For many people, New Year’s Eve in Berlin is a true bucket-list moment: thousands celebrate the start of the new year between the Brandenburg Gate, club nights, and rooftop views of the fireworks. At the same time, many people – especially newcomers to the city – feel unsure: Where is it really worth going? Do I need tickets? How crowded will it be? And how do I get home safely at night? This guide provides the most important answers and concrete recommendations for your New Year’s Eve 2025/26 in Berlin. Berlin combines the charm of major events with alternative freedom:
While the official “Yeah 26” spectacle with DJs and a live TV broadcast attracts up to 20,000 guests, parallel scenes such as techno parties at Kulturbrauerei or relaxed dinners in Charlottenburg offer contrasts for every taste. The night is shaped by creativity, tolerance, and chaos – perfect for newcomers and Berliners experiencing their first New Year’s Eve in the city. Whether you’re looking for excitement or peace and quiet, Berlin makes it possible – without the need to book early, except for top events. This guide answers typical questions about tickets, transportation, and safety to make your New Year’s Eve 2025/26 unforgettable.
Whether you’re seeking excitement or prefer peace and quiet, Berlin makes it possible – without the need to book early, except for top events. Here we answer all the typical questions about tickets, getting there, and safety to make your New Year’s Eve 2025/26 unforgettable.
New Year’s Eve in Berlin is a unique spectacle that proves the city’s status as Europe’s party capital. With the iconic fireworks at the Brandenburg Gate, endless club nights that stretch into the morning, and a mix of mass events and hidden rooftop parties, it attracts hundreds of thousands every year – from Berlin locals and expats to tourists.
Berlin combines big-event charm with alternative freedom: while the official “Yeah 26” spectacle with DJs and a live TV broadcast draws up to 20,000 guests, parallel scenes such as techno at Kulturbrauerei or relaxed dinners in Charlottenburg provide contrasts for every taste. The night is marked by creativity, tolerance, and chaos – perfect for newcomers experiencing their first New Year’s Eve in Berlin.
The Brandenburg Gate is Berlin’s New Year’s Eve highlight and will once again become a huge open-air dance floor for up to 20,000 guests in 2025 under the motto “Yeah 26.” From 10:00 p.m., top DJs provide party beats, food stands offer drinks and snacks, and at midnight a 7.5-minute high-altitude fireworks display lights up the sky – broadcast live on German TV with Florian Silbereisen.
The celebration continues until 1:00 a.m. at Platz des 18. März, Ebertstraße, and Straße des 17. Juni. Admission is free, but tickets are mandatory – a maximum of two per person, personalized with name and ID check. Tickets have been available since mid-December via Ticketmaster or Kulturprojekte Berlin, and they sell out quickly. No ticket, no entry.
There are three entrances (Ebertstraße South/North, Yitzhak Rabin Street) with bag and personal checks starting at 9:30 p.m. – expect waiting times. Alcohol and outside food are prohibited; only catering on site is allowed. A safety distance from the gate must be maintained due to fireworks. After 10:00 p.m., the northern entrances are usually the better choice.
Ideal for party-loving Berliners, expats, or tourists who want a massive party with iconic fireworks and TV-show flair – perfect for groups or first-timers wanting the “big Berlin moment.”
Less suitable for people with crowd anxiety, families with small children, or those seeking peace and quiet – it gets crowded, loud, and very TV-show-like (without the big stars of earlier years). Choose alternatives if you dislike chaos, security checks, or the early end at 1:00 a.m.
Location: Platz des 18. März and Straße des 17. Juni
Date: December 31, 2025
Opening hours: From 10:00 p.m., entry between 9:30 and 11:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tickets: kulturprojekte.berlin
Teufelsberg is a classic spot for fireworks views without party crowds. From the highest point in the Grunewald forest, you get a panoramic view over all of Berlin, often with spontaneous gatherings or picnics – ideal for newcomers seeking height and nature. During the winter market (until January 1), there’s mulled wine and lights from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but New Year’s Eve itself is more DIY with friends.
Easily reachable by public transport: S-Bahn S7 to S Grunewald (about 15–20 minutes from the city center), then a 30-minute uphill walk (2.2 km). Dress warmly and wear weatherproof shoes. Alternatively, take bus X34 from Zoo Station or a taxi (€25–35, 20–30 minutes). Parking is available but very limited on New Year’s Eve. No toilets at the top – bring supplies.
Perfect for couples, friends, or solo newcomers who want a romantic view combined with history (former listening station). Less chaos, more magic. Great for photographers and nature lovers.
Less suitable for party seekers, physically injured people or families with children (steep, cold, dark).
Where: Teufelsberg , Teufelsseechaussee 10, 14193 Berlin
The Olympic Stadium is an epic alternative to the Brandenburg Gate. The iconic 1930s arena offers space for open-air celebrations with views over the stadium roof and Berlin skyline. Often there are spontaneous events with live music, food trucks, or DJs. Fireworks are clearly visible from here.
Very easy by S-Bahn (S5 to Olympiastadion), plenty of parking and wide access roads. Entry is usually free or inexpensive (€10–20 for events). Picknics are often allowed. Dress warmly – it can be windy.
Great for families, sports fans, or groups who want stadium atmosphere without extreme crowds. Less suitable for hardcore techno fans or solo travelers seeking central action.
The Olympiastadion is less suitable for people who want a central, fast-paced party atmosphere with easy access to clubs and bars right after midnight. Solo travelers who prefer dense social interaction or those who dislike large, open outdoor spaces in winter may find the stadium atmosphere less appealing.
Alexanderplatz around the TV Tower is an attractive alternative to the overcrowded Brandenburg Gate. Here you’ll find a lively urban atmosphere, plenty of space, and impressive views of the Berlin skyline. While there is usually no central large-scale event with a stage, there are often organized New Year’s Eve parties nearby, including special 30+ NYE parties, clubs, and indoor venues with countdowns and music.
On New Year’s Eve, the square itself is lively but less strictly regulated than the Brandenburg Gate. Many people gather here to celebrate the New Year together and watch the fireworks over the rooftops – especially around midnight, a special atmosphere emerges.
Alexanderplatz is one of Berlin’s best-connected transport hubs:
Public Transport:
👉 On New Year’s Eve, public transport runs all night, but expect very crowded trains after midnight.
Car: Not recommended. Many streets are closed or heavily congested, and parking is extremely limited.
Alexanderplatz is especially suitable for anyone who wants to experience a lively New Year’s Eve atmosphere without being in the extreme crowds of the Brandenburg Gate. If you enjoy starting the countdown outdoors and then spontaneously moving to a bar, club, or indoor party nearby, this is the right place. It is also great for groups of friends who want flexibility and don’t want to stick to a fixed schedule. Its central location, excellent connections, and numerous event and dining options make it an easy choice for a varied NYE evening.
Alexanderplatz is less suitable for those seeking complete quiet or a large, professionally organized stage program with fixed show acts. People who want to avoid crowds entirely may also feel uncomfortable here, as the square becomes noticeably busy around midnight.
The Spree riverbanks around the Oberbaum Bridge are among the most atmospheric spots in Berlin for a more relaxed New Year’s Eve. Instead of large stages and official programs, you’ll find a casual, almost familial atmosphere here. Many people come with drinks, portable speakers, and good vibes to celebrate the New Year with views of the Spree and the illuminated Oberbaum Bridge.
Around midnight, a particularly beautiful panorama emerges: fireworks reflect on the water, boats occasionally honk, and the bridge provides an impressive backdrop. It is not a classic party hotspot, but rather a place to gather, toast, and enjoy – often combined with a later visit to bars or clubs in Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg.
Public Transport:
Both stations are within walking distance of the riverbanks and Oberbaum Bridge.
👉 On New Year’s Eve, buses and trains run all night, but it can still get crowded around midnight.
Car: Not recommended. Parking is scarce, and some streets may be closed.
The Spree riverbanks and Oberbaum Bridge are ideal for anyone who wants to spend New Year’s Eve in a relaxed, atmospheric setting. If you prefer to stand with friends, toast, and watch the fireworks rather than push through large crowds, this spot is perfect. It is also great for couples or small groups who want to experience the countdown intentionally and then move flexibly to bars or clubs afterward.
This location is less suitable for those expecting a big party with DJs, stages, and a countdown show, or for people who rely entirely on amenities such as toilets, food, and security staff. Anyone seeking complete quiet should also keep in mind that, even with the relaxed vibe, it can get loud around midnight.
Tempelhofer Feld is one of the most unique New Year’s Eve alternatives in Berlin. As a former airport, it offers vast, open spaces that are perfect for a relaxed outdoor experience. There are no official stages or large parties, but the open area invites walking, picnicking, and toasting with friends. Particularly popular is the view of fireworks across different parts of the city, as the vantage points over the surrounding districts are excellent.
The field is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy New Year’s Eve in open nature without the crowds of the city center. Many people bring blankets, snacks, drinks, and sometimes small fireworks to celebrate the countdown together with friends.
Public Transport:
Car:
Tempelhofer Feld is ideal for anyone who wants to spend New Year’s Eve freely, relaxed, and in nature. If you are going with friends, enjoy combining picnics and outdoor fireworks, and don’t mind chilly wind, this location offers a relaxed alternative to the city-center hotspots.
Who Is It Not For?
The field is less suitable for those looking for a large, official party with DJs, stages, and shows, or for people who prefer full infrastructure such as toilets, food, and seating. Anyone seeking completely quiet and sheltered celebration spots should also note that, despite the open space, it can still feel lively due to the presence of many people.
Who Is It For?
Tempelhofer Feld is ideal for anyone who wants a free, relaxed, and nature-oriented New Year’s Eve. If you’re going with friends, enjoy combining picnics and outdoor fireworks, and don’t mind chilly wind, this location offers a relaxed alternative to the city-center hotspots.
Who Is It Not For?
The field is less suitable for those seeking a large, official party with DJs, stages, and performances, or for people who prefer full infrastructure such as toilets, food, and seating. Anyone looking for completely quiet and sheltered celebration spots should also note that, despite the open space, it can still feel lively due to the presence of many people.
Soda Club Berlin – a popular club with a dance floor and lively party atmosphere (often hosting special New Year’s Eve events)
Berlin’s biggest New Year’s Eve party at Alexanderplatz – a large-scale party right in the heart of Berlin
Silvester Club Berlin – a club offering a dedicated New Year’s Eve program
Silvester Berlin – a party-focused venue at Potsdamer Platz
New Year’s Eve Party Berlin – a New Year’s Eve party event
💡 Tip: Many clubs offer rooftop parties, special guest DJs, and midnight countdowns. According to official Berlin event listings, there will also be numerous larger club events for New Year’s Eve 2025/26 (for example at Matrix, Weekend Club, and The Cloud Club).
If you’re looking for something more relaxed or “stylish” than large rave parties, there are also:
ALICE Rooftop & Garden – a rooftop venue with views over Berlin (perfect for a midnight toast)
Wintergarten Berlin – a theater and event venue with shows; ideal for a cultural or performance-based New Year’s Eve program
💡 Additionally, there are New Year’s Eve parties in bars and lounges (e.g. Sharlie Cheen Bar, Tangoloft Berlin), dinner-and-party combinations, or 30+ events featuring music and champagne at midnight.
If you prefer to celebrate more quietly, you can:
Attend shows or theater programs (for example at Wintergarten or Friedrichstadt-Palast).
Visit a classical concert or musical in the evening (before midnight) and then raise a toast afterward in a calmer setting.
👉If you still searching for a place to stay, check out our serviced apartments here.
Public transport: S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams usually run all night on New Year’s Eve, but can be very crowded.
Car: Not recommended, as many streets are closed and parking is limited.
Bicycle or on foot: Often the most flexible option, especially for locations like Tempelhofer Feld or the Spree riverbanks.
Yes – S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams usually run all night on New Year’s Eve, but they can be very crowded.
Public spaces (Tempelhofer Feld, Spree riverbanks, Oberbaum Bridge, Alexanderplatz outdoors): free, no tickets required
Many people use visible spots like the Spree riverbanks or Tempelhofer Feld for their own fireworks
Blankets, snacks, and drinks for outdoor celebrations
Flashlight or headlamp in large open areas like Tempelhofer Feld
Cash or card for bars or toilets, if available
Temporary road and area closures in the city center (e.g., Brandenburg Gate, Alexanderplatz)
Police checks and security personnel at official locations
Fireworks prohibited in certain areas or near train tracks/airports
Spree River / Oberbaum Bridge: relaxed, outdoor, panoramic fireworks
Tempelhofer Feld: spacious, calm, nature, outdoor, picnic with friends
Brandenburg Gate: large, loud, very busy, official party
Arriving too late at highly frequented locations like the Brandenburg Gate or Alexanderplatz – this can lead to overcrowding, panic situations, or theft.
Not securing bags, phones, and wallets. Tip: Use small bags, keep them close to your body, and don’t display valuables openly.
Drinking excessively in public can lead to problems with the police or other partygoers.
Especially in uncontrolled public areas, alcohol excesses can result in disputes or accidents.
Making noise with private fireworks right next to other people.
Leaving trash behind – especially at Tempelhofer Feld or along the Spree river.
Entering restricted areas, fences, or structures.
Isolated parks, industrial areas, or paths along the Spree away from main areas are not safe places for New Year’s Eve.
Especially at night, risks of accidents or assaults are higher in these locations.