New Year holidays in Europe with children. Wine days in Armenia during the May holidays. Even with a small budget you can celebrate a winter holiday on warm shores
January holidays are perhaps the most beautiful time in Europe. Christmas markets are still open, but there are not so many people on the streets anymore. In addition, during the New Year holidays it is profitable to go on one of the excursion tours: their prices do not skyrocket with the onset of the holidays, the only risk is that there may not be enough places. , Deputy Head of the Department individual tourism, presented a selection of popular programs and named available dates.
Italy
We have already talked about our alpine product and about. But there is also a very popular format New Year's travels– excursion tours. From point of view educational tourism, of course, Italy is No. 1.
Two-thirds of everything is concentrated on its territory cultural heritage Europe. Yes and New Year Italians celebrate brightly and beautifully, so unique impressions and a rich photo report are guaranteed.
The classic excursion program to Italy lasts seven days. The minimum package, including flights and accommodation, will cost only 370 €: this is the “Discovering Italy” program with arrivals on December 30, January 2 and 7. Its main feature is that tourists can choose excursions to suit their taste or devote time self-study surroundings. Another Italian hit, the Cities of Art tour, can be purchased for 399 €. The price already includes excursions to Venice, Florence, Rome and Pisa. Arrivals on December 30, January 2 and 7.
Czech
New Year's Prague is fun, noise, celebration and many ancient traditions... Ideal for active and independent tourists!
IN New Year's Eve Residents and guests of the Czech capital gather at the Old Town Square, drink aromatic mulled wine while the chimes and fireworks go off, and then go to make wishes on the Charles Bridge.
The minimum PAC GROUP tour package - from 315 € per person - includes flights, accommodation in Prague, transfer, insurance and the services of a Russian-speaking representative. Add the rest as desired. Arrivals from December 28 to January 7, flights operate daily.
France
In 2017 in Paris, the main celebration will traditionally take place on the Champs Elysees Arc de Triomphe, where entire alleys of New Year trees usually grow. U Eiffel Tower There have been no New Year's fireworks for several years now. But folk festivities traditionally take place here. And the most impressive fireworks are launched during the chiming clock at Disneyland.
Important point: all excursions and tickets to attractions during the New Year holidays must be booked in advance. Therefore, our tourists often choose ready-made city tours at prices starting from 492 € per week. The most popular - "Paris excursion" - includes bus and walking tours to the main attractions of Paris and its suburbs. Arrivals are available on December 29, 30, 31, January 1, 4. Cost 754 € per person.
Netherlands
Another bright city that is worth visiting for the New Year is Amsterdam. On the eve of 2017, thousands of people from different countries will gather in the main squares of the capital of the Netherlands - Dum and Rembrandtplein - to traditionally count down the seconds until midnight in unison, and then congratulate everyone around and celebrate until the morning.
All this splendor will look especially impressive from the water! Offer your tourists a short trip along the famous canals of Amsterdam: Water Colors Cruise or Amsterdam Light Festival, and they will thank you for the magical New Year's photos! Price New Year's tours to Amsterdam starts from 641 €.
Hungary
If clients ask to pick inexpensive option for the New Year, suggest a trip to Budapest. A universal city tour to the capital of Hungary for four or eight days with flights costs only 339 €, and the client can create its “filling” with your help at his own discretion. One of the benefits of this program is daily flights. Any arrivals on holiday dates are still available.
Advantages of New Year's travel with PAC GROUP to Europe: Russian-speaking guides, special prices and guarantees in hotels, convenient flight program, online sale of excursions, high quality service.
In Europe, the Christmas holidays come earlier than in Russia, because Catholic Christmas is celebrated on December 25. Russians are increasingly going abroad to spend this holiday interestingly and to plunge into the pre-New Year mood in advance.
In all cities of Europe, New Year celebrations are approximately the same.
The decision to celebrate Christmas on December 25 was made at the Third Ecumenical Church Council in the 5th century. Since then, the December pre-holiday period and Christmas itself have been the most fun and hectic time of the year.
Christmas fairs and markets begin to operate in almost all European cities; houses and shops are decorated with special decorations: illuminated garlands, decorated Christmas trees and white fluffy snow.
Already closer to Christmas in Europe, children begin to go from home to caroling - singing holiday songs and saying good wishes to the family. And in return they receive gifts: roasted chestnuts, gingerbread and sweets.
It’s not easy to choose where exactly to go for Christmas and New Year 2019. And this is not surprising, because New Year is a fabulous time, and even if you haven’t believed in Santa Claus since childhood, with the onset of December 31, something freezes inside on the eve of a miracle . If you are a romantic and the pre-holiday bustle inspires you, we recommend celebrating the New Year in Europe - in an atmosphere of antiquity and magic.
The most popular destinations in Europe for the Christmas holidays 2018-2019
If you are planning to spend new year holidays in Europe, then you need to decide in advance which country you would like to visit and what exactly to see. The fact is that established traditions are different everywhere. For example, the Spaniards and Italians are used to celebrating the New Year on a grand scale, the French are closer to romance, and the Finns believe that there is nothing better than a warm home environment.
If you want to spend the New Year, holidays and Catholic Christmas in Europe, we advise you to fly out on December 22, 23 or 24, and return back in early January. Book everything a few months before your trip.
As for statistical data, the majority of our compatriots planning to celebrate New Year 2019 in Europe noted that they would like to visit:
- Czech Republic;
- Italy;
- France;
- Germany;
- Switzerland;
- Turkey.
Holidays abroad are an opportunity to create a romantic atmosphere for your loved one. Tours for two for Christmas in Europe - the magic of ancient cities and fabulous architecture in festive decoration. When you are in Prague or Germany, you immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Christmas, drinking mulled wine or coffee and watching the decorated ancient streets. Probably many people had a childhood dream of seeing the Christmas atmosphere and Santa Claus?
Finland - Helsinki and Lapland
Where to celebrate New Year 2019 and Christmas in Europe, if not in the homeland of Santa Claus? At the end of December it is frosty outside, down to –15 °C, and there is a lot of snow. People come to Finland for solitude and a winter fairy tale. Rent a cottage and spend your New Year holidays active recreation- skiing and snowmobiling, for example. Admire the northern lights, explore local cuisine and visit the Joulupukki residence in Lapland.
Tours from Moscow for 4-5 nights cost from 65 thousand rubles.
Flights from Moscow to Helsinki and back cost from 11 thousand rubles. St. Petersburg residents can get there by train or bus.
Hotels. Cheap hotels- from 40 € for two in the center of Helsinki (3* hotels - from 85 euros), renting a cottage in Rovaniemi - from 130 €. Dinner in a restaurant - about 50 € per person.
Czech Republic, Prague
The Czech Republic is another country in Europe where you can celebrate the New Year 2019 gloriously. In Prague, the main Christmas tree shining with lights is installed on the Old Town Square. There is a fair, tourists and locals walk, eat almonds fried in spices, delicious trdelniki and drink mulled wine and honey.
The weather in Prague at the end of December is good: during the day it can be slightly above 0°C, at night - up to −5°C. There is not always snow cover.
Tours to Prague for 7 nights for the New Year can be purchased from only 65 thousand rubles.
Flights. A flight for the New Year holidays from Moscow to Prague and back costs from 16 thousand rubles.
Hotels. Rent a hotel room for two in the center - from 90 € per night and above. New Year's dinner in a restaurant will cost 100-170 € per person.
Germany - Berlin and Munich
The best New Year in Europe, in our opinion, is in Germany. Do you want to plunge into a real Christmas fairy tale? We recommend going to Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Nuremberg or other cities. Visit fun fairs with all the gastronomic attributes of Christmas and New Year: caramel apples, ginger gingerbread houses and hearts, stollen and aromatic hot mulled wine. The weather at this time of year in Germany is usually pleasant, from 0 to –4°C, and snow does not always fall.
Tours for 4 nights cost from 60 thousand rubles for two.
Flights. A flight from Moscow to Berlin and back costs from 16 thousand rubles (direct flights), to Munich - about the same.
Hotels in the center of Berlin - from 120 € per night for two. New Year's dinner in a restaurant costs approximately 100-200 € per person.
Even with a small budget you can celebrate a winter holiday on warm shores
Up to 70 thousand rubles for two. This is the minimum budget with which, when planning where to go for the New Year, you can count on the beach. And there is a very interesting option - Jordan, Aqaba resort on the Red Sea. A week of relaxation for two in a 3-star hotel with breakfast and flights Nordwind Airlines costs from 70-72 thousand rubles. In addition to swimming in the Red Sea, you can go to the Dead Sea, the castles of the Crusaders and ancient city Petra in pink rocks.
Cheaper – Tunisia. This year, tour operators have extended charters to the North African country throughout the winter. But here swimming is only in the pools, the Mediterranean Sea is already cold. But there will be sun and thalassotherapy. The asking price is from 55 thousand rubles for two per week in a three-star hotel, with all-inclusive meals, in four stars - from 65 thousand. This includes flights.
How long do New Year holidays last in different countries?
On January 1, the New Year is celebrated in countries living according to the Gregorian calendar, which is most countries in the world. But not everyone attaches such sacred significance to this holiday as Russians do. We love the New Year and love to celebrate it, so we do it for 10 whole days. How many days do the New Year and Christmas holidays last in other countries?
CHINA
In China, New Year is celebrated on the first new moon after January 21, and this date changes every year. New Year according to the eastern calendar comes between January 21 and February 21. At this time, the moon completes a full cycle, the new moon and the new year begin. In addition to China, this procedure is followed in Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Malaysia. The government gives the Chinese 3 days off.
GERMANY
In Germany, as in almost all of Europe, Christmas is held in higher esteem than New Year, so Germans have holidays on December 24, 25 and 26. January 31 is a shortened working day, January 1 is a day off, and January 2 Germans go to work.
USA
In the United States, the working population only rests on December 25 and 26 for Christmas. The duration of the New Year holidays depends on the state and on the enterprise; in general, the population rests only on January 1. But many states practice a system of accumulating time off, which Americans just take for the New Year holidays.
DOMINICAN CAN
In the hot Dominican Republic, Christmas and New Year holidays are also celebrated. On December 24, employees have a shortened day, and on December 25, they have a day off. On December 31 you have to work until noon, and on January 1 and 6 you are legally allowed to rest. Sometimes the day off is moved from the sixth to the fourth of January to make it a long weekend.
BELARUS
In Belarus, neighboring Russia, there are no New Year holidays. Only January 1 and 7 are marked in red on the calendar - New Year and Orthodox Christmas.
UKRAINE
Ukrainians celebrate the New Year from January 1 to 3, and go to work on the 4th. From January 7th to 10th our neighbors get Christmas off.
KAZAKHSTAN
In Kazakhstan, holidays are also short, on January 1, 2 and 7, except when holidays fall on weekends, like this year. Then the weekend schedule shifts and there are more of them.
Good afternoon We thank the DEVISU company for the excellent organization of the “Armenia in all its glory” tour from July 6 to July 12, 2019! Many thanks to our guide Lia, who opened up for us the history, culture and traditions of ancient and modern Armenia at the highest professional level! Her love for Armenia, talent, delicacy, subtlety, and intelligence won our hearts! The trip was amazing and unforgettable! We wish the company further success and prosperity!
FullyTatiana and Andrey Nechaev, Moscow
Ekaterina, good afternoon! Thank you, I had a great trip, the room was what I wanted (with a view of the park and a bathroom). I was very pleased. Thank you.
The only thing is that the transfer, in addition to me, met other women who were brought to Karlovy Vary and I had to travel instead of 2 hours from Prague to Marianske Lazne for 3 hours. This, of course, was not convenient; they brought me there in the evening. Of course, it would be more convenient to fly to Karlovy Vary.
Larisa, Perm
Hello, Ekaterina. Our trip was a success.
The hotel is good. Repair, furniture, plumbing, bed linen - in excellent condition, no comments. Very clean and comfortable.
Breakfast was the same every day, but with a good assortment - so you could diversify your menu simply by choosing different dishes.
There is a kettle, tea, coffee, sugar, cream in the room. We used it. Tea was added daily. Linen and towels were changed twice a week.
The hotel is located in a quiet area, there is no noisy crowd. There are several direct tram routes to the center (both to the railway station and to shopping centers, and to the main attractions).
The drive is less than half an hour. 2 stops near the hotel: one right under the windows, the other a 5-minute walk at a walking pace.
Lyubov Leonidovna, Moscow
Ekaterina, hello! I apologize for not dropping you a couple of lines earlier: I was sorting out my affairs, sorting out my suitcase - or vice versa.
We really enjoyed our holiday in Armenia, organized with your help, everything went smoothly, without a single hiccup. Thank you very much for organizing the tour!
Special thanks and low bow to the host - "Armenia Travel". The drivers are beyond praise, the guide Liya Bakhshinyan is a true professional and a very sincere, sincere person. Over the course of a week of close communication, we became almost family.
Tours to Europe for the New Year are deservedly popular! No wonder! Many people want to spend New Year and Christmas away from home in a pleasant atmosphere, and the large number of opportunities for departure from Moscow becomes an additional bonus. You can travel by bus, plane or train. We will be happy to help you plan the optimal route. It may include just one European country or several. We offer both short-term and long tours on New Year's Eve.
The main advantages of a European New Year's holiday
New Year's holiday in Europe - unforgettable vacation! It will allow you to get a lot of positive emotions. A change of scenery will benefit both adults and children. You can go on a trip with your whole family, friends and colleagues.
For everyone we are ready to provide:
- interesting excursion programs;
- active entertainment;
- opportunities to visit the places you have always dreamed of visiting.
It definitely won't be boring! The variety of tours will provide the widest opportunities for choosing the right one!
On New Year's days every European country transforms. Festive illumination appears on the streets, fairs open in squares, residents and guests of the city are delighted with original programs and even real carnivals. You can simply walk around the city, visit cafes and restaurants, and participate in master classes. And of course, a tour for the New Year (including Christmas Eve) will not be complete without visiting various attractions. Bus tours unique. In one trip they allow you to visit ski resort, and in several capitals, and in many small towns and villages! New emotions and beautiful objects await you everywhere.
In Helsinki, for example, you will see Senate Square and Cathedral, church in the rock, buildings of the local parliament and university. In the winter capital of Poland, Zakopane, you can get acquainted with the picturesque wooden architecture and learn a lot of interesting things about the unique Gural folklore. In winter you can ride here alpine skiing or snowboarding. We are waiting for you in Dresden magnificent palaces and numerous museums, panoramic views from the Elbe and a famous art gallery. In Krakow you will see the famous church with the largest altar in Europe. In Amsterdam you will visit central square, admire the houses of the Dutch patricians, stroll along the endless picturesque embankments and enjoy the special atmosphere of the free, unforgettable city. Our excursions are not limited to only the objects listed on the website. During the Christmas holidays you can go wherever you want. For an additional fee, the program can include visits to any attractions. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide. With it you will discover a Europe that you definitely don’t know. On any tour you will encounter secrets! You will learn about the legends of Europe, its castles hidden from prying eyes and other objects.
However, we won’t talk about everything! Check out all the offers and choose the one that's right for you! Excursion tours to Europe are truly amazing, and their prices are not as high as they might seem at first glance. Moreover, we are always ready to help you reduce costs. Our company regularly offers discounts and holds various promotions.
Contact us! Tours to Europe will make a lasting impression on everyone! You will definitely want to repeat the trip at another time of the year. We are ready to help you organize your trip in summer, autumn or spring. Just tell the manager about all your holiday wishes.
When it comes to celebrating the New Year, everyone chooses their own way to celebrate this holiday. Some sit at home in front of the TV, others rush around the world, trying to get as many impressions as possible on this day.
In this article we will figure out where to go to Europe for the New Year holidays. There are many places in Europe where you can celebrate this bright holiday. Everyone wants bright memories to remain after the New Year. Therefore, I have selected for you the most interesting options for cities and hotels that will help create an atmosphere of magic and fun. After all, the main night of the year.
In all European cities, New Year celebrations are approximately the same. I'll try to highlight distinctive features each option. And also hello to the options for air tickets, I will advise good hotels and tours to Europe for the New Year holidays 2018. Go!
New Year holidays in Europe – where to go?
London, Great Britain
Photo © ramnaganat / flickr.com / License CC BY 2.0
Why?
London looks especially magical during the New Year. The whole city shimmers with festive lights. If you like England, then it’s time to decide to celebrate the New Year there.
Things to do?
If you decide to ring in the New Year in London, visit London Wonderland in Hyde Park or book a table at a club/bar/restaurant to enjoy delicious food and great music. Be sure to watch the Queen's Parade - a real three-hour extravaganza that runs along the Thames. Usually about 300,000 people and 10,000 artists and musicians gather here.
Watch the New Year's fireworks from the famous London Eye. Count down the strikes to midnight with Big Ben. Sing "Auld Lang Syne" with the crowd. Stroll along the Victoria Embankment and Waterloo and Westminster Bridges.
Helpful advice
Save on housing in Europe by renting apartments from locals with Airbnb. Get 2100 rub. as a gift for your first booking.
Ibiza, Spain
Photo © frank-lammel / flickr.com / License CC BY 2.0
Why?
Where in Europe it’s warm on New Year’s Day is Ibiza. The average daytime temperature is +17 degrees Celsius. The island of Ibiza is famous for its wild nightlife. If you like warmth, club life and dancing until the morning, then Ibiza is the best choice for you.
Things to do?
Celebrate the New Year at Ibiza's most famous nightclub, Pacha. Keep your eyes, mouth and ears wide open, you're in for a very fun holiday at this place.
If you suddenly want luxury and quiet solitude with your family, head to Hacienda Na Xamena Spa Hotel, here you can just relax and enjoy life, everything else will be done for you.
Where to stay?
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Photo © donaldjudge / flickr.com / License CC BY 2.0
Why?
Dubrovnik is one of the less obvious places in Europe where you can celebrate the New Year, but no less wonderful. People most often come here in the summer and ignore them in the winter, which is a shame!
Things to do?
If you want to get really drunk and have fun on New Year's Eve in Dubrovnik, then go to the Latin American clubs Fuego, Capitano or Revelin.
If you want to plunge into the flow of celebrating people, then go to the streets of Stadun and Old city Dubrovnik (Big Dubrovnik old Town Street). Sit back and listen to a wonderful concert of Croatian bands. Of course. There will be fireworks.
Where to stay?
Barcelona, Spain
Photo © barcelona_cat / flickr.com / License CC BY 2.0
Why?
New Year's Eve in Barcelona is not for the faint of heart. Celebrations and festivals here begin at 21:00. You can walk the streets, listen to music, watch performances, drink and eat various delicacies. Barcelona is another place where you will be warm for the New Year, with an average of +15 degrees.
Things to do?
New Year is celebrated here with great pomp and the holiday is called Nochevieja. All the fun starts at Montujic’s Magic Fountain. Here they gather as local residents, and tourists from all over the world to count the chimes together and celebrate the New Year. There are also very beautiful fireworks here.
New Year in Paris, France
Photo © johnvanhulsen / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY 2.0
Why?
Paris for the New Year offers the widest range of New Year's parties for every taste. If you want to visit one of the most best places to celebrate the New Year - feel free to go to Paris. New Year's Paris is beautiful, just look at the Cathedral on the Champs Elysees.
Things to do?
If you want some variety on New Year's Eve, then you've come to the right place. Cruise on the Senna and sightseeing with a delicious lunch at Bistro Parisien, champagne and a colorful show at Crazy horse, beautiful girls Bluebells from Lido de Paris and much, much more. Whatever way you choose to celebrate the New Year in Paris, it will definitely be memorable.
Where to stay?
Special choice for special day- Eiffel villa Garibaldi.
Madeira, Portugal
Photo © madeiraarchipelago / flickr.com / License CC BY 2.0
Why?
If you want something more exotic, then head to the Madeira Islands. They look very elegant on holidays. And celebrating the New Year on the island is a completely special feeling. In addition, Madeira is also warm, on average +18.
Things to do?
The Madeira Islands are known for their sales in December and many people come here for shopping. New Year's fireworks look very beautiful from the islands. Here, the New Year begins to be celebrated slowly from the beginning of December until the twelfth night (greetings from Catholic Christmas). The entire island is beautifully decorated and there are concert programs everywhere you look. The Madeira Islands are a place where you should stay longer, and not just for one night.
Berlin, Germany
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Why?
Vienna, Austria
Photo © jeanleo / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY 2.0
Why?
Vienna is traditionally considered one of the best cities in Europe to celebrate the New Year.
Things to do?
Residents of Vienna gather in the city center for the New Year to walk the “New Year’s Path” or “Silvesterpfad”. The party starts at 14:00, people slowly pour out into the street and refuel with hot mulled wine and caramel apples.
At midnight the Pummerin bell rings from the tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral and the first fireworks are set off over Prater park.
The famous “palace on rails” - the Majestic Imperator train invites you to celebrate the change of year in luxurious style with a gourmet dinner and tie at midnight on the Danube bridge, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city and festive fireworks.
For a more relaxed New Year's Eve, head towards the Town Hall to watch the New Year's Eve concert projected on the big screen.
The main thing is to eat at least a little “Glücksschwein” or “good luck pig”. Pork on a festive night is sold in all types and forms.
Be sure to eat some Glücksschwein, or good luck pigs, which you'll find in every form, from suckling pig to pig marzipan. New Year's Vienna will delight and surprise you.
Istanbul, Türkiye
Photo © andralife / flickr.com / License CC BY 2.0
Why?
At the very least, you don’t need to worry about a Schengen visa. Türkiye is an unusual representative of Europe and the New Year can be celebrated here in a completely special way. The weather in Istanbul on New Year is also quite warm, about 7 degrees above zero.
Things to do?
Istanbul also changes for the New Year. Start your evening with a traditional Turkish lunch at Bebek or Istiklal Caddesi, where the celebrations take place in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Then join the cheering crowds at Taksim Square, Istikul Street or Faith, where revelers organize impromptu street parties. The best view is from the Golden Horn.
If noisy parties are not your thing, then you can take a river cruise along the Bosphorus and watch the celebrations from afar, passing by the city. But you will have the best position to watch the fireworks at midnight.
Where to stay?
Prague, Czech Republic
Photo © hypotekyfidler / flickr.com / License CC BY 2.0
Why?
Prague is another one great option for those who want to celebrate the New Year in Europe and are looking for where to go inexpensively. Many Russians like to celebrate the New Year in Prague. Besides, it's not far. In Prague on New Year's Eve there is a very dramatic (in a good way) atmosphere. You have many options for where to start celebrating.
Things to do?
New Year's Prague will delight you with a variety of opportunities. There are many good clubs, bars and restaurants. You can start the holiday on a jazz cruise along the river, or you can join the city residents in Old Town Square. You can go to some a nice place, for example, in Lesser town, Petrin hill or Prague castle. At midnight, the most interesting thing is in the main square.
In Prague there is a cute tradition of breaking champagne bottles, sometimes on your head; if you want to participate, bring a helmet.
Gdansk, Poland
Photo © kaminskimateusz / flickr.com / License CC BY 2.0
Why?
New Year's in Gdansk is a lot of fun. You should definitely come here if you love food. In Gdansk they believe that the more you eat, the better your next year will be.
Things to do?
Of course, have a good meal at Wigilia, and then go and get really drunk at Skwer Kosciuszki, and then have a good dance at the Walrus club.
The most festive streets of the city are Dluga and Pl. Teatralna.
Where to stay?
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Photo © otbphoto / flickr.com / License CC BY 2.0
Why?
Amsterdam is often called the city of love, and if you want to celebrate the New Year in a romantic setting, then this is a great choice.
Things to do?
New Year's Amsterdam surprises. In addition to organized celebrations in public places like Rembrandtplein, Nieumarkt, Museumplein and Dam Square, Amsterdam hosts many impromptu “chamber” parties that you can join. And if you want to celebrate the New Year in a crowd of joyful people, then you should go to the above streets.
Of course, it won’t be complete without festive fireworks. Most best view traditionally from bridges, when you can see the lights not only in the sky, but also their reflection on the water surface.
Grab a glass of champagne and local delicacies from the street vendors, and make a wish with everyone as the chimes strike. And then go to any bar, club or restaurant to continue the celebration.
Stockholm, Sweden
Photo © noeslomissmo / flickr.com / License CC BY 2.0
Why?
Christmas in Sweden is celebrated in a very calm atmosphere, but on New Year's Eve in Stockholm they have a blast.
Things to do?
Despite the fact that the Swedes northern country, they still prefer to celebrate the New Year on the street. Therefore, eat delicious seafood in some good restaurant, and then go towards Skansen to see the most New Year's Stockholm. The New Year has been traditionally celebrated here since 1895. At midnight, some famous Swede will read the poem “Ring Out, Wild Bells” to the accompaniment of fireworks.
After midnight, after walking around, drinking champagne and hugging Swedes, go to a club or bar. As a rule, they work until 3 – 4 am.
If you want to celebrate the New Year in peace and romance, head to Lake Malaren.
When it will be free time, go see the local City hall, Sodermalm, Fjallgatan and Monteliusvagen, they really deserve attention.
Where to stay?
Reykjavik, Iceland
© borkurdotnet / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0
Why?
On New Year's Eve, daylight in Reykjavik lasts only 4 hours, which means locals happily illuminate everything around them with bonfires, bright lanterns and garlands. What turns New Year's Reykjavik into a fairy-tale town.
Things to do?
Light bonfires with the locals as a symbol of burning away the troubles of the old year. There is no official part of the holiday and fireworks are set off by local residents. On New Year's Eve, about 200,000 people take to the streets and half an hour before midnight the sky is colored with lights.
For the best vantage point, head to Perlan or Landakotskirkja Church.
After the festivities, many go to clubs and bars. Because Icelanders leave home to celebrate the New Year relatively late, and then celebrate until the morning. If you wait until 5 a.m., you'll see locals lining up to drink up their hangovers and snack on hot dogs. Many people go to hot springs to improve their health.
Helsinki and Lapland, Finland
© timo_w2s / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0
Why?
The world's most popular Santa Claus lives in Finland. It is here that the atmosphere of the New Year's miracle is felt very clearly. If you want to celebrate the New Year with children, then choose Finland.
Things to do?
First, decide on the location of the celebration: Helsinki or Lapland?
The main holiday of the country takes place in Helsinki, on Senate Square. Local residents gather here to drink champagne, listen to the mayor’s congratulatory speech, watch a festive concert and tell fortunes on small tin horseshoes.
In Finland, fireworks are allowed for only 8 hours, so the Finns have a blast, coloring the sky with colorful lights and the air with pops and the smell of gunpowder.