On New Year’s Eve, the Nordic countries offer a wide range of celebrations, from large outdoor gatherings and spectacular fireworks to intimate dinners in cosy restaurants and lively indie bars. Whether you prefer a festive crowd or a quieter atmosphere, the Nordic capitals provide distinctive ways to welcome the new year.
“Gott Nytt År!” – Stockholm, Sweden.
Stockholm offers something for every kind of New Year’s Eve celebration. Those looking for a low-key experience can enjoy traditional events such as medieval church concerts or poetry readings held specifically for the occasion. Others may choose to go ice-skating, explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, or attend one of the many parties and firework displays scattered across the capital. At midnight, locals gather outdoors to raise a glass of champagne and watch the sky light up. Historically, Swedes marked the new year by firing shots toward each point of the compass to ward off evil spirits — a custom that lives on today in the form of midnight fireworks.
“Gleðilegt Nýtt Ár!” – Reykjavík, Iceland.
Reykjavík is renowned for its dramatic New Year’s Eve celebrations, centred on fireworks, bonfires, and late-night parties. The long, dark winter nights only enhance the atmosphere, and on clear evenings it is even possible to spot the Northern Lights before the fireworks begin. For those staying indoors, a beloved tradition is watching the annual New Year’s Comedy Show on television, a satirical programme that humorously reviews the events and personalities of the past year and is followed by much of the nation.
“Godt Nytår!” – Copenhagen, Denmark.
Copenhagen is a classic destination for a festive New Year’s trip. At midnight, huge crowds gather at Amalienborg Square, in front of the Royal Palace, for one of the city’s largest open-air celebrations. The Royal Guard Parade, dressed in their formal red gala uniforms, adds a ceremonial touch to the evening. Indoors, the city offers New Year’s buffets, themed bar nights, and club events, all accompanied by fireworks across the skyline. One of Denmark’s oldest — and strangest — traditions involves throwing old dishes at the doorsteps of friends and neighbours: the more broken plates you find, the more friends you are said to have.
“Godt nyttår!” – Oslo, Norway.
Oslo is ideal for those seeking a calmer New Year’s Eve. Many Norwegians prefer private celebrations with family and friends, though visitors will still find special dinners and organised events throughout the city. The main firework display, visible from the central town hall area, is impressive, but warm clothing is essential as temperatures often drop sharply. A traditional custom known as Nyttårsbukk resembles Halloween: people dress up and visit friends or relatives, who reward them with food and drinks. Rice pudding with a hidden almond is also served — whoever finds it is believed to enjoy good fortune in the year ahead.
“Hyvää uutta vuotta!” – Helsinki, Finland.
Helsinki hosts some of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in Scandinavia. At midnight, the bells of Helsinki Cathedral ring out as tens of thousands of people gather at Kansalaistori Square for a major fireworks display, accompanied by music, street food, and dancing. Those without private invitations will easily find bars and clubs hosting special events. Finnish New Year traditions are deeply rooted in old superstitions: molten tin was once cast and its shape interpreted as a sign of the year ahead, with patchy forms symbolising prosperity. Loud noises and fires were also believed to scare away evil spirits — practices that evolved into today’s firework celebrations.
A final curiosity: in Tornio, on the Finnish-Swedish border, it is possible to celebrate the New Year in Finland, then drive five minutes to Haparanda in Sweden and celebrate it again an hour later, crossing both a border and a time zone.
