New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve History

New Year's Eve marks the end of the calendar year and welcomes the arrival of the forthcoming year. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, resolution-making, and merrymaking, with various customs and traditions observed worldwide. The significance of New Year's Eve lies in its ability to bring families and friends together to share memories, feast on traditional Danish dishes, and embrace the spirit of unity and national pride.

The celebration of New Year's Eve in Denmark dates back to ancient times. While initially rooted in pre-Christian pagan traditions to ward off evil spirits, the Danish New Year's Eve observance has evolved with time and merged with various cultural influences, including changing monarchies and religious influences. New Year's Eve in Denmark acknowledges both traditional customs and modern practices, making it a unique blend of the past and present. The Queen's New Year's speech, delivered on live television, symbolizes national unity and provides a moment of reflection for the Danish people.

New Year's Eve celebrations in Denmark traditionally begin with an elaborate dinner that typically includes dishes such as boiled cod, roast pork, and a signature dessert called Kransekage. Many Danes follow the tradition of jumping off chairs and into the New Year at the stroke of midnight, signifying a fresh start while leaving behind any negativity from the past year. Fireworks play a crucial role in the celebration, as it is believed that the noise and bright colors discourage evil spirits and ensure good fortune in the forthcoming year. New Year's Eve is celebrated at midnight on December 31st.

New Year's Eve Facts

• Kransekage is a traditional Danish cake made of marzipan rings stacked in a conical shape. It is often served on special occasions like New Year's Eve. Eating kransekage is believed to bring luck and happiness in the upcoming year.
• Some Danes follow the tradition of jumping off a chair at the stroke of midnight. This symbolizes "leaping into" the New Year and leaving behind any bad luck from the previous year.

In the News and Trending in Denmark for New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve Top Things to Do

• Each year, London hosts a sensational fireworks display by the River Thames. The London Eye, Westminster Bridge, and its surrounding areas all come alive with celebrations.
• Across the UK, you can find a variety of culturally enriching experiences, from ballet and opera to rock and pop concerts.
• Edinburgh's Hogmanay is one of the biggest and best New Year celebrations in the world. Features include the traditional torchlight procession, live music, street parties, and the famous midnight fireworks over Edinburgh Castle.
• Hosting a dinner party is a common way to celebrate New Year's Eve in Denmark. Friends and family gather for a delicious meal and spend time together before the clock strikes midnight.
• Danes like to indulge in traditional Danish cuisine during New Year's Eve celebrations. Popular dishes include roasted pork, glazed potatoes, caramelized potatoes, and red cabbage.