Silvesterzauber at the lake basin, church bells, fireworks at 00:20 and 150,000 people in the city centre: how Zurich celebrates the new year, where to stand, what to bring – and how to get back to your hotel, home or the airport after midnight without the crush.
On New Year's Eve all of Zurich is out. Well over a hundred thousand people celebrate around the lake basin every year, the bells of the Grossmünster ring out the year, and shortly after midnight a large firework display lights up the sky over Lake Zurich. For visitors from around the world it is one of the most beautiful moments to experience the city – provided the planning is right.
This guide explains how New Year's Eve in Zurich works, where you get the best view, what to watch out for with cold and crowds, and how to move on relaxed after the fireworks. All details are based on the announced programme (as of October 2026); check the official Silvesterzauber website shortly before the event.
Silvesterzauber at the lake basin
Silvesterzauber is an open public festival around the lower lake basin: from Limmatquai via Bellevue and Utoquai, across the Quaibrücke to General-Guisan-Quai. What began in 1988 as a small celebration is today one of Switzerland's largest New Year's events. Entry is free; for the Magic Lake Zone with heated tents, lounges and a clear view of the fireworks there are paid tickets.
The festival starts on the afternoon of 31 December with street food and bars, and families will find a children's zone. From the evening DJs and bands play on several stages, and the party goes on into the early hours.
| Programme | Time (guide values) |
|---|---|
| Festival opens at the lake basin | from 2 pm |
| Music on the festival stages | from approx. 8 pm |
| Bells of the Grossmünster | approx. 11:40–11:58 pm |
| Lights around the lake basin go out | shortly after midnight |
| Fireworks over the lake | approx. 00:20, around 15–20 minutes |
| Festival ends | approx. 3 am |
Where to see the fireworks best
The fireworks are launched from boats on the lake and are clearly visible all around the lake basin. The best spots are on the Quaibrücke, at Bürkliplatz, on General-Guisan-Quai and on Utoquai. If you want to stand there, arrive by 11 pm at the latest; after that it gets crowded and some access points are closed.
Quieter, but a little further away: the lakeside paths further up the lake towards Zürichhorn or Wollishofen. If you prefer something exclusive, book a place in the Magic Lake Zone, a table in a restaurant with a lake view or a New Year's cruise – such places are often sold out by the autumn.
Practical tips for New Year's Eve
A few things make the evening considerably more pleasant:
- Dress warmly: at the end of December night temperatures in Zurich are often around freezing, and there is wind by the lake. Hat, gloves and good shoes are a must.
- Agree a meeting point: in the crowd the mobile network often fails shortly before and after midnight. Fix a meeting point in case you lose each other.
- No private fireworks: private fireworks are banned on the festival grounds, and the police enforce this strictly.
- Travel light: large bags are a nuisance and are sometimes checked at access points. Keep valuables in an inside pocket.
- With children: ear protection for small children and a spot at the edge of the crowd make the evening more relaxed.
After the fireworks: how to get away
Right after the fireworks tens of thousands of people want to go home at the same time. S-Bahn trains, trams and buses run later than usual on New Year's Eve but are very full immediately after the fireworks. Taxis are scarce in those minutes, and ride-hailing apps respond with long waits and high prices.
The most relaxed option is to fix your journey home in advance. With a pre-booked transfer you agree a pickup point outside the closed zone – for example at your hotel, the main station or a quieter side street – and a time, say 00:45 or 1 am, when the first wave has subsided. The driver waits there, and you walk the last few minutes instead of standing in the crush.
Because the pickup falls between midnight and 6 am, the night tariff of 20 % applies. The price is shown immediately when booking and does not change afterwards, however high demand is that night.
Arriving for New Year's: landing on 30 or 31 December
Many guests arrive just before the turn of the year. On 30 and 31 December Zurich Airport is very busy, city-centre hotels are fully booked, and on the afternoon of New Year's Eve the roads around the lake basin are partly closed from early evening.
So plan your arrival by early afternoon if possible. Your driver knows the closures and takes you as close to the hotel as possible; enter the hotel name when booking. If you fly on 1 January, book the ride to the airport in advance too – taxis are thin on the ground on New Year's morning. How to calculate the pickup time is in How early should you be at Zurich Airport?.
Alternatives: New Year in the mountains or other cities
Not everyone wants to celebrate in a crowd. New Year's Eve in the mountains is popular too – Davos, St. Moritz, Zermatt and Grindelwald offer fireworks, gala dinners and parties in the snow. There, travel by 30 December at the latest, because mountain roads are busy at the turn of the year. Destinations and travel times are in The best ski resorts from Zurich Airport.
Lucerne, Basel and Bern also celebrate with fireworks and festivities in their old towns, just much more quietly than Zurich. More winter events are on our events page.
Frequently asked questions about New Year's Eve in Zurich
When do the fireworks start in Zurich?
Based on previous years, at around 00:20, shortly after the lights around the lake basin are switched off. They last around 15 to 20 minutes.
Is there an entry fee for Silvesterzauber?
No, the festival at the lake basin is free. Only extra areas such as the Magic Lake Zone are ticketed.
How do I get back to my hotel after the fireworks?
On foot, by public transport running extended hours, or with a pre-booked transfer from an agreed pickup point outside the closed zone. Spontaneous taxis are hard to get in the first hour after midnight.
Can I book a transfer to the airport on New Year's night?
Yes, we drive around the clock. Between midnight and 6 am the night tariff of 20 % applies and is shown in the price straight away. Book early, as demand is high that night.
Which vehicle do I need for a group?
Up to seven people travel in the V-Class; the fixed price is per vehicle. For larger groups, book several vehicles with the same pickup point.
Book your New Year's ride now – pickup point and time fixed in advance.
Ready for your transfer?
Book now →
