Copenhagen will be filled with throngs of partygoers who are either taking advantage of the numerous special New Year’s menus and drink offers of the city’s restaurants and clubs or merely hanging out at public locations like the Town Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) or Queen Louise’s Bridge.
An integral part of the evening for many Danes is Queen Margrethe’s speech, which will be delivered to the nation at 6pm. Once she signs off with her customary “God save Denmark” line, it will be time for dinner.
What to eat and what to watch
A traditional Danish New Year’s Eve meal will most often include a serving of codfish, followed by a main dish of pork and kale. Lobster and shrimp are also popular New Year's Eve choices. Whichever one you go for, remember not to get too full – you’ll need to save room for all of the alcohol and a midnight treat.
A traditional Danish New Year’s Eve meal will most often include a serving of codfish, followed by a main dish of pork and kale. Lobster and shrimp are also popular New Year's Eve choices. Whichever one you go for, remember not to get too full – you’ll need to save room for all of the alcohol and a midnight treat.
Cod is a New Year's Eve classic for Danes. Photo: eZeePics Studio/Iris
Once the clock approaches 8-9pm, a steady flow of fireworks will begin by those impatient souls who can’t wait for the chimes of midnight. And we’re not talking about professional firework shows here but rather the private arsenal of Danes who spend the evening firing off impressively sophisticated rockets, keeping the skies alive well into the early morning hours.
By 11.30pm, the atmosphere at Rådhuspladsen will be absolutely electric as all eyes begin to keep close watch on the clock tower. The square will be jam-packed with revellers and even those who aren’t in Copenhagen can follow the action as broadcaster DR sets its cameras on the clock tower as the final minutes of 2016 tick away.
But before they do that it will be “the same procedure as last year” as DR broadcasts the short film 'Dinner for One'. The 1963 black-and-white sketch is aired every year just before the final countdown to midnight begins.
Jump into the New Year
When the big moment comes, many people will get up on a chair so that they can literally jump into the new year. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with planting a big wet smooch on the person next to you – even better if you actually known them.
When the big moment comes, many people will get up on a chair so that they can literally jump into the new year. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with planting a big wet smooch on the person next to you – even better if you actually known them.
As you watch the crescendo of fireworks, it’s time for the champagne and a special marzipan ring cake (kransekage) that is a New Year’s Eve staple.
New Year's Eve isn't complete without kransekage! Photo: Colourbox
From here on out, how you spend the night is up to you. For those staying home, the TV stations will be broadcasting a New Year’s church service (DR1) and concerts from the likes of Danish pop stars Christoffer and The Minds of 99 (DR3). TV2 will air a pre-countdown concert by Lukas Graham, followed by a post-midnight rundown of the year's biggest music hits and a concert by Nic & Jay.
For those out and about, the party can easily run until the sun rises on 2017 and all of those New Year’s Resolutions beckon.
Happy New Year!
A similar version of this article was published in 2014.
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