available to suit all types of travellers.