10 European City Squares to Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024
New Year’s Eve 2024 is approaching, and it’s high time to plan where to spend it. Have you ever tried (or thought of) celebrating it in an open city square?
There’s something undeniably special about celebrating New Year’s Eve in an open European city square. With their historic landmarks and buzzing city centers, these cities and their squares transform into vibrant gathering places where live music, fireworks, and shared joy unite everyone present.
Why celebrate on a European square?
Squares have been the focal point of European towns and cities for centuries. Historically, they were places for markets, public announcements, and communal gatherings. Over time, they became symbolic of unity and shared identity. Celebrating New Year’s Eve in these spaces carries on this tradition, allowing people to come together in the actual places that have long served as centers of public life.
Open square celebrations, unlike private events or ticketed venues, are typically free and open to the public, so they are inclusive regardless of age, background, or income, which encourages a sense of community and belonging. Many Europeans see these gatherings as an opportunity to connect with others, even strangers, through shared joy, music, and traditions. This is actually very much needed in modern times, where people need to be constantly reminded of the power of shared physical experiences and face-to-face interactions.
Europe is home to some of the most beautiful squares in the world, often surrounded by historic buildings, cathedrals, and monuments, so celebrating New Year’s Eve in these iconic spaces adds a sense of magic to the night. The architecture, together with fireworks, music, and lights creates a unique atmosphere.
On the other hand, winter weather might seem like a huge minus, but it actually adds to the experience – the crisp air, together with twinkling holiday lights and decorations make squares feel like winter wonderlands (and great selfie backgrounds). In countries with warmer climates, such as Spain or Italy, the mild weather makes outdoor celebrations rather comfortable.
When it comes to traditions, each European country brings its own unique traditions to New Year’s celebrations – like the Spanish eating 12 grapes, the French toasting with champagne and the Austrians dancing the waltz. And you can try all of that in the squares.
Iconic European squares to visit for New Year’s Eve 2024
Here are some of the best squares to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024:
1. Puerta del Sol, Madrid, Spain
Madrid’s Puerta del Sol is home to one of Europe’s most famous New Year traditions: eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, one with each chime of the clock. This quirky ritual is said to bring good luck for each month of the year.
Highlights for 2024 include live music, street performances, and dazzling light projections on the historic clock tower for over 15.000 people. Various events will be held before the turn of the year – the 10 km San Silvestre Vallecana race, two New Year’s rehearsals, and a New Year’s celebration for kids at noon.
Bring your grapes, join the countdown, and soak in the festive Spanish energy.
2. Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic
In Prague, the Old Town Square celebrations are uniquely charming due to its medieval and modern architectural backdrop. The towering astronomical clock adds a sense of history to the festivities, and the nearby Christmas market offers everyone food and drink.
Highlights for 2024 include the grand fireworks, classical concerts, the Nutcracker ballet, ice rink at Wenceslas Square, and various events at bars and restaurants.
3. Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy
Venice’s St. Mark’s Square emits romance and elegance on New Year’s Eve. Known for its midnight kiss tradition, it’s a popular destination for couples in search of a memorable celebration.
Highlights for 2024 include live classical music, a midnight countdown as the iconic bell of St. Mark’s Campanile chimes, fireworks over the lagoon, festive concerts at the Teatro La Fenice, and a festive atmosphere in one of Europe’s most picturesque squares.
Rome offers an electrifying celebration – the city lights up in a kaleidoscope of fireworks and festivities. At Piazza del Popolo, revelers compete with homemade fireworks before the city’s official fireworks light up the sky above Villa Borghese. At Via de’ Fori Imperiale you can attend a vibrant street party capped by fireworks over the Colosseum.
Highlights for 2024 include a mix of live opera and modern pop performances at Circo Massimo, with fireworks illuminating the city’s skyline.
5. Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s New Year’s Eve celebration at Brandenburg Gate is one of Europe’s largest and most iconic parties. The event draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area between Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column for a night of live music, DJ performances, and vibrant light shows.
Highlights for 2024 include early evening festivities, a spectacular midnight fireworks display, and food and drink stalls, offering everything from hearty snacks to festive drinks.
6. Terreiro do Paço, Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon offers a magical New Year’s Eve experience, with fireworks above the city and the Tagus River. Popular gathering spots include Praça do Comércio and Torre de Belém, while the city’s “miradouros” (hilltop lookouts) provide awesome views of the celebrations.
Highlights for 2024 include live music, parties, and plenty of espumante, Portuguese sparkling wine. You can enjoy fine dining in the city, perhaps go on a river tour, or listen to a live fado music show.
Whatever you try, don’t forget to eat 12 raisins at midnight, each symbolizing a wish for the year ahead.
7. Champs-Élysées, Paris, France
Paris is always magical, but for New Year’s Eve it transforms into an even more enchanting destination. It offers magical celebrations to suit every taste, so revelers will be able to join the street party on the Champs-Élysées, featuring a sound and light show followed by fireworks over the Arc de Triomphe at midnight.
Highlights for 2024 include the breathtaking views of the Paris skyline from the Sacré Coeur plaza in Montmartre, top Parisian gastronomy, dazzling cabaret shows at the Moulin Rouge or Lido2Paris, rooftop parties, masked balls, and so much more, becoming of the City of Lights.
8. Edinburgh, The United Kingdom
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is a four-day New Year’s Eve extravaganza, renowned for its vibrant celebrations.
Highlights for 2024 include a spectacular street party with music, fireworks, ceilidh gatherings, and the iconic singing of Auld Lang Syne. The torchlight procession through the city, accompanied by pipes and drums, is unforgettable, and you can also see many candlelit concerts at St Giles Cathedral.
9. Silvesterpfad, Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s New Year’s Eve celebrations combine elegance and energy, with the New Year’s Eve Trail or Silvesterpfad as the centerpiece. This event transforms the city center into a festive hub with food stalls, live music, and entertainment at multiple locations.
Highlights for 2024 include waltzing, classical music performances, and lively DJ sets. As midnight approaches, revelers will gather to watch fireworks and listen to the Pummerin bell at St. Stephen’s Cathedral. On New Year’s Day, the traditional New Year’s Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra will be held so stick around for one more day.
10. Ban Jelačić Square, Zagreb, Croatia
I had to sneak in one Croatian event, the one in the capital. However, if you choose to try out a coastal city, you will be equally entertained – Croatian towns and cities traditionally organize square live concerts and the temperatures are more pleasant than in Zagreb.
Zagreb’s Ban Jelačić Square is the heart of Croatia’s capital and a popular spot for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Known for its festive atmosphere, the square hosts live music, food stalls, and a lively crowd.
Highlights for 2024 include a live show by Baby Lasagna, known to all Eurovision fans. Streets around the main square and the Upper Town will host the Christmas Market, awarded as the best and one of the best world Christmas markets over the years.
Tips for celebrating New Year’s Eve 2024
Arrive early: Popular squares like Puerta del Sol fill up fast, so claim your spot a few hours before midnight.
Dress warmly: Winter in Europe can be chilly – layers, gloves, a hat and a good pair of boots will make all the difference.
Know the rules: Some cities restrict personal fireworks or glass bottles in public squares—check local guidelines in advance.
Plan your exit: Public transportation can be crowded or shut down after midnight. Research alternative options or plan to stay nearby.
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Eating 12 grapes for each chime of the clock at midnight sounds exciting. Most of my new year eves are spent in the church, though!
I would love to do any of these. Portugal is first on my bucket list right now. I don't think I'll make it there by January, but I'll remember to eat 12 raisins. And maybe 12 grapes, too, since Spain is next on my list. Why not!