New Year's Eve in Copenhagen
New Year's in Copenhagen equals fireworks, jumping off of chairs, champagne and quality time spent with loved ones. We've put together all you need to know to celebrate the beginning of a new year in Copenhagen.
Last updated: October 2026
New Year's Eve in Copenhagen combines Danish traditions with celebrations across the city. From the King's New Year's speech and the City Hall bells at midnight to fireworks, dinners and parties, here's what to know when celebrating New Year in Copenhagen.
What to expect on New Year's Eve in Copenhagen
- Early evening: Many Danes begin the evening by watching the King's New Year's speech.
- At midnight: The City Hall bells mark the start of the new year, followed by fireworks across Copenhagen.
- Where to celebrate: Restaurants, bars, clubs and other venues around the city host New Year's Eve celebrations.
- The next day: Some Copenhageners start the new year with a cold dip in the harbour.
How Danes celebrate New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve in Denmark comes with a number of traditions. The evening often begins at 6 pm with the King's New Year's speech, which many Danes watch at home before dinner and the evening's celebrations begin.
As midnight approaches, another tradition takes over: people gather around the television to watch the New Year's Eve broadcast from Copenhagen's City Hall Square. When the City Hall clock strikes twelve, Danes toast the new year with champagne and traditionally eat kransekage, a Danish marzipan cake served for special occasions.
Fireworks are also a big part of New Year's Eve, and at midnight the Copenhagen skyline lights up as people across the city welcome the new year.
Where to watch the fireworks at midnight
When the City Hall bells strike midnight, Copenhagen welcomes the new year as fireworks light up the sky across the city. City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) is one of the main gathering points, where crowds come together in front of Copenhagen City Hall to count down to midnight. Dronning Louises Bro and the Copenhagen Lakes are also popular places to experience the fireworks. The open views across the lakes make it possible to see fireworks going off across different parts of the city as the new year begins.
If you plan to set off fireworks yourself, Danish regulations only allow private use of fireworks on December 31 and January 1.
Where to celebrate New Year's Eve in Copenhagen
There are plenty of ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in Copenhagen, whether you want to enjoy a special dinner, head out for drinks or continue the celebrations into the night. Many of the city's restaurants mark the occasion with special New Year's Eve menus and events, so check their websites to see what they have planned and remember to book ahead.
If dinner is only the beginning of your evening, explore our guide to where to party on New Year's Eve in Copenhagen for more inspiration.
Getting around on New Year's Eve
If you're planning to move around Copenhagen on New Year's Eve, public transport is an easy way to get around the city. Services and schedules may differ on New Year's Eve, so check your route and the latest departure times before heading out.
If you're celebrating in the city centre, keep in mind that some areas can be particularly busy around midnight, especially around City Hall Square.
Start the new year with a cold dip
The morning after New Year's Eve, some Copenhageners start the new year with a plunge into the city's cold harbour water. Winter swimming is popular across Copenhagen, and the city has several harbour baths and swimming zones where you can take a dip during the colder months.
What to do in Copenhagen on January 1
If winter bathing feels a little too refreshing after the New Year's Eve celebrations, there are plenty of other ways to start the year in Copenhagen. Take it slow with a walk through the city, explore Copenhagen's architecture or head to one of the city's parks and gardens. Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen Zoo are also open on January 1, giving you a couple of options if you want to spend the first day of the year at one of Copenhagen's classic attractions.
Opening hours may vary, so remember to check the attraction's own website before heading out. And if you're looking for more inspiration for your winter trip, discover more ways to embrace the Copenhagen winter days.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can you set off fireworks in Copenhagen on New Year's Eve?
Yes. Private individuals are allowed to set off fireworks in Denmark on December 31 and January 1.
What are some Danish New Year's Eve traditions?
Many Danes celebrate with dinner among friends or family, watch the monarch's New Year's speech at 6 pm and gather around the television again before midnight. When the clock strikes twelve, jumping from a chair or sofa into the new year is another well-known Danish tradition.
Is Copenhagen busy on New Year's Eve?
New Year's Eve brings people out into Copenhagen to celebrate, particularly around City Hall Square, which is one of the city's main gathering points at midnight. If you are planning dinner or a night out, it is a good idea to make your plans in advance.
