For the past two posts (here & here) we highlighted some of the most coveted Christmas events around Europe. As every year, after Christmas comes New Year’s Eve; if our calculations are correct, exactly six days after Christmas.
New Year’s Eve carries its own blessing, not at all in disguise. It’s the one night of the year that you are entitled to have as much fun as possible. Since fun is a matter of taste and choice, we’ve gathered a variety of incredible events around Europe for this special night.
The one thing that is common to all New Year’s Eve events is the mass scale. This is not a night for intimate gatherings, this is a night to share with as many people as possible.
So here we go, Europe at its best on New Year’s Eve 2019.
Barcelona – Cava Hurling
If you want to party in Barcelona on New Year’s Eve you won’t need us for advice on that. There are hundreds of parties taking place around the city, from big clubs to even bigger ones. But if you’re looking for an out-of-a-club experience with a local flair, we’ve got just the thing for you.
It’s a wacky tradition, we’ll say that outright. But, it’s something worth trying, at least once in your life. As we’ve mentioned, mass gatherings are a thing during the last night of the year. And in Barcelona, the most exciting mass gathering has always been the one in Plaça Catalunya.
It’s a BYOB event (bring your own bottle), with a twist – during the hours leading to midnight the central square gets packed with people and their cava bottles. There’s a lot of swigging going on and the mood is much celebratory. Here comes the best part.
When the bells hit their final dong, the thousands gathered hurl their cava bottles to the center of the square. It’s a sight to behold, and much more to take part in. The one thing that’s crucial to remember is – bring more than one cava bottle. Because once you hauled yours – and you will, it’s just too hard to resist – what you gonna drink then?
Lisbon – Sounds & Visions in the Sky
We know what you’re thinking, fireworks on New Year’s Eve is so last year; and the year before that… But Lisbon has its own way of doing things, and the fireworks on New Year’s Eve are no different.
So prepare for fireworks in stereo with a smashing soundtrack. The fireworks erupt at midnight on both sides of the River Tejo, after a series of live concerts and DJ sets have warmed up the crowds from 11pm on various spots along the river: Cais do Sodré, Fragata D. Fernando II e Glória, Cacilhas, Cascais and we probably missed a few. Combine that with Lisbon’s mild weather, and you’ve got an outstanding night out – quite literally.
Milan – On Cloud 9
For those looking for a non-orthodox New Year’s Eve experience, how about doing it Ludwig’s style? On our scale of one to nine, this is one of the most outlandish ways to celebrate a new year.
A 20-year tradition, the Milan’s Auditorium ushers in the new year with Beethoven’s Ninth, or as you may know it, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony Re minor op. 125. The concert is conducted by Maestro Claus Peter Flor (!) and features both the Symphonic Orchestra and the Symphonic Choir Giuseppe Verdi, starring soprano Karina Gauvin, contralto Sonia Prina, tenor Moritz Kallenberg and basso Jochen Kupfer.
If this insane name-dropping hasn’t blown your mind, the concert itself will surely do. It’s a majestic piece of music, grand and bombastic on the one hand, nuanced and delicate on the other. Just beautiful.
Tel-Aviv – Finally, a Party
Not exactly in Europe, but who’s counting? Tel-Aviv is a very happening place and on New Year’s Eve, a lot happens there. Especially this exclusive party in Kandinof, an extraordinary venue in Old Jaffa.
The Kandinof venue looks like a haunted mansion from Aladdin. And on New Year’s Eve, it transforms itself to look like a haunted mansion from Aladdin – on acid. Multiple DJ’s play in various rooms, more bars than you’d be able to count, video art all around, pole dancers, tattoo artists and… well, we’re not allowed to reveal more.
You’ll want to dress to impress, and you’ll want to get your ticket early. Like now.
They say that whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but in this case, whatever happens in Kandinof, you’ll definitely want to share.
Are you traveling to Barcelona, Lisbon, Milan or Tel Aviv for New Year’s Eve 2019? Explore all these cities have to offer from our stylish apartments – all situated in the best locations.
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