Where to celebrate New Year 2026 in Europe: experts named the best city for celebration

The main events only begin at midnight, and the celebration continues until the morning. Find out which European city Time Out named the best for welcoming the New Year 2026, what traditions you should know, and why tourists flock here from all over the world

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There are only a few weeks left until the New Year, so it’s time to decide where you’ll be greeted by the first strike of the clock. Fireworks, night parties and festive traditions are almost everywhere, but some cities know how to turn New Year’s Eve into a real event of the year.

According to Time Out, the best city in Europe to celebrate 2026 is the capital of Spain – Madrid. And this is not a random choice, we tell you.

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Why did Madrid become the best place to celebrate New Year 2026?

Travel journalist and writer Dana Camilleri Clarke spent New Year’s Eve in ten different European cities and admits: none of them can compare to the atmosphere of Madrid.

In this city, midnight is not the end of the celebration, but only a warm-up. After the traditional countdown, the visitors only gain momentum: bars, clubs and restaurants are open until the morning, and parties smoothly flow from one location to another.

A bonus for guests of the capital is a second countdown at 1 am, when Madrid symbolically welcomes the New Year together with the Canary Islands, where it comes later. Such a moment can be experienced in far from every country.

New Year abroad has become more difficult for Ukrainians due to the war, but warm countries and Christmas markets in Europe are still available. Read here where to realistically go in the winter of 2025–2026, how much time and money the trip will take, and how to plan your trips more profitably.

Madrid - the center of celebration and nightlife in Europe

The epicenter of New Year’s events traditionally becomes Puerta del Sol square - this is where thousands of people gather to welcome the New Year together. But even if you don’t like big crowds, Madrid is no problem: almost every district offers its own celebration format – from intimate dinners to large-scale club parties.

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The main tradition of New Year’s Eve in Madrid

In addition to non-stop dancing, Madrid also preserves warm local customs. One of them is 12 lucky grapes. According to tradition, you need to eat one grape with each stroke of the clock at midnight to attract good luck in the new year.

Locals joke that it sounds easier than it looks in practice, but that’s where the fun lies. The main advice from experienced travelers is to buy grapes in advance, because on the eve of the holiday they are instantly sold out.

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What other European cities made it to the top of the best places to meet the New Year?

The second place in the ranking of the best cities to celebrate 2026 was taken by Berlin - the German capital will be the best choice for those looking for large-scale open-air parties and electronic music.

Milan came in third place: there the celebrations are more restrained, but atmospheric, with an emphasis on gastronomy and stylish urban events.

If you are looking for a city where the New Year lasts all night, and the festive atmosphere is felt at every step, Madrid is the undisputed favorite. It combines loud parties, lively traditions and unique moments that will definitely be remembered longer than a standard home toast in front of the TV.

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Reminder! Europe has once again topped the world's comfort rankings. We've already told you which cities topped the ECA International 2025–2026 rankings, why Bern took first place, and what a high level of comfort means for residents and travelers.

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