For Auld Lange Syne

Denmark 

People don't throw away old dishes but hold on to them all year long. When New Year's Eve arrives they throw the dishes at a neighbor's or friend's door. A symbol of having many friends is a lot of broken dishes. People gather to hear the New Year's message from Amalienborg Palace. In Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark the Town Hall clock strikes in the New Year at midnight. Many people gather in Radhuspladsen to cheer and watch fireworks as they light up the sky and one can see the parade of the Royal Guard in their red gala uniforms. 

Iceland

Gleoilegt nytt means Happy New Year in Icelandic. In the capital, Reykjavik, the biggest events on New Year's Eve are held. All over Iceland fireworks are set off and in some places, bonfires are lit. At times food tables are offered to people, and for entertainment, there are shows and musical events.

England

The New Year is welcomed in the capital, London by the chimes of Big Ben. The clock strikes thirteen times as the New Year comes at midnight. London celebrations are broadcast by the BBC and fireworks are set off above the London Eye.

Wales

Welsh New Year's Eve celebrations are called Calennig. It was customary for people to give gifts and money on New Year's Day, but today usually bread and cheese are given. People enjoy going to Cardiff, the capital where, in the center of the city they can hear live music, enjoy fun fairs, ice skate, and see fireworks. A good deal of the celebrations occur at Cardiff Castle and Cardiff City Hall.

Scotland

In Scotland, the New Year is known as Hogmanay. It is celebrated with customs like First Footing. This is when family members or friends visit each other bringing gifts of whiskey or at times a lump of coal. In Edinburgh, the capital one of the most famous New Year's Eve celebrations in the world occurs with a street party all along Princes Street. When midnight strikes at Edinburgh Castle a cannon is fired, and fireworks light up the sky. Starting from December 28th until New Year's Day or January 2nd BBC Scotland broadcasts all the celebrations.

Ireland

Usually, people go to smaller towns and villages to ring in the New Year. Festivities are held in such popular destinations as Limerick, Kerry, and Galway.

France

“La Saint-Sylvester” is what New Year's Eve is known as in France. This is because December 31 is the feast day of St. Sylvester in Catholic tradition. The feast is called “Le Reveillon de la Saint Sylvestre.” It traditionally features dishes like seafood with oysters and foie gras and champagne. Family and friends exchange resolutions, best wishes, and kisses on New Year's Day. The holiday period ends on The Twelfth Night or January 6th. On this day the French celebrate the Three Wise Men and eat a traditional flat pastry cake filled with almond paste. The cake has a feve, a small china character that someone eating the cake finds and becomes queen or king with a gold paper crown placed on their head and after chooses a partner.

The Netherlands

Oud en Nieuw meaning Old and New or Oudejaarsavond or Old Year's Eve is celebrated with a gathering of family and friends. Among the traditional food eaten are oliebollen, oil dumplings similar to doughnuts, and applebeignets which are apple slice fritters. When midnight arrives Gluhwein or Bishop's wine or champagne is drunk. People usually set off their own fireworks. To know when to begin the festivities a clock is broadcast on TV several minutes before the midnight hour. 

Germany



Austria

In Vienna, the capital at midnight all of the radio and TV programs operated by ORF broadcast the sound of the Pummerin, the bell of St. Stephen's Cathedral. After the New Year has been rung in the Donauwalzer or The Blue Danube waltz is played and people begin dancing at parties or even on the street. On the streets of Vienna, large crowds get to listen to bands playing on a series of stages and fireworks light up the sky.

Czechoslovakia

Family and friends gather together to celebrate New Year's Eve. In large cities like Prague, the capital fireworks begin while it is still daylight and continue up to midnight. Entertaining shows are broadcast on all the major TV stations before and after midnight. Just before midnight a countdown begins and at midnight the Czechoslovakian national anthem is played and the president of the country gives his speech.

Poland

Traditionally the Polish people devote each day on the calendar to a saint. On December 31 New Year's Eve that saint is Sylwester or St. Sylvester. In Rynek, the main square in Krakow one of the most notable New Year's Eve celebrations in the country is held. There is live music and fireworks are displayed over St. Mary's Basilica.

Italy

New Year's Eve is known as Capodanno, head of the year or Notte di San Silvestro, night of St. Silvestro in Italy. Family and friends gather to eat dinner with zampone or cotechino, spiced Italian sausage, and lentils. At half past eight on New Year's Eve, the president gives a speech, and at midnight fireworks light up the skies all over Italy.

Spain

In Spain on New Year's Eve family and friends gather for traditional dinners with lamb, capon, or shrimp. Wearing red underwear is considered lucky. In Madrid, the capital the countdown to the New Year begins with the clock on top of the Casa de Correos building in Puerta del Sol Square. Tradition is that with each chime of the clock one grape must be eaten. When midnight arrives Spaniards toast each other with cava, sparkling wine, or champagne. Parties are given at pubs, discos, and clubs. On New Year's Day, the traditional winter breakfast includes chocolate con churros or hot chocolate and fried pastry.