Are you attending?
Event Details
Welcome to the New Year's Eve Celebrations 2026/2027 in Zurich
On 31 December 2026 Zurich rings in the New Year with Silvesterzauber around the Lake Zurich basin. From 14:00, crowds gather at Bürkliplatz, Bellevue, Schifflände and General-Guisan-Quai for street food, music and the countdown. The highlight is the large fireworks display over Lake Zurich after midnight on 1 January 2027.
The open-air public festival is free to enter. Guests who want a reserved lakeside view, heated dance floors and drinks included can buy tickets for the Magic Lake Zone or other premium events. Bahnhofstrasse, rooftop venues and New Year's Eve lake cruises complete the city program.
Highlights & Attractions at New Year's Eve in Zurich
- Major fireworks over Lake Zurich, fired from boats (around 00:20 to 00:35)
- Church bells in the city centre, including the Grossmünster, from 23:40 to 23:58
- Lights switched off around the lake basin at 00:19 for a clearer fireworks view
- Three festival sites at Schifflände, Bürkliplatz and General-Guisan-Quai with 80s, 90s and electronic music
- Free Happy Kids Zone in the afternoon for families on the lakeshore
- Exclusive Magic Lake Zone with heated dance floors, lounges and a front-row fireworks view
- Illuminated Bahnhofstrasse, rooftop parties and optional New Year cruises on Lake Zurich
Find Accommodation in Zurich
Compare the best hotel prices for this event and secure your accommodation in time.
Free cancellation on most hotels
Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2026/2027
Silvesterzauber begins at 14:00 on 31 December 2026. During the day, food stalls, bars and the family program at General-Guisan-Quai set the tone. From 20:00 the festival stages take over: disco funk at Schifflände, live music and raclette at Bürkliplatz, and 90s and 2000s hits at General-Guisan-Quai. Music pauses during the fireworks and continues until about 02:30. The official festival close is 03:00; night public transport usually runs until around 04:00.
Just before midnight the church bells ring out the old year, followed by a shared countdown. At 00:19 the lights around the lake basin go out, then Hirt & Co. stages the roughly 15-minute fireworks show over the water. Ticketed extras include the Magic Lake Zone (typical admission from 22:00), raclette tents and New Year ships from Bürkliplatz. Hotels, clubs and rooftop spas host their own galas; detailed 2026/2027 line-ups and prices are usually released in autumn 2026.
Tickets & Admission for New Year's Eve Zurich
Entry to the public Silvesterzauber around the lake is free. Tickets are required only for enclosed areas. In the previous season, Magic Lake Zone prices were about EUR 106 for young guests, EUR 128 for after-firework entry, around EUR 240 for the Magic Night ticket with drinks included, and up to about EUR 325 for dinner-and-party packages (converted from CHF at August 2026 rates). Tickets for 2026/2027 are expected from autumn 2026; check silvesterzauber.ch and magiclakezone.ch for live availability.
Other paid options include ZSG New Year's Eve ships (around EUR 320 including a set menu in the previous season, drinks extra) plus hotel galas and rooftop events. Private fireworks are banned on the festival site, around the lower lake basin and along the Limmat as far as Rathausbrücke. Food and drinks at the public stalls are charged separately.
Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Zurich
- Arrive by S-Bahn, tram or bus via Zurich HB or Stadelhofen; the city centre is largely closed to cars on New Year's Eve. Stay a little longer after the fireworks if you want a less crowded ride home.
- Late December in Zurich is cold, often around freezing, with wind off the lake. Wear layers, sturdy shoes and rain protection; fog can reduce visibility of the fireworks.
- Hotels near Bellevue, Seefeld and the Old Town sell out early. Book autumn 2026 if you plan to celebrate 2026/2027 on site.
- The best free views are from Quaibrücke, Bürkliplatz and General-Guisan-Quai. For fewer crowds, try higher ground such as Uetliberg or parks along Utoquai.
- Claim a lakeside spot in good time and walk Bahnhofstrasse first to enjoy the city lights before the main crowds move to the lake basin.
Note: The information on this page was researched at the time of writing and may have changed since then (e.g. date, venue, or program). Visit the organizer's official website →
The photo used is illustrative and does not necessarily depict the actual event.
