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Berlin's Open-Air New Year Bash

Published by Jodi Garner, Writer

Country: Germany

The Experience

Situated at the center of Berlin, the Brandenberg gate sits at the heart of history and emotions for the many visitors who visit Berlin each year. However, every New Year’s Eve, the Brandenberg gate is transformed into the party of the year showing the world and Germans alike that they can shake off the past and move forward into a new year.

The Brandenberg New Year’s Eve bash is the largest outdoor, open-air party in the world rivaling that of New York and London. Visitors travel from miles around to be part of this fun and historical event. There is nothing better then to party "German style" under the stars surrounded by great friends, music and a backdrop that holds so much history.

The main stage, which is situated at Pariser Platz, just under the Brandenberg gate, holds various musical guests ranging from local artists to international superstars. Throughout the night several performers take the stage, displaying a wide range of musical talents. In addition to the main stage the “Party Mile” stretches out for 1.2 mile behind the Brandenberg gate and is lined with several dance floors, bars, stages and DJ’s. It is in the “party mile” where you have the opportunity to visit several tents each with live music, performances, international food and booze stands.

As midnight approaches a laser and light show brightens up the sky and Brandenberg gate and as the countdown begins. Enjoy the dropping of the New Year’s Eve ball followed by one of the most impressive fireworks displays ever seen. Every year over 2000 fireworks are sent off in every direction, lighting up the sky and bringing in a new year full of exciting possibilities. The party doesn’t stop at midnight either as musical guests, tents, food and alcohol are available all night and into the early morning hours.

If one really wants to be immersed in the German culture while attending this new years celebration, call the event Silvester which is what many Germans will call New Year’s Eve as December 31st is the feast day of St. Sylvester. You can further enjoy the German culture by enjoying the several German beers on tap including Sternburg, Beck’s, Krombacher or Bitburger. Try some traditional German food, such as Schnitzel, curryworth or Bratwurth all of which can be found in the many tents surrounding Party Mile.

No matter how you bring in the new year at the Brandenberg New Year’s Eve celebration, be it with family, friends or all alone, you must remember to turn to your neighbour at midnight raise a glass with your fellow partygoer to wish them a “Guten Rutsch”, pronounced goo-ten rootsh, or a happy new year!


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When to Go to Berlin Silvester

Berlin is an amazing city to visit anytime of year. The culture, history and people make it a great destination. However if you want to enjoy the Berlin Open-Air New Year's Bash the only time to do this is on New Years Eve, December 31st. The few days leading up to and after the celebration are also alive with activity as the preparation of this giant event take days to put together. Some beer tents, food venues and markets will open as early as Dec 27th.

Odds n' Ends

On New Year's day it can be wise to arrive early at the Brandenburg Gate to get the best location for the evenings events. Most people start arriving around four in the afternoon and stay till the wee hours the following morning. But no matter where you chose to stand for this celebration, the large screens and speakers will broadcast the performances everywhere within the square.

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Books and DVDs

Lonely Planet Germany Country Travel Guide
Rick Steves' Snapshot Berlin

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Hindi , Italian , Japanese , Portugese , Russian , Spanish , Turkish , Vietnamese are some of the languages spoken in Germany. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!

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