DFDS logo
Offers
NYE article - header hero image 1200x600
News

The most popular NYE attractions in Europe

The most popular NYE attractions in Europe

It’s out with the old and in with the new. After a two year hiatus due to Covid lockdowns, New Years Eve celebrations are back. With Europe’s celebrations back with a bang, it’s bound to be an unforgettable night. So where’s best to bring in the New Year?

Using google search data, DFDS can reveal the most popular destinations to spend New Years Eve across Europe. Whether that be partying in Amsterdam, admiring the fireworks in London or getting involved in traditions at Hogmanay, there is something for everyone.

NYE article - London 1200x600

1. London: Yearly searches - 75,870

It may come as no surprise that London came out on top as the most popular destination to spend New Year's Eve. The iconic firework display along the Thames will resume this year for the first time since 2019. Google searches for London New Years Eve have been up by 537% in the last three months alone. That’s more than double any other city!

It’s business as usual for the celebrations in London: as Big Ben strikes twelve, thousands will gather shoulder to shoulder to watch the magnificent display which will also be broadcast live on television. A huge 103,000 tickets are made available for the event which sells out every year. The event is ticketed to control numbers and make the experience as enjoyable as possible for those attending.

If you missed out on a ticket, you can take a cruise along the river Thames and watch the display from the water. If fireworks aren't your thing, there is a huge variety of bars, restaurants and clubs to visit which will be hosting fabulous celebrations of their own.

NYE article - Edinburgh 1200x600

Edinburgh Yearly Searches - 11,940

Next on the list is Edinburgh. Edinburgh is home to the famous Hogmanay festival which takes place from Friday 30th December 2022 to Sunday 1 January 2023. Hogmanay is the Scottish word for ‘the last day of the year’.

Hogmanay is a ticketed event where you can buy tickets for separate events across the weekend to suit your preferences. The event dates back to 1993 and has become one of the greatest outdoor New Year celebrations in the world. The three day extravaganza features a torch led procession, live music concerts, traditional dancing, family events - and of course spectacular fireworks.

NYE article - Amsterdam 1200x600

Amsterdam Yearly Searches - 7,040

Coming in third is Amsterdam! The friendly Dutch capital is a fun and energetic place to welcome in the new year. With plenty of activities to choose from, you will never be short of something to do.

There are firework displays located at a variety of locations across the city which are free to attend as well as a huge party and celebration at Museumplein, a large public square. The celebration will include a spectacular fireworks and light show as well as a huge countdown on a specially designed 40 meter wide clock.

There is also ice skating, the Amsterdam Winter Paradise Event, and plenty of other parties to attend across the city.

NYE article - Rome 1200x600

Rome: Yearly Searches - 2,950

New Year’s Eve in Rome is not just about partying the night away but immersing yourself in Roman culture. Celebrating New Year’s in Rome is a wholesome and memorable experience.

As midnight draws closer, the streets fill with locals and tourists ready to welcome in the New Year. One of the highlights is the firework display along with delicious food and many free concerts.

The biggest New Years Eve events take place at the Fori Imperiali and at Circo Massimo. All of these events are free to attend.The Circo Massimo hosts the biggest open-air concert in Rome on New Year’s Eve where many well-known artists perform. Concerts are also held in other squares around the city.

ABOUT DFDS:

December 11th marks 156 years of DFDS. We have been on the move since 1866, in continuous dialogue with our surroundings. Constant movement and adaptation to change is the story of DFDS. Today, our ability to adjust course appears more vital than ever.

On our 155th anniversary, DFDS is reflecting on a legacy of constant movement. Continuing this legacy, we have embarked on an exciting journey of transforming ourselves and the transport sector at large.