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New Year in Berlin 2024 | Top 12 Things to Do, Events, Parties & More!

Why celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024 in Berlin?

Berlin, the capital and one of the most festive cities in Germany is one of Europe’s most sought-after holiday destinations. The city that boasts of its politically significant history also has a great cultural backdrop and party scene to be proud of. New Year’s in Berlin is all about festive decor, fireworks, and parties. The city brims with Christmas markets, light shows, DJ parties, cultural events, and live music and dance performances around New Year. Here is a list of the best things to do and everything else you need to know to spend this New Year in Berlin.

Weather in Berlin during New Year’s Eve

New Year in Berlin - Weather

Average Temp: 1.5 °C

  • Highest Temp: 2 °C
  • Lowest Temp: 1 °C

Chances of Rain: The skies stay cloudy almost all day with expected showers and maybe some snowfall.

What to Wear: It is recommended to wear thick waterproof jackets or hoodies, neck scarves, gloves, thick socks, and comfortable walking shoes or boots to stay comfortable in Berlin for New Year.

What to look out for: As there is a high chance of rain and snowfall in Berlin around New Year, it is best you carry an umbrella or a poncho when stepping out.

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Top 12 things to do on New Year in Berlin

New Year in Berlin - Celebrate New Year At The Citadel
New Year in Berlin - Join The Countdown At Brandenburger Tor

2. Join the countdown at Brandenburger Tor

Head to Brandenburger Tor, Berlin to join one of Europe’s biggest open-air New Year’s Eve parties, featuring festive lighting, food trucks, DJs, spectacular light shows, live entertainment shows, brilliant fireworks, and more!

Why visit?

  • Join the largest crowd in Berlin for the countdown to New Year and watch the city’s most spectacular fireworks.
  • Popular artists like DJ duo Vize, the pop singer Ella Finally, the pop band Roy Bianco & The Abbrunzati Boys, and more will be performing at the ‘Silvesterparty am Brandenburger Tor’ this year.
New Year in Berlin - Witness A Sensational Fireworks Display

3. Witness a sensational fireworks display

Riverbanks, bridges, rooftops, and streets crowd up to watch the skies of Berlin get brilliantly lit up with sensational fireworks at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve.

How to watch fireworks in Berlin?

New Year in Berlin - Attend a live show
New Year in Berlin - Cruise The Waters Of Berlin
New Year in Berlin - Visit The TV Tower
New Year in Berlin - Visit A Museum
New Year in Berlin - Go On A Retreat
New Year in Berlin - Participate In A Group Run

9. Participate in a group run

Get sporty this New Year and join over 3,000 runners of different ages, at one of Berlin’s annual running events, with various distance and route options to choose from.

Why go on a group run in Berlin?

  • Put on a costume and choose to run along a route of 2.4 to 10.6 kilometers on the eve of New Year.
  • Go on a 4-km run from the Brandenburg Gate to the Berlin Cathedral and back, at noon on New Year’s Day.
New Year in Berlin - Take Your Kids To A Circus

10. Take your kids to a circus

Watch stories and acts unfold as magicians, acrobats, and costumed artists fly, dance, and play tricks on a brilliantly lit-up stage with colorful props and projections.

Why visit?

  • Witness breathtaking acrobatics by Gravity & Other Myths at the ‘Out of Chaos’ show on New Year’s Eve.
  • Marvel at the animal holograms, clownery, magic, and top-class artistry at the 18th Roncalli Christmas Circus on New Year’s Day.
New Year in Berlin - Have A Fun Day With Kids
New Year in Berlin - Visit a Christmas Market

Parties & Events on New Year’s Eve in Berlin

New Year in Berlin - Ritter Butzke 
New Year in Berlin - Kulturbrauerei
New Year in Berlin - Rooftop
New Year in Berlin - Trabrennbahn

80s & 90s Party at the Trabrennbahn 

Go back in time, at the Big 80s & 90s New Year’s Eve Party at the Trabrennbahn Karlshorst. The party is all set to play some of the best tracks from the last generation amidst drinks, a laser show, a confetti rain, and some brilliant fireworks!

Location: Treskowallee 159, 10318 Berlin, Germany | Find on map

New Year in Berlin - Matrix
New Year Parties in Berlin

Plan your New Year Eve in Berlin

Getting around
Where to eat
Where to stay
New Year in Berlin - Transport

U-Bahn: The U-Bahn underground rail system operates 24 hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day with a reduced frequency of 30 minutes.

S-Bahn: On the 31st of December and the 1st of January, the S-Bahn rail system runs all day with a frequency of 10 – 20 minutes and then every 30 minutes all night.

Metro: Metro trains in Berlin run every 10 minutes until 8 P.M. and every 30 minutes after that until 7 A.M.

Bus: Buses function as per the usual weekend/holiday schedule for New Year’s, where bus lines marked with an ‘N’ offer 24-hour service.

Tram: Trams also function as per the usual weekend/holiday schedule for New Year’s. However, note that trams only operate in the eastern part of the city.

Taxi: Metered taxis are available throughout the city at all hours during the holidays.

Tips for celebrating New Year's Eve in Berlin

  • If you wish to join the celebrations at Brandenburger Tor, you may want to get there a few hours early as it can get very crowded closer to midnight.
  • Don’t worry about having to drive back home drunk after a New Year’s Eve party as public transport and taxis are very much available in Berlin all night.
  • Be a little careful while walking the streets as the public might be bursting firecrackers.
  • Many hotels in Berlin may ask you to book the place for a minimum period of 2 - 3 days during this time of the year.
  • Food and accommodation may be comparatively more expensive around New Year.
  • You may need to make reservations well in advance for tables at restaurants with special festive buffets or set menus.
  • Do carry cash with you as most establishments in Berlin are still cash-only.
  • Do book your New Year party and event tickets well in advance as they sell out soon.
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Frequently asked questions about celebrating New Year in Berlin

What are the best things to do in Berlin on New Year?

Some of the best things to do in Berlin on New Year are to watch the fireworks, party at a pub, go on a boat cruise, attend cultural events, enjoy a good meal, and visit a museum or the Berlin TV Tower.

What are the most popular things to do in Berlin on New Year’s Eve?

The most popular things to do in Berlin on New Year’s Eve include visiting the Weihnachtszauber am Gendarmenmarkt, celebrating at the Spandau Citadel, watching the fireworks, going on a cruise, joining the celebrations at Brandenburger Tor, and partying.

What are a few off-beat things to do on New Year’s Eve in Berlin?

Some of the off-beat things to do on New Year’s Eve in Berlin include visiting a museum, going on a group run, watching a concert, ballet, or operetta, and going to a circus show.

What are a few kid-friendly things to do on New Year’s Eve in Berlin?

Kids can enjoy a trip to AquaDom and SEA LIFE or Legoland Discovery Centre for a full day of fun. You may also take your kids to a circus show, watch the fireworks, or join a costumed group run. The celebrations at the Weihnachtszauber am Gendarmenmarkt, Spandau Citadel, and Brandenburger Tor are also kid-friendly.

Is it crowded on New Year in Berlin?

Most places in Berlin are moderately crowded during New Year. Clubs hosting parties, and the Brandenburger Tor tend to be very crowded on New Year’s Eve.

Is Berlin safe during New Year?

Berlin is generally safe during New Year. Although, be a little careful while walking the streets as the public might be bursting firecrackers.

What are the best parties on New Year’s Eve in Berlin?

Renate hosts Berlin’s longest New Year party, while Berlin’s biggest indoor NYE Party happens at Kulturbrauerei. The Rooftop Over Berlin party at the House of Weekend offers the best views of the fireworks, and ODYSSEE 2023 is known for the uniquely sensual experience it offers. Berlin Techno’s NYE RAVE Party, the Big 80s & 90s Party at the Trabrennbahn, and the New Year’s Eve parties at Matrix and Ritter Butzke are some of the other popular ones to check out.

Which is the best place to watch fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Berlin?

The fireworks across the Spree are best seen from the sides of the river and the bridges - Moltkebrücke, Oberbaumbrücke, and Monumentenbrücke. Head to the top of the Great Müggelberg, Teufelsberg, or Ahrensfeld Mountains to enjoy unobstructed panoramic views of the city’s fireworks from a height.

What is the weather like on New Year in Berlin?

It is winter in December in Berlin with the average temperature ranging from 1 °C to 2 °C, with rains and some snowfall expected around New Year.

Is public transport available on New Year in Berlin?

Yes, all means of public transport are available as usual in Berlin on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, following the Sunday/holiday timetable.

What are the best places to stay for New Year in Berlin?

The Mercure Hotel Berlin City West, Hotel Berlin Mitte By Campanile, ibis Berlin City West, and Mercure Hotel & Residenz Berlin Checkpoint Charlie are some of the most economical places to stay in Berlin for the New Year. On a mid-range budget, you can stay at the Sheraton Berlin Grand Hotel Esplanade, the Courtyard by Marriott Berlin City Center, or the Mövenpick Hotel Berlin Am Potsdamer Platz. More luxurious options include Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann, The Ritz-Carlton Berlin, Waldorf Astoria Berlin by Hilton, and the Rocco Forte Hotel De Rome.

What are the best restaurants to visit for New Year’s in Berlin?

The Grand Restaurant, RIVO Spreeterrassen, Restaurant Wilhelm, NENI Berlin, Frederick's, Spindler, and Clärchens Ballhaus serve special NYE dinner menus, whileCafe Morgenland, Geist im Glas, and Restaurant ALvis serve the best New Year brunches.

What are the best clubs and pubs to visit for New Year in Berlin?

The Kulturbrauerei, ALICE Rooftop & Garden, Watergate, Kater Blau, Ritter Butzke, ASeven Club, Pawn Dot Com Bar, Alte Münze, Schloss Milkersdorf, Bunter Bahnhof, Klunkerkranich, Monkey Bar, INSOMNIA, Badehaus, Maxxim Club, Sharlie Cheen Bar, Lido, and The Pearl are some of the best clubs and pubs to visit for New Year in Berlin.

What should I wear on New Year in Berlin?

Berlin can be chilly, rainy, and snowy in December. Hence, you should wear thick waterproof jackets or hoodies, neck scarves, gloves, thick socks, and comfortable walking shoes or boots to stay comfortable.

Is everything in Berlin open on New Year?

Most shops and public places may close in the afternoon on the 31st of December to prepare for the night. Clubs and restaurants stay open late into the night on New Year’s Eve, and all day on the 1st of January. Most museums and public places also stay open on New Year’s Day.