READY to swap the couch for a countdown?
As 2025 draws to a close, many of us start dreaming of ringing in the new year somewhere special.
Whether you want fireworks and street parties or riverside dinners and romantic skylines, Europe has no shortage of unforgettable celebrations.
From buzzing capitals to riverside skylines, here are five destinations that promise the perfect start to the year ahead.
BERLIN, GERMANY
The German capital is home to some of Europe’s biggest and most famous New Year’s Eve parties.
Even in winter, when temperatures drop to zero, Berlin’s energy keeps the streets alive.
The main celebrations take place at the Brandenburg Gate in the heart of the city, where hundreds of thousands gather for live music, food stalls and fireworks.
Known as the “Party Mile”, the area between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column becomes one massive open-air festival.
The atmosphere is electric, with DJs, laser shows and countdowns that go well into the early hours.
For those who prefer something more intimate, rooftop bars and river cruises offer stunning views of the midnight fireworks.
It’s a city known for its vibrant nightlife scene and celebrations, making it ideal for groups of mates and party-lovers alike.
Beyond the main celebrations, the neighbourhoods of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain buzz with underground club nights and live sets.
For a quieter celebration, many locals gather along the Spree River to watch the fireworks reflect over the water.
And as dawn breaks, cafés open early for coffee and pastries — the perfect way to start the first morning of the year.
Ryanair flights to Berlin from Dublin can be found from €50 at the end of December.
PARIS, FRANCE
The City of Light shines even brighter on New Year’s Eve.
Paris transforms into a glittering celebration, from the Eiffel Tower to the Champs-Élysées.
Crowds in their thousands gather to see the famous light shows projected onto the Arc de Triomphe and the spectacular fireworks at midnight.
For a romantic start to the year, you can choose a Seine River cruise complete with dinner, champagne and front-row views.
The city’s elegant restaurants and rooftop terraces are filled with live music and midnight toasts.
After midnight, the streets stay alive with locals and tourists celebrating until the early hours.
New Year’s Eve dinners and cruises sell out fast, so booking ahead is essential.
For families, the celebrations at Disneyland Paris bring fireworks, parades and late-night rides for all ages.
If you prefer something calm, the Montmartre district offers stunning skyline views away from the crowds.
And when January 1 arrives, warm up with a croissant and coffee in a Parisian café while the city wakes up.
Ryanair and Aer Lingus offer flights from Dublin for as little as €20 this December.
LISBON, PORTUGAL
Lisbon’s New Year celebrations bring together music, fireworks and breath-taking ocean views.
The Portuguese capital enjoys mild winter weather, often around 15C, making it perfect for outdoor festivities.
At Praça do Comércio, thousands gather to watch live concerts and a huge fireworks display over the Tagus River.
The atmosphere is lively, with plenty of local food stalls and street performers across the city.
For a more scenic night, visitors can take a dinner cruise and enjoy the city skyline lit up at midnight.
Bars and pubs in the Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré districts stay buzzing well into the early hours.
Lisbon’s charm, affordability and friendly locals make it one of Europe’s best New Year destinations.
Public celebrations are free, but tables at riverfront restaurants fill quickly.
For an authentic experience, locals eat 12 raisins at midnight — one for each month of luck ahead.
The city’s iconic yellow trams run past glowing Christmas lights and festive decorations.
And the following day, Belém’s waterfront cafés offer local pastries like pastéis de nata for those easing into the new year.
Ryanair flights from Dublin can be found for €60 on December 31.
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Vienna offers a fantastic mix of tradition and grandeur on New Year’s Eve.
The Austrian capital is famous for its “Silvesterpfad”, or New Year’s Trail, which runs through the historic city centre.
Stalls sell hot punch and street food as live bands and waltz music fill the squares.
During the day, visitors can also explore the city’s Christmas markets, which stay open until early January.
The cafés of Vienna serve rich hot chocolate and Sachertorte to warm up between strolls.
At midnight, fireworks light up St Stephen’s Cathedral, followed by the city’s famous waltz in the streets.
For those seeking something more luxurious, the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert is one of the most prestigious events in Europe.
What’s more, hotels, cafés and restaurants host themed parties that go on late into the night.
It’s the perfect destination for couples and culture lovers who prefer a quieter way of bringing in the new year.
And when the clock strikes midnight, the sound of The Blue Danube waltz echoes through the streets.
Ryanair flights from Dublin to Vienna start at around €30 in late December.
PRAGUE, CZECHIA
Prague is one of Europe’s most stunning cities — and one of the liveliest at New Year’s.
The city’s medieval skyline and riverside setting make a fabulous backdrop for celebrations.
During the day, you can explore the city’s castle and its cobbled streets.
In the evening, crowds in their thousands gather in Old Town Square and along the Charles Bridge for live music and fireworks at midnight.
The view over the Vltava River is spectacular as the sky bursts into colour.
Restaurants and bars stay open late, and the city’s beer halls are packed with locals ringing in the new year.
Boat cruises along the river are also a popular way to celebrate.
And when midnight comes, locals follow the tradition of gathering on bridges for one of Europe’s most breathtaking firework displays.
Despite its popularity, Prague remains incredibly affordable for a winter trip, with pints costing around €3.50.
Return flights from Dublin can be found for around €70 in late December.
