tiqets.com
  • City Guides
    • All
    • Amsterdam
    • Barcelona
    • Berlin
    • London
    • New York
    • Paris
    • Rome

    3 Days in New York City: The Perfect Itinerary

    Get Sexy in the City: 10 Romantic Things to Do in New York

    Get Sexy in the City: 10 Romantic Things to Do in New York

    Cool and Unusual Things to Do in New York

    Visiting the Vatican: Tips, Trips & Hidden Gems

    Visiting the Vatican: Tips, Trips & Hidden Gems

    Amsterdam Light Festival 2019 – 2020

    Amsterdam Light Festival 2019 – 2020

    The best things to do with kids in Amsterdam

    The best things to do with kids in Amsterdam

    Five fun facts about the London Eye

    Five fun facts about the London Eye

    Things to do in London that your teenagers will love

    Things to do in London that your teenagers will love

    Meet me in Mitte- unique things to do in Berlin’s city center

    Meet me in Mitte- unique things to do in Berlin’s city center

  • Destinations
    • All
    • America
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • UK & Ireland
    Five Creepy Places to Visit in Europe

    Five Creepy Places to Visit in Europe

    Top rollercoasters in Europe that are off the rails

    Top rollercoasters in Europe that are off the rails

    Best European cities to visit in October

    Best European cities to visit in October

    Guide to the 2019 Rugby World Cup host cities

    Guide to the 2019 Rugby World Cup host cities

  • Culture
    • All
    • Architecture
    • Art
    • History
    • Museums
    The beer necessities – best beer experiences in Prague

    The beer necessities – best beer experiences in Prague

    Forgeries, theft, and the criminal underbelly of the art world

    Forgeries, theft, and the criminal underbelly of the art world

    5 Cool Things in the Rijksmuseum that aren’t The Night Watch

    5 Cool Things in the Rijksmuseum that aren’t The Night Watch

    Creation of Adam fresco in the style of Picasso

    How I learned to stop worrying and love art

    Enryaku-ji: War, Peace, and Beauty

    Enryaku-ji: War, Peace, and Beauty

    The Year of Rembrandt – 350 Years of Golden Age Art

    The Year of Rembrandt – 350 Years of Golden Age Art

    Matsuri Madness: Japan’s Most Fascinating Festivals

    Matsuri Madness: Japan’s Most Fascinating Festivals

    Architecture in Barcelona: the Gaudí Essentials

    Architecture in Barcelona: the Gaudí Essentials

    The Joy of Nature at the Van Gogh Museum

    The Joy of Nature at the Van Gogh Museum

  • Travel tips
    The Japanese Tea Ceremony: where to go and what to expect

    The Japanese Tea Ceremony: where to go and what to expect

    Our 7 top tips for traveling solo

    Our 7 top tips for traveling solo

    Sustainable Ticketing

    Sustainable Ticketing

    Seven Tips for Greener Traveling

    Seven Tips for Greener Traveling

    Why a staycation is better than going abroad (sometimes)

    Why a staycation is better than going abroad (sometimes)

    Making the perfect city break

    Making the perfect city break

    Here’s what you need to know about EU roaming

    Here’s what you need to know about EU roaming

    cities to visit this summer

    Our top cultural seaside cities to visit this summer

    Nine ultimate ways to celebrate spring

    Nine ultimate ways to celebrate spring

  • Things to Do
    • All
    • Christmas
    • Halloween
    Vienna in Winter: The Best Things to Do

    Vienna in Winter: The Best Things to Do

    The Best Christmas and New Year’s Traditions and Destinations

    Christmas in London

    The Best Family Christmas Experiences in London

    12 Best Christmas Destinations for Singles, Couples, and Families

    Unique New Year’s Traditions Around the World

    Fascinating Christmas Traditions Around the World

    How to Spend Thanksgiving in New York

    How to Spend Thanksgiving in New York

    10 Best European Cities to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

    The Best Christmas Markets in Europe (And What to Eat When You Go)

No Result
View All Result
tiqets.com
  • City Guides
    • All
    • Amsterdam
    • Barcelona
    • Berlin
    • London
    • New York
    • Paris
    • Rome

    3 Days in New York City: The Perfect Itinerary

    Get Sexy in the City: 10 Romantic Things to Do in New York

    Get Sexy in the City: 10 Romantic Things to Do in New York

    Cool and Unusual Things to Do in New York

    Visiting the Vatican: Tips, Trips & Hidden Gems

    Visiting the Vatican: Tips, Trips & Hidden Gems

    Amsterdam Light Festival 2019 – 2020

    Amsterdam Light Festival 2019 – 2020

    The best things to do with kids in Amsterdam

    The best things to do with kids in Amsterdam

    Five fun facts about the London Eye

    Five fun facts about the London Eye

    Things to do in London that your teenagers will love

    Things to do in London that your teenagers will love

    Meet me in Mitte- unique things to do in Berlin’s city center

    Meet me in Mitte- unique things to do in Berlin’s city center

  • Destinations
    • All
    • America
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • UK & Ireland
    Five Creepy Places to Visit in Europe

    Five Creepy Places to Visit in Europe

    Top rollercoasters in Europe that are off the rails

    Top rollercoasters in Europe that are off the rails

    Best European cities to visit in October

    Best European cities to visit in October

    Guide to the 2019 Rugby World Cup host cities

    Guide to the 2019 Rugby World Cup host cities

  • Culture
    • All
    • Architecture
    • Art
    • History
    • Museums
    The beer necessities – best beer experiences in Prague

    The beer necessities – best beer experiences in Prague

    Forgeries, theft, and the criminal underbelly of the art world

    Forgeries, theft, and the criminal underbelly of the art world

    5 Cool Things in the Rijksmuseum that aren’t The Night Watch

    5 Cool Things in the Rijksmuseum that aren’t The Night Watch

    Creation of Adam fresco in the style of Picasso

    How I learned to stop worrying and love art

    Enryaku-ji: War, Peace, and Beauty

    Enryaku-ji: War, Peace, and Beauty

    The Year of Rembrandt – 350 Years of Golden Age Art

    The Year of Rembrandt – 350 Years of Golden Age Art

    Matsuri Madness: Japan’s Most Fascinating Festivals

    Matsuri Madness: Japan’s Most Fascinating Festivals

    Architecture in Barcelona: the Gaudí Essentials

    Architecture in Barcelona: the Gaudí Essentials

    The Joy of Nature at the Van Gogh Museum

    The Joy of Nature at the Van Gogh Museum

  • Travel tips
    The Japanese Tea Ceremony: where to go and what to expect

    The Japanese Tea Ceremony: where to go and what to expect

    Our 7 top tips for traveling solo

    Our 7 top tips for traveling solo

    Sustainable Ticketing

    Sustainable Ticketing

    Seven Tips for Greener Traveling

    Seven Tips for Greener Traveling

    Why a staycation is better than going abroad (sometimes)

    Why a staycation is better than going abroad (sometimes)

    Making the perfect city break

    Making the perfect city break

    Here’s what you need to know about EU roaming

    Here’s what you need to know about EU roaming

    cities to visit this summer

    Our top cultural seaside cities to visit this summer

    Nine ultimate ways to celebrate spring

    Nine ultimate ways to celebrate spring

  • Things to Do
    • All
    • Christmas
    • Halloween
    Vienna in Winter: The Best Things to Do

    Vienna in Winter: The Best Things to Do

    The Best Christmas and New Year’s Traditions and Destinations

    Christmas in London

    The Best Family Christmas Experiences in London

    12 Best Christmas Destinations for Singles, Couples, and Families

    Unique New Year’s Traditions Around the World

    Fascinating Christmas Traditions Around the World

    How to Spend Thanksgiving in New York

    How to Spend Thanksgiving in New York

    10 Best European Cities to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

    The Best Christmas Markets in Europe (And What to Eat When You Go)

No Result
View All Result
tiqets.com
No Result
View All Result

Unique New Year’s Traditions Around the World

Mick Murray by Mick Murray
in Christmas, Things to Do
9 min read
Home Things to Do Christmas

Looking for the world’s most exciting New Year’s celebrations? You’re in luck! While this day might be celebrated in different ways, and even on different dates, most cultures around the globe recognise the symbolic importance of closing one chapter and opening another every year.

No matter where you are, New Year’s Eve represents a chance to leave your worries behind, start fresh, and – perhaps most importantly – eat some traditional New Year’s food. Let’s take a look at some of the best celebrations you’ll find anywhere on Earth.

New Year’s in China: A fifteen-day festival

Chinese New Year lanterns

Based on the lunar calendar, Chinese New Year always falls between January 21 and February 20. This traditional Chinese holiday is the longest New Year observance in the world, lasting for a total of 15 days. As you might have guessed, two weeks leaves room for a lot of different celebrations and traditions.

Every day of the Chinese New Year calendar has a special meaning, with specific ceremonies and traditional food associated with it. China also celebrates New Year’s Eve on December 31st with festive fireworks displays, which are stunning, but seen as less symbolically important when compared to the longer lunar new year celebrations.

If you’re trying to make the most of Chinese New Year, find some inspiration and start planning your trip now! This is a busy time of the year, with millions of people on the move around the world in what is often considered the world’s largest annual human migration.

New Year’s in Colombia: Eating grapes and burning effigies

New Year's Eve fireworks in Cartagena, Colombia

Colombia follows the Gregorian calendar, meaning New Year’s Eve takes place on December 31st. Along with the usual fireworks displays, this South American nation has a few traditions of its own.

As they do in Spain, locals eat twelve grapes on the count of midnight, with each grape representing a wish they hope will come true. Some people take it to a speed-eating extreme, and try to eat one grape per strike of the clock at midnight. Others try to find sneaky ways around the rules by drinking the grapes in liquid form, which unfortunately doesn’t count.

There are a few other fun holiday activities here, including burning effigies (año viejo) representing aspects of the last year you’d like to leave behind, as well as putting lentils in your pocket to attract wealth over the next year.

The most unique Colombian New Year’s tradition might be the act of running around with a suitcase as the clock strikes midnight. This is sometimes done to ensure that the coming year will be full of positive travel experiences – no flight delays for you!

Silvester in Germany: An explosive end to the year

New Year's Eve fireworks above the Berliner Dom

New Year’s Eve in Germany is referred to as ‘Silvester’, dating back hundreds of years to Pope Sylvester I. St. Sylvester’s day fell on December 31st, which happened to be the last day on the Gregorian calendar after it was reformed in 1582. Ever since then, the Catholic saint has become synonymous with end-of-year festivities

Germany is known for its intense New Year’s Eve celebrations, especially in its capital Berlin. This celebration brings out a sense of lawlessness in an otherwise fairly strict and orderly society, and serves as a way for locals to blow off some steam – and blow up some homemade rockets.

While there have been calls to limit the festivities, Germany’s love of fireworks and improvised pyrotechnic displays is among the most passionate in the world, and New Year’s Eve in Berlin is one of the craziest and most memorable experiences you can have on December 31st.

New Year’s in Denmark: Smashing plates and making friends

Plates being smashed, perhaps as part of a Danish New Year's Eve tradition

Denmark is known for its sensible people, high standard of living, Tivoli Gardens, and brutal displays of dish-smashing around December 31st. Similar to the German approach of letting loose on the final day of the year, Danish traditions involve smashing plates on your friends’ and neighbours’ doorsteps.

Why? To show them you care. Ultimately, the larger the pile of broken dishes in front of your house is, the more friends you have who wish you good luck and fortune over the coming year. It’s not uncommon for people to stockpile some of their chipped or cracked plates specifically for this occasion – especially if they have a lot of friends or neighbours nearby.

Some Danes who tend towards the shyer side of the spectrum even pre-break their plates at home, so the shards can be distributed without the crashing and potential for throws to go astray. Ingenious!

New Year’s in the Netherlands: Diving right into it

Dutch people running into the water at Scheveningen beach for the traditional new year's dive

While the Dutch also love to celebrate with fireworks and revelry on December 31st, January 1st is when things get really cool. Literally. The New Year’s Dive is a proud tradition in the Netherlands, in which thousands of people strip down to their underwear and dive into the nation’s ice-cold waters. Keep in mind that this is in the middle of winter, which has a tendency to get pretty harsh in this Northern European nation.

The biggest event takes place at Scheveningen, the country’s main beach, but many smaller versions of the New Year’s Dive happen across various locations. Unfortunately the Dutch capital’s UNESCO-listed canals are off-limits, but you can still explore them on a romantic New Year’s cruise.

New Year’s in Japan: Traditional New Year’s food

Traditional Japanese New Year's food, called osechi ryori

A traditional New Year’s dinner comes in many forms, depending on where you live. If you’re from Japan, it’s likely that your year is started with traditional food known as osechi-ryōri. Eaten on the first three days of the year, everything is presented in beautiful bento-style boxes and eaten together as a family.

Every item, as well as being delicious, carries a certain symbolism. Sweet chestnuts represent a desire for wealth, kelp rolls symbolize joy and happiness, while herring roe represent… well, you can find out more on that in this post about Christmas and New Year traditions in Japan.

Rosh Hashana in Israel: A sweet start to the year

A selection of traditional Hebrew New Year's foods, including apple, pomegranate, and honey

Rosh Hashana marks the beginning of the civil year in Israel, and is considered to be the traditional anniversary of Adam and Eve’s creation according to the Hebrew Bible. This two-day celebration happens 163 days after the first day of Passover, which is generally between September 6th and October 6th.

Continuing the theme of delicious traditional New Year’s food, local customs include serving apples with honey to ensure a sweet year ahead. Other festive foods include round challah bread, pomegranates, and dates. If all that made you hungry, consider visiting the home of Rosh Hashana and trying a traditional Israeli food tour.

Hogmanay in Scotland: Playing with fire

Torch-lit procession during Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations

Known as one of the world’s greatest New Year’s celebrations, no list would be complete without mentioning Scotland’s Hogmanay. A huge nationwide street party taking place on the last day of the year, Hogmanay is known for its abundant celebrations and prolific use of fire.

The most famous event has to be the Edinburgh festival, which lasts for four consecutive days leading up to New Year’s Eve, and culminates in one of the world’s biggest parties. Thousands of people flock to it from around the globe (ticket sales are limited to 100,000 for safety reasons) in order to take part and go absolutely hog-wild.

One highlight is the ‘Torchlight Procession’ on the 30th of December, where thousands of people carry flaming torches alongside drummers and bagpipes before forming a symbolic shape that differs depending on the year. Another highlight? The free-flowing scotch.

Songkran in Thailand: The world’s biggest water fight

Children playing with water during the Songkran festival in Thailand

What do you think of when you imagine Thailand? Is it the spectacular ancient temples? The floating markets full of exotic fruits? If you’ve visited before during April, you might think of Songkran instead.

Easily one of the most fun and unique traditions on the list, Songkran is a water festival marking the beginning of the Thai New Year. It takes place between April 13–15 every year, and locals and visitors alike gather in their masses to celebrate.

Songkran involves a lot of delicious Thai street food and traditional performances, but the main attraction is a huge and seemingly endless water fight that ends up with everyone completely soaked. We recommend not wearing your best clothes.


No matter where you’re planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve…

Make sure you get the most out of your trip by booking your tickets for the best local activities in advance through Tiqets. Looking for more inspiration? Check out the top 10 European cities to spend New Year’s Eve in.

Mick Murray

Mick Murray

Mick is a writer and editor who has lived and worked across New Zealand, Japan, and the Netherlands. His hobbies include wildlife photography, writing, and contracting pneumonia.

Related Posts

Vienna in Winter: The Best Things to Do
Christmas

Vienna in Winter: The Best Things to Do

Christmas

The Best Christmas and New Year’s Traditions and Destinations

Christmas in London
Christmas

The Best Family Christmas Experiences in London

Christmas

12 Best Christmas Destinations for Singles, Couples, and Families

Christmas

Fascinating Christmas Traditions Around the World

How to Spend Thanksgiving in New York
Things to Do

How to Spend Thanksgiving in New York

Next Post
Amsterdam Light Festival 2019 – 2020

Amsterdam Light Festival 2019 - 2020

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us

  • 124
    Ice ice baby  it s Christmastime in Amsterdam                One of the most famous squares in the world has now transformed into a winter wonderland  Amsterdam s biggest Christmas market has a fully functioning ice skating rink too  What are you waiting for  Skate your way around Museum Square to the backdrop of live entertainment and the enticing aroma of bitterballen  and enjoy the Dutch Christmas vibes             BONUS  Look out for the Tiqets booth at the market  we heard there s a nice little Christmas present waiting for you there  Hint                         Buy discounted entry passes to the  iceamsterdam ice skating rink through the link in bio               inostranzzi     tiqets  iamsterdam  christmastime  christmasmarkets  weihnachtsmarkt  weihnachtszeit  weihnachtsm  rkte  weinachtsmarkt  gramthedam  bestofamsterdam  igersholland  amsterdamlife  amstergram  visitamsterdam  amsterdamshots  iloveamsterdam  loves amsterdam  igamsterdam  iamsterdam  igersamsterdam  dutch  canals  awesomeamsterdam  amsterdamcanals  amsterdamlove
  • 33
    WATCH   casabatllo lights up the night this winter with a special engagement called Moon Nights         The torchlit tour through Gaud   s architectural wonder is accompanied by an atmospheric audioguide and a magical ambiance  transforming the familiar space into something of a fantasy  If you re in Barcelona this winter  do not miss this unique event               Head to the link in bio for 10  off tickets to Casa Batll    Moon Nights  on until February 9th  2020          tiqets  CasaBatll    Gaudi  ig barcelona  VisitBarcelona  WorldHeritage  patrimoniomundial  CasaBatll  moonnights  moonnights  newexhibition  gaudiarchitecture  antonigaud    antonigaudi  gaud    gaudiofficial  gaudihouse  antoniogaudi  gaudibarcelona  gaud    barcelonalove
  • 154
    Comment below if you immediately recognize this because you re a Potterhead like us                From the biggest Harry Potter fan to your muggle neighbor  who doesn t love a little holiday magic   wbtourlondon is truly a magical place all year round  but it transforms into an enchanting wonderland during the Christmas period  Experience the Yule Ball  learn about fake snow techniques and other behind the scenes movie magic  all Harry Potter themed at the birthplace of the iconic films                Click the link to get special tickets to Hogwarts in the Snow  only until January 26th  2020          tiqets  warnerbrosstudiotour  hogwartsinthesnow  wbtourlondon  harrypotterstudios  wbstudiotour  harrypotterstudiotour  wbstudiotourlondon  platform9    expectopatronum  harrypotterfans  harrypotterfan  harrypottertour
  • 130
     Swipe right to get a glimpse of the famous 20-foot-tall Royal Christmas Tree          It s Christmas at Windsor Castle and you re all invited to celebrate like a royal           Did you know it s the oldest and longest-inhabited castle on the planet  Kings and queens have lived here for over 1 000 years  Woah                 Click the link in bio for discounted tickets to Christmas at the Castle  running until Jan 5th  2020             windsor tourist guides ltd         2  windsorsloughexpress         tiqets  christmastreegoals  windsorcastle  windsor  windsorcastlechristmas  royalchristmas  royalcastle  royaltradition  christmastime  christmasinspo  londonchristmas  decorationideas  changingtheguard  changingtheguardceremony  britisharmy  visitwindsor  visitwindsoruk   southeastengland  lovewindsor  uktravel  EnglandTourism  visitengland
  • 106
    When festive cheer meets rocket science         Galaxy Lights at  spacecenterhou is on a mission to light up your winter and make it a bit brighter  See 250 000 dancing lights  an indoor meteor shower  and lots more at this special display in Texas  biggest city              P S  We offer an exclusive Instagram discount on tickets to our experiences  Click on any square in the link in bio to redeem            tiqets  spacecenter  fantastic universe  nightscaper  milkywaychasers  astronaut  natgeospace  galaxylights  spacecenterhouston  houston  htx  hou  houstonholidays  houstontx  festivelights  lightdisplay  holidaylights  astronauts  holidaylighting  christmaslightdisplay
  • 103
    This famous cathedral is more resilient than you think         From the Great Fire of London to issues in engineering  the London landmark hasn t always had the best of luck  Almost a century ago  a grand plan was devised to restore it to the glorious structure you see today  The new exhibition at  stpaulscathedrallondon takes you on the inspiring journey of its reconstruction and will go on until May 24th  2020          londonist com says   Don   t miss the opportunity to catch the special exhibition all about the Great Restoration of the 1920s  compiled from lesser-known stories and the Cathedral   s own archive materials               Save on tickets to the cathedral and the exhibition through the link in bio
  • 84
     Efteling is what dreams are made of  - Karen  UK         We couldn t agree more  This magical park in the Netherlands celebrates fantasies and dreams and will fill you with joy once you step through its gates  We especially love going to Efteling during the winter season  when the park transforms into an icy wonderland  From cozy bonfires to an elaborate ice skating rink  Efteling Winter is a dream you won t want to wake up from                   click the link in bio for tickets to Winter Efteling           arabellasaaliste         tiqets  efteling  winterefteling  eftelingfotografie  eftelingpark  worldofefteling  amusementpark  ferriswheels  eftelingfan  efteling  eftelingthemepark  themeparkphotography  winterfun  winterwonderland  themeparklife  themeparkphotograpamusehy  themeparks  amusementparks
  • 78
    What s Christmastime without a little Tchaikovsky                  George Balanchine s take on the Christmas classic is  en pointe   This New York City Ballet production of the holiday favorite includes 90 dancers  62 musicians  40 stagehands  and over 125 children in the cast  They ve even added immersive effects like crystal-shaped snowflakes falling at random from the ceiling to take you front and center into the Sugar Plum Fairy s fantasy  Sign us up      click the link in bio for discounted tickets              by  nycballet     tiqets  thenutcracker  thenutcrackerballet  ballet  pointe  pointeshoes  balletdancer  instaballet  instadance  worldwideballet  balletshoes  dancephotography  balletpost  balletlife  worldwidedance  enpointe  newyorkcityballet  nycballet  balletnewyork  thingstodoinnyc
  • 141
    Christmas Market Hidden Gems  Bath  England              Tucked in Somerset  the former site of glorious Ancient Roman baths  what gave it away   is also a British Christmas market hot spot  Who knew  For two more weeks  the historic city center of Bath hosts the UK s most charming winter festival  From blowing your own glass bauble to making your own Christmas wreath from scratch  this is one holiday market you don t want to miss  Check out the link in bio for our favorite way to get around this adorable little city               by  theromanbaths     romanbaths  romanhistory  greatbath  autumnal  lovegreatbritain  photosofbritain  beautifuldestinations  capturingbritain  ukshots  visitbath  igersbath  christmastime  christmasmarkets  weihnachtsmarkt  weihnachtszeit  weihnachtsm  rkte  weinachtsmarkt  igengland  somerset  birdphoto  birdpics
  • 230
    Go big or  van  Gogh home                    The annual  amsterdamlightfestival is back for the 8th time  This year s theme is  DISRUPT   and will tackle issues relating to humanity   s disruptive effect on our climate and natural environment  all interpreted through incredible light art  Curious yet  To get a perfect view of the festival s exhibits  we recommend taking a convenient boat tour through the canals where most of the artworks are on display   link in bio for more details         Art by  ivanajelich and  pajaga
  • 147
    Kicking off Thanksgiving like           therockettes    Wherever you are in the world  we re thankful for you  Happy Thanksgiving         P S  Make sure you check out Tiqets com tomorrow  we ve got a few Black Friday deals you ll want to gobble up          tiqets  therockettes  macysdayparade  turkeyday  macysthanksgivingdayparade  thanksgivingdayparade  newyorkphoto  newyorktrip  newyorkgram  iloveny  icapture nyc  newyork world  newyorklovers  instanewyork  instanewyorkcity  instanyc  nycevents  macysdayparade2019  macysthanksgivingdayparade2019
  • 160
    London                       Thank you to our followers who ve been tagging us in their wintery city pics  Continue to tag us in your wintery wonderlands and we ll repost the favorites in our Stories                 sara yanochko       londoneye   tiqets  thisislondon  londonlife  igerslondon  england  visitlondon  londoncity  prettycitylondon  ilovelondon  londontown  londonlife  ig london  londoniloveyou  london city photo  visitlondon  londonphotography  wonderfulplaces  londoneye  thelondoneye  autumninlondon  winterinlondon
tiqets.com

Tiqets is an innovative ticketing platform that is revolutionizing the way visitors discover, buy and use tickets for museums, shows and attractions.

© 2019 Tiqets

No Result
View All Result
  • City Guides
  • Destinations
  • Culture
  • Travel tips
  • Things to Do

© 2019 Tiqets