Berliners welcome 2026 with DJs and fireworks

Around 20,000 revelers gathered at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate to ring in the New Year with fireworks, music, and cheers for happiness, health, and peace. Soundbites from participants captured the festive spirit, celebrating Berlin’s unique energy as the city welcomed the year ahead.

Reuters

Around 20,000 people gather at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate to welcome the New Year with fireworks over the German capital, as revellers share messages of happiness, health and optimism for the year ahead.

Lisi Niesner

Some 20,000 people gathered at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate to welcome the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display over the German capital’s iconic landmark. Revelers shared their excitement and hopes for 2026.

“Happiness and health,” one participant said.

“It’s going to be a big year,” another added.

“We thought to ourselves, ‘Hey, let’s go, train, bike—we’ll go there,’” said one celebrant, capturing the spontaneous energy of the crowd.

“Berlin speaks for itself,” another visitor noted.

“Berlin is Berlin—you can’t go wrong with that. It’s the second-best city,” said a participant with a smile.

“Ok, peace out people. Happy New Year. Don’t slip,” another exclaimed as the celebrations continued.

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