On New Year’s Eve, December 31, many European cities become epicenters of celebrations filled with grand pyrotechnic shows, melodic music, the sound of firecrackers, dancing, round dances, and the festive ringing of bells.

This holiday is tied not only to the coming of the New Year but also to the commemoration of Pope Saint Sylvester, a well-known defender of the Christian faith. He passed away on December 31, 335. Therefore, the last day of December is also celebrated in his honor. Many customs are connected to this date. For example, ancient Germanic tribes believed that loud, thunderous noise, shouts, and exclamations could help scare away fearsome demons and evil spirits.

Although the religious significance of December 31 is undeniable for some, for many it is simply another opportunity to enjoy carefree fun and spend time peacefully with family and friends.

The world’s largest open-air New Year’s Eve event is the celebration at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Traditionally, this is the main location for the capital’s New Year festivities, featuring grand concert and entertainment programs and global live broadcasts. In some years, up to 1 million people gathered here — Berliners, residents of other federal states, and international tourists. Last year, for example, more than 60,000 “lucky ticket holders” attended the event, each paying 20 euros.

The highlight of the celebration has always been the magnificent, colorful firework display, perfected in execution. It consistently created an atmosphere of warmth, humanity, mutual kindness and admiration — for spectators in person, on television, and online.

However, in July this year, the main organizer of the annual New Year’s show at the Brandenburg Gate — Berlin feiert Silvester GmbH (BfS) — announced the cancellation of the 31 December 2025 event due to insufficient funds and the lack of financial support from the Berlin government. Even the involvement of ZDF as a main partner could not resolve the issue.

But in November, the situation changed dramatically. Funding in the amount of 590,000 euros was secured.

The Stiftung Deutsche Klassenlotterie Berlin plans to contribute 290,000 euros; the Berlin Senate Chancellery and the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Entrepreneurship — 100,000 euros each; and the Senate Department for the Interior and Sport as well as the Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion — 50,000 euros each. A significant share will be invested in safety measures.

This year, the organization of the celebration has been entrusted to Kulturprojekte Berlin GmbH. Its managing director Moritz van Dülmen stated that although there will be no traditional stage performance at the Brandenburg Gate, the unforgettable party atmosphere will be fully created: an impressive location, pulsating music, refreshing drinks, and wonderful people. The highlight will be a grand fireworks display painting the night sky.

It is expected that once again the Brandenburg Gate will become Berlin’s largest dance floor (from 22:00 to 01:00), where numerous Berlin DJs will perform. A seven-minute firework display will be broadcast live on the national First Channel at exactly midnight, allowing millions around the world to share the joyful moment.

IMPORTANT

This year’s dynamic event with an innovative firework show is designed for around 20,000 visitors. Entry is free, but only with free tickets. Distribution begins on December 1.

Further information at: https://kulturprojekte.berlin/projekte/silvester/