New Year’s Day (Neujahr, Neujahrstag)

New Year’s Day (Neujahr, Neujahrstag) is a public holiday in Germany, celebrated on January 1, which is the first day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. There are some customs and traditions associated with New Year’s Day in Germany.

Customs and Traditions

- Fireworks: Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Germany, known as Silvester. However, in recent years, there have been concerns about the environmental impact and safety of private fireworks.
- Champagne: A glass of champagne at midnight is a must in Germany. People toast and hug each other, and wish everyone a Happy New Year.
- Lucky charms: Lead pouring is a popular tradition in Germany, where people melt small pieces of lead over a flame and then pour the molten lead into cold water. The resulting shape is said to predict the future.
- Dinner for One: Watching the sketch “Dinner for One” on TV is a decades-old tradition that many Germans still enjoy at the end of the year.
- New Year’s resolutions: Making New Year’s resolutions is another time-honored tradition in Germany. According to a survey, most Germans want less stress in 2023 and more time for themselves and their friends and families.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, New Year celebrations in Germany were either non-existent or muted for the past two years. However, this year, some people are ready to party again and usher in 2023 with a bang.

How do Germans celebrate New Year’s Day?

New Year Day is a public holiday in Germany, celebrated on January 1. Germans celebrate New Year’s Eve, known as Silvester, with a mixture of animistic and Germanic rituals and Christian beliefs. People light fireworks, hum noisemakers, and go out into the streets or onto their balconies to watch the show at midnight. People toast and hug each other, and wish everyone a Happy New Year with a glass of champagne. Making New Year resolutions is another time-honored tradition in Germany. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, New Year’s celebrations in Germany were either non-existent or muted for the past two years. However, this year, some people are ready to party again and usher in 2023 with a bang.

What are some traditional foods eaten on New Year’s Day in Germany?

Lentil soup and sauerkraut are considered lucky foods to eat on New Year’s Day in Germany. People think that lentil soup brings abundance and money because the lentils are shaped like coins. People believe that sauerkraut brings blessings and wealth for the new year.

What are some popular New Year’s Day activities in Germany?

Cologne: In Cologne, people celebrate New Year’s Day with a parade called the Neujahrstagzug. The parade features colorful costumes, music, and floats.
Bavaria: In Bavaria, people celebrate New Year’s Day with a tradition called “Dreikönigssingen” or “Three Kings’ Singing.” Children dressed as the Three Wise Men go from house to house, singing carols and collecting money for charity.
Northern Germany: In Northern Germany, people celebrate New Year’s Day with a tradition called “Rummelpottlaufen.” Children go from house to house, singing songs and collecting candy and money.
Swabia: In Swabia, people celebrate New Year’s Day with a tradition called “Schwörmontag.” The mayor of Ulm gives a speech, and people celebrate with food, drink, and music.