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New Year's Eve

The end of the year is celebrated on 31 December.

Parties usually start at / short before 18:00, because this is when the Queen’s New Year’s speech starts (on the dot, remember, Danes are puncutal). Note: As all will have to reach at 18:00  to where they celebrate there is going to be a lot of traffic. Best to leave early such that you can arrive well in time and conquer one of the sought-after parking spots.

Danes have a high level of appreciation for their creative and artistic Queen. They will listen to the Queen’s New Year's Eve speech (no matter where they celebrate). Queen Margrete mentions the most important events of the year and points out, however mildly, bad behaviour by Danes. In her speech, she always mentions the people of Greenland and the Faroe Islands and the many Danes at sea and always oncludes her speech with a hearty “God save Denmark” (Gud bevare Danmark).

Many people attend private parties or spoil themselves in restaurants where multi-course menus are on offer. Note: if you’re going out, restaurants might close around eleven to enable the staff the opportunity to celebrate as well! Cafes, bars and clubs usually don’t follow this practice. It’s best to ask the maitre d’ about their opening hours when making your reservation.

The New Year is usually kicked off with champagne and marzipancakes (kransekage).

At midnight – but often also long before and long after – there will be fireworks. If you want to join in on this, you should stick to large open squares and keep the fire hazard in mind. Some people wear goggles to ensure their safety. It can be a very impressive and powerful experience when so many fireworks and firecrackers are set off all in the same spot. It adds a whole new dimension to the fun.

Note: It is prohibited to import fireworks into Denmark, but shortly before the New Year’s Eve they are sold in great quantities in supermarkets everywhere.

Warning: It is common on New Year’s Eve for kids and teenagers to engage in some serious pranks – often involving firecrackers. Therefore, you should ensure that your car is locked and that your mailbox and apartment windows are closed. Even the post office seals its post boxes so that only thin letters can be posted.

Find out more about the Danish traditions for the Christmas time


Remember to check also the resource section for your life in Denmark to find important information which will help you to settle down faster and make more out of your stay.

 


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