NEW YEAR IN DÜSSELDORF

It should come as no surprise, that the new year in Germany begins on January 1, since their country is firmly nestled in the Gregorian calendar and has been for centuries. Whatever day of the week it falls on, that day is a bank holiday with virtually everything closed. Sundays are especially disappointing for most due to the loss of that extra day free from work.

Fireworks

It follows the extended previous Christmastime period, which is popular in Düsseldorf for office parties, gatherings with friends and family, heavy eating. For many, it also marks the approaching return to serious work.

Yet in spite of all that Germany hits the streets in a big way on New Year’s Eve. Many restaurants offer special menus. At the stroke of midnight on December 31, people head to their balconies and gardens to light their own fireworks. Others dash to gather in public spaces in their hundreds and thousands to create a mass display. The banks of the Rhine and its bridges are particularly popular and offer terrific
options to view or join in. Many of those among the crowds stay out well into the early hours.

New Year’s Day

New Year’s Day in Düsseldorf tends to be a quieter event with many bars, bistros and restaurants discovering various ideas to cure a hangover. Streets are quiet and evenings are tranquil as people prepare for the rude awakening the next day.

For Germans, making and breaking their New Year revolutions are high on the list of things to do. It should come as no surprise that the most popular concerns are losing weight and abstaining from drinking alcohol.

By Vincent Green, Jan 3 2022