New Year’s Eve, ‘over-rated’ in so many countries, often exceeds expectations in Copenhagen. Ladies don sparkling cocktail dresses and gentlemen have an excuse to wear a suit and tie, as the city that has been hiding in the cold comes alive with free flowing booze, loud music, and thousands of people in high spirits.
As the night reaches its peak, be prepared for the midnight countdown. Make sure you have your champagne and your kranse kage (almond cake) at hand, staples for a Danish New Year. Then, find a couch, chair, table (or any elevated surface that you can), grab the hand of the person next to you, count down and leap off into the New Year! The traditional midnight jump is very important for starting the New Year off right and if you happen to trip, it will bring bad luck (so make sure to cling on to your most sober friend).
For those wishing to ring in the New Year in the great outdoors, as tradition goes, at midnight countless Copenhagen locals and visitors meet at the Town Hall Square, as millions watch its clock on TV waiting to jump in unison, to welcome in the New Year with a fireworks extravanganza. We recommend going to either the lakes, Islands Brygge, or the Knippelsbro and Langebro bridges.
New YearÂ’s Eve on the water Does spending New YearÂ’s Eve calmly drifting along the harbour float your boat? Then step abroad the MS Saga Queen and enjoy a seven- course menu (including welcome drinks, wine, champagne and kransekager/almond cakes) and live music on the boat trip. The charming lounges and professional crew promises to provide a truly unique New YearÂ’s Experience and fun for everyone whether you are two, 22 or 82.
Havnegade, between Peder Skramsgade and Tordenskjoldsgade (close to Nyhavn); sails 19:00-22:00 (restaurant & bar open later); 1,595kr for dinner; 4675 6460; www.sagaqueen.dk
New YearÂ’s Eve by the lakes Starting with the queenÂ’s New Year speech, the all-inclusive price includes a welcome drink until 22:45, a luxury buffet including dessert, beer, wine and coffee before and after dinner, live music from the New Year Lake Party Band, champagne, New Year cake, a concert and finally the late-night DJ. The lakeside location provides a wonderful view. If you donÂ’t fancy having dinner, come later and buy tickets at the door for a cheaper price for music and dancing.
Søpavillonen, Gyldenløvesgade 24, Cph K; 995kr per person; tickets at www.billetagenten.dk; 3315 1224, info@soepavillonen.dk for more info
Ring in the New Year with thousands At midnight, CopenhagenÂ’s lakes and City Hall Square (RÃ¥dhuspladsen) explode into a frenzy of fireworks, as revellers and professionals alike ignite their explosives. This leads to both an awe-inspiring and nerve-wracking experience as rogue fireworks are unfortunately an issue and injuries are reported each year. DonÂ’t let that scare you away, however, itÂ’s a spectacle that cannot be missed!
Cph K and Cph V-Cph Ø; 00:00-until they run out of fireworks
Gala party with dinner – singles only Join 999 of CopenhagenÂ’s other young and hot singles ready to ring in the New Year with balloons, confetti, hats and flirting. Dress to impress and enjoy a dinner in a lavishly and spectacularly decorated banquet room, champagne, cake, and a dance floor – everything necessary to jump into 2012 with style. Four different kinds of tickets are available: early dinner, late dinner, just champagne and cake, and late night dancing. See the website for more info and make sure to book your ticket early as it is limited to only 1,000 guests – an equal number of men and women.
On the dock at Færgehavnsvej 35, Cph Ø; 31 Dec 2010 23:00-1 Jan 2012 05:00; 395kr includes entrance hall, cloakroom, champagne, cake & dance floor; contact stine@runningdinner.dk or michelle@runningdinner.dk for info; www.runningdinner.dk to register
New Year’s Eve Bang Even on New Year’s Eve, many well seasoned club-goers do not go out long after midnight – if that sounds like you or if you still want more fun after your party ends early, then head to Culture Box and dance to electronic and house music.
Kronprinsessegade 54, Cph K; 100kr entrance; starts 1 Jan 2012 at 01:00
Rizraz If you are a large group and looking for somewhere reasonably priced, the restaurant Riz Raz has a New YearÂ’s Eve dinner party including a buffet, main course and a glass of champagne.
Kompagnistræde 20, Cph K; dinner 18:00-24:00; 299kr for set dinner menu & welcome drink; to book call 3315 0575; www.rizraz.dk
The Dubliner Ticket holders get a welcome drink, a buffet and a free glass of champagne at midnight. Dance into 2012 to live music from Slainté and the house DJ, Bubbles at the bells.
Amagertorv 5, Cph K; 250kr; international buffet at 19:30
New YearÂ’s Eve Concert: from the banks of the Danube Hurry to get your tickets before this traditional New YearÂ’s Eve performance by the Royal Danish Orchestra sells out! Enjoy fiery, passionate music from eastern Europe including operettas, Hungarian rhapsodies and Slavonic dances.
Det Kongelige Teater, Kongens Nytorv, Cph K; 17:45; 140-1,030kr; 150 mins incl intermission; www.kglteater.dk
Karel Van Mander Start with cocktails, wine, and free Tuborg beer from 18:00-23:30, followed by sushi, salmon, and roast pork tenderloin for dinner followed by a decadent dark Valrhona chocolate cake for dessert. Finally, there will be champagne and kransekage for everyone at midnight! The dress code is strictly formal so put on your best suits and cocktail dresses and remember to book ahead!
Lille Kongensgade 16, Cph K; starts 17:30 with welcome drink; tickets: 795kr; over-22s only; www.karelk.dk
Nordic Open New YearÂ’s Ball Same-sex couples looking for an unquestionably accepting atmosphere can head over to the PanDans competition and New YearÂ’s ball at the Savoy. Some 200 festive tournament and social dancers will participate in the dance night that includes a delicious buffet and Latin-infused dancing until the daylight hours.
Savoy, Roilighedsvej, 11th floor, Frederiksberg; www.pandans.dk
New YearÂ’s in Italian Skip the party and opt to have a romantic Italian-influenced evening at Restaurant Amalfi. The luxurious five-course meal (grilled scallops, salmon rosace and more) leads right up to raising a glass of champagne at midnight. Included in the price is an open bar with house white wine, red wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, cognac, and grappa.
999kr pp includes free bar; www.restaurantamalfi.dk; book in advance
