15 New Year’s Eve Food Ideas for a Festive Celebration

by: Gerhild Fulson  / Oma Gerhild shares easy, authentic German recipes you can trust, rooted in family tradition and featured in her cookbooks.

Ringing in the New Year as a party host can be stressful. That's why I've compiled a list of 15 New Year's Eve food ideas for inspiration—with a German twist. Tap into some German food culture with New Year's Eve party appetizer ideas, main dishes, desserts and drinks, these will see everyone all the way through to the dawn of New Year's Day.

If you're curious how New Year's Eve is celebrated culturally in Germany, check out my New Year's Eve in Germany below the recipes. Happy browsing!

New Year's Eve Appetizers

Cucumber Salad

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This crisp and fresh Cucumber Salad is a perfect side to virtually any dish. 

Egg Salad

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This Egg Salad is best spread on crackers, small buns, or delicious rye bread for bite-sized treats.

Herring Salad

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Unique, tangy and flavorful, this Herring Salad is a wonderful appetizer served with crusty bread.

Spinach Dip

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Served with crackers or pumpernickel bread; a Spinach Dip is a classic party staple.

Air Fryer Pork Schnitzel

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This Air Fryer Pork Schnitzel is a crispy, easy-to-make main dish that pairs well with sides or in a bun.

Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes

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A hearty and customizable option for guests. Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes are a crowd-pleaser for both veggie or meat.

Onion Tart (Zwiebelkuchen)

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A delicious savory Onion Tart that’s great for buffets or small plates.

New Year's Eve Dessert

Air Fryer Cream Puffs

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These Air Fryer Cream Puffs are light and delightful dessert filled with whipped cream.

Black Forest Cake (Quick Version)

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A Black Forest Cake is always a crowd-pleasing classic—made easy with cake mix.

German Donuts (Berliner)

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These German Donuts are a delicious baked version of Berlin's famous namesake donuts.

Nut Corners (Nussecken)

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Easily hand-held, quickly eaten Nut Corners are a sweet triangle-shaped treat perfect for snacking.

Mulled Wine Cookies (Glühweinkuchen)

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Mulled Wine Cookies aren't just for Christmas. A New Year's Eve dessert is best added with some festive holiday flavor to the dessert table.

Wheel Cakes (Räderkuchen)

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Wheel Cakes (Räderkuchen) are wonderful little deep-fried cakes that are perfect for an indulgent treat.

New Year's Eve Drinks

Apple Spritzer (Apfelschorle)

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A fizzy apple juice drink that's light and refreshing, Apple Spritzer (Apfelschorle) ticks every box.

Mulled Wine (Glühwein)

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Mulled Wine isn't just for Christmas. An excellent way to spice up the party atmosphere.

New Year's Eve in Germany

New Year's Eve in Germany, known as "Silvester," is a colorful display of traditions, culinary delights, and communal festivities that reflect Germany's rich cultural heritage. From bustling city squares to intimate family gatherings, Germans embrace a variety of customs to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new.

Origins of "Silvester"

The term "Silvester" traces back to Pope Sylvester I, who passed away on December 31, 335 AD. His feast day coincides with New Year's Eve, leading Germans to refer to the celebration as "Silvester." This intertwining of historical and religious significance adds a unique dimension to the festivities.

Foodie Traditions

Food plays a central role in Silvester celebrations, with several dishes symbolizing luck and prosperity:

• Berliner Pfannkuchen: These jam-filled doughnuts, known as "Berliners" or "Pfannkuchen" depending on the region, are a staple treat. Some enjoy them at midnight, while others wait until New Year's Day. The origin of this tradition is debated, with theories suggesting it relates to indulgence before Lent or the use of leftover Christmas baking ingredients.
• Raclette: Originating from Switzerland, raclette has become a popular dish during German New Year's Eve. This melted cheese is typically served with an assortment of accompaniments, making it a communal and interactive meal that brings families and friends together.
• Feuerzangenbowle: This traditional German alcoholic drink involves a rum-soaked sugarloaf set ablaze, dripping into mulled wine. Often part of Christmas or New Year's Eve traditions, it adds a warm and festive touch to the celebrations.

Unique Customs

Germans partake in various customs believed to influence the coming year:

• "Dinner for One": A British comedy sketch that has become an integral part of German New Year's Eve, "Dinner for One" is traditionally broadcast on German television on New Year's Eve. The sketch features Miss Sophie and her butler James, with the catchphrase "the same procedure as every year" becoming well-known in German pop culture.
• Fireworks (Feuerwerk): As midnight approaches, the skies over Germany light up with fireworks. Both public displays and private pyrotechnics are common, as the noise is traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits. Major cities like Berlin host grand fireworks, with the Brandenburg Gate being a focal point for celebrations. See the Frankfurt video at the bottom of this post.

Major Celebration Locations

Germany's cities offer diverse experiences for Silvester:

• Berlin: The capital hosts one of Europe's largest open-air New Year's Eve events. The stretch between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column transforms into a party mile, featuring live music, DJ performances, and food stalls. The highlight is the spectacular fireworks display at midnight, attracting visitors from around the world.
• Hamburg: Known for its vibrant nightlife, Hamburg offers celebrations along the harbor, with fireworks illuminating the Elbe River. The St. Pauli district, famous for its bars and clubs, becomes a hub of activity, ensuring revelers have a memorable night.
• Dresden: The Theaterplatz Square in Dresden hosts luxurious public parties during New Year's Eve, offering live music performances, dancing, and mouth-watering food. The electrifying ambiance provides a thrilling way to bid adieu to the old year and welcome the new one.

Expressions and Well-Wishes

Germans have unique phrases associated with the New Year:

• "Guten Rutsch": This expression translates to "a good slide" into the New Year, conveying wishes for a smooth transition. The exact origin is unclear, but it's a commonly used phrase during this time.
• "Prosit Neujahr": Meaning "Cheers to the New Year," this toast is often accompanied by clinking glasses of Sekt (German sparkling wine) or champagne.

Modern Considerations

In recent years, there has been growing awareness of the environmental and safety concerns associated with fireworks. Some cities have implemented restrictions or designated specific areas for fireworks to address these issues. Additionally, alternative celebrations focusing on light shows or concerts are gaining popularity—such festivities at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.

However, in Frankfurt, it's safe to say that fireworks are still the main attraction (see video below).

In essence, Silvester in Germany is a harmonious blend of time-honored traditions and contemporary celebrations. Whether indulging in festive foods, participating in unique customs, or joining large public gatherings, Germans know how to party like it's 1999.

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Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.