Berliners welcome 2026 with DJs and fireworks

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.

-Core News, Reuters Marketplace – Raw Video, Reuters Marketplace – Reuters Audio Real Time