New Year’s Eve in Copenhagen means fireworks everywhere at midnight, not a single official display. Crowds gather at City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen), Nyhavn, Dronning Louises Bro and the harbour. After midnight, taxis are extremely hard to find and fares are at their highest. The only way to guarantee a ride is to pre-book a chauffeur for a fixed time, from €120 per hour plus the 10% night surcharge.
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Danes take nytårsaften seriously. Most people start with a long dinner at home or in a restaurant, watch the monarch’s New Year address at 18:00 on TV, eat kransekage (tower cake of marzipan rings) at midnight and toast with champagne while the whole city sets off fireworks. It’s joyful, loud and slightly chaotic, and getting home afterwards is the part most visitors don’t plan.
Where to watch the fireworks
- Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square): the traditional gathering point, where crowds count down to the City Hall clock striking midnight.
- Nyhavn: fireworks reflected in the canal; very crowded.
- Dronning Louises Bro and the Lakes: views across the water in several directions.
- Islands Brygge and the harbour front: space to breathe and harbour views.
- A rooftop or restaurant with a view: book months ahead.
Safety: private fireworks are legal on New Year’s Eve and people set them off in the streets. Wear safety glasses (many shops hand them out), keep children close and stay out of the direct firing zone.
Getting around on New Year’s Eve
| Option | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Metro | Runs through the night, with extra crowds after midnight. Check Metroselskabet for any holiday timetable changes. |
| Buses and trains | Reduced or special schedules; very busy after midnight. |
| Taxis and apps | Scarce and expensive after midnight; waits of an hour or more are common. |
| Pre-booked chauffeur | Guaranteed pickup at a time you choose. Book weeks in advance. |
A New Year’s Eve with a chauffeur
- 19:00: pickup at your hotel or home, and drive to your restaurant.
- 23:30: short drive to your fireworks spot (or stay at the restaurant).
- 00:45: your chauffeur collects you at an agreed meeting point near the crowd, away from the closed streets.
- 01:00+: home, or on to a party, and home later.
This is booked as hourly chauffeur hire. Because demand is so high, New Year’s Eve bookings are for a fixed block of hours and should be made by early December. Groups up to seven fit in a V-Class; larger parties can book a minibus. See party limousine and party bus.
Arriving or leaving around New Year
Flights around 30 December to 2 January are busy. A Copenhagen Airport transfer with flight tracking avoids the holiday taxi queue. On 1 January the city is quiet and many shops and restaurants are closed, which makes it a good day for a relaxed private sightseeing tour or a trip to see Tivoli’s lights before the season ends (check dates at tivoli.dk).
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Related reading: Copenhagen weather by month
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see fireworks in Copenhagen on New Year’s Eve?
City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen), Nyhavn, Dronning Louises Bro and the Lakes, and the harbour front at Islands Brygge are the most popular spots.
Is public transport running in Copenhagen on New Year’s Eve?
The metro runs through the night, but services are extremely busy after midnight and some bus and train routes change. Check official timetables before you go.
Is it hard to get a taxi on New Year’s Eve in Copenhagen?
Yes. After midnight, demand far exceeds supply and waits of an hour or more are common. Pre-booking a chauffeur is the only guaranteed option.
How much is a chauffeur on New Year’s Eve in Copenhagen?
Hourly hire starts at €120 per hour (3-hour minimum), with a 10% night surcharge after 21:00. Book by early December.
Are fireworks legal in Copenhagen on New Year’s Eve?
Yes, consumer fireworks are permitted around New Year. Wear safety glasses and keep children well back.
Header photo: New Year's Eve fireworks. Photo: Paulius Malinovskis / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0, cropped
Photo: Copenhagen City Hall on Rådhuspladsen. Photo: European Commission / Joshua Andrew Gross / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
