New Year's Eve in Switzerland 2024-2025

Switzerland looks like a winter wonderland during the holidays, meaning you can dive into the authentic festive atmosphere by visiting it on New Year's Eve. Jaw-dropping fireworks, wild parties, unique music, and dance performances—this country is a game-changer when it comes to New Year's Eve celebrations. We've put together the biggest cities and the most wonderful ways to welcome the New Year in Switzerland. Let's whoop it up!

New Year in Zurich (Silvesterzauber)

The first city on our festive list is Zurich, home to Switzerland's largest New Year celebration, Silvesterzauber, or New Year's Magic. What began in 1988 as a small gathering on Zurich's Gemüsebrücke has grown into a major event that draws attention far beyond the country's borders. Visitors can enjoy mesmerizing light shows in the heart of Zurich and experience the lively atmosphere around Lake Zurich on New Year's Eve. The lakeshore area, including Bellevue and Bürkliplatz, transforms into a massive open-air party with food stalls, bars, and tents, attracting between 150,000 and 200,000 people. As the bells of the Grossmünster ring out to bid farewell to the old year, the crowd prepares for the stunning fireworks display that launches from boats on the lake just after midnight.

Additionally, Zurich hosts impressive light shows by local artist Gerry Hofstetter, illuminating buildings in the Limmatquai area and the city center. The shows typically begin at 5 pm and continue until 2 am, adding to the magic of New Year's Eve in the city.

New Year in Basel

The Celebration on the Rhine is Basel's largest and most anticipated New Year's event, eagerly awaited by locals each year. From a champagne aperitif to a dinner show and the grand New Year's Eve gala, welcoming the New Year in Basel is truly unforgettable. The city traditionally marks the occasion with a breathtaking fireworks display, and the atmosphere becomes even more magical as all the church bells across Basel ring simultaneously at midnight. This massive celebration kicks off at 4 pm, drawing large crowds ready to dance and enjoy the final moments of the year.

For those seeking a quieter experience, Münsterplatz offers a more relaxed setting. At 11:30 pm, enjoy the sounds of tower music performed by the Basel Stadtposaunenchor, accompanied by communal singing to bid farewell to the old year. A church service follows at 12:15 am, providing a peaceful way to begin the New Year.

New Year in Geneva

Geneva offers a range of spectacular experiences for New Year's Eve, including the opportunity to celebrate aboard the New Year's Eve Dinner Cruise by CGN Cruises. As you sail on Lake Geneva, you'll enjoy breathtaking views and a front-row seat to the fireworks display. The evening features a festive menu, a glass of sparkling wine, and party favors, all set to a lively musical atmosphere curated by DJs. It's a unique and exciting way to ring in the New Year. Boarding begins at Lausanne-Ouchy at 7 pm, with the cruise departing at 8 pm and returning at 12:30 am. The event officially concludes at 1 am.

The main event occupies Quai du Mont-Blanc, a lakeside promenade named after its incredible views of Mont Blanc. On New Year's Eve, it is filled with food and drink stalls. The music on the Rotunda starts at 8 pm and lasts till about 3 am, creating an unforgettable party atmosphere. Geneva also offers a wide range of luxury restaurants offering a mouth-watering menu.

New Year in Interlaken

Interlaken is a city where you can experience Switzerland's longest New Year's Eve celebrations. People start merrymaking on December 31 and have fun till January 2. On January 1, you can visit the first open-air concert of the new year, named Touch the Mountains, featuring top Swiss performers, folklore groups, and a variety of refreshments marquees. It's located in Hohematte Park with picturesque mountain views.

On January 2, immerse yourself in Swiss culture by witnessing the traditional Harder-Potschete procession, where the spirit of the Harder Kulm mountain, the Hardermannli, takes to the streets of Interlaken. Accompanied by his wife and children, all wearing masks, the Hardermannli roams through the town, carrying a wooden stick and evoking a sense of mystery and awe among the crowds gathered along the streets.

The Potschen, with their intricately handmade masks, add to the eerie atmosphere while the legend of the Hardermannli unfolds, symbolizing the triumph of light over the darkness of night. After the procession, the Potschen quietly remove their masks and gather in Interlaken's bars and restaurants for a cozy celebration. This unique tradition has been a part of Interlaken's culture for nearly 50 years, and the town continues to host a variety of festive parties throughout the season, enhancing the lively atmosphere.

If you are interested in Christmas celebrations across Switzerland, click here to read about the most atmospheric Christmas fairs in Europe.