Holidays & Celebrations

The Ultimate Guide to Celebrating New Year's Eve in Uppsala

Exclusive New Year’s Eve dinner, a sparkling night of celebration, or family-friendly adventures. Here is your guide to ringing in the new year in Uppsala, whether you want to put on your heels or your snow boots. We wish you a memorable farewell to the old and a radiant start to the new year!

New Year's Dinner at a Restaurant

Explore Uppsala’s New Year’s Eve dinners for a memorable start to the new year. From the luxury of Villa Anna to the modern flavors of Frans Bistro and the unique view at Miss Voon – here are some restaurant tips for welcoming the new year in good company with delicious food.

Mat upplagd fint på tallrik i restaurangkök

Restaurants with New Year's Dinner Packages

Villa Anna - a Luxurious Experience

For an exclusive start to the new year, you can enjoy a New Year’s Eve dinner at Villa Anna Hotel. With classics such as bleak roe, lobster, and fillet of beef on the menu, this is guaranteed to be a gastronomic success. And why not take the opportunity to book one of the uniquely designed rooms at the hotel.

Dryck och Mat – 'New Year's Haffla' at this White Guide-listed Restaurant

‘Haffla’ is Swedish slang and simply means to party and have a good time! Dryck och Mat is a White Guide-listed restaurant in the beautiful old train station building in the heart of Uppsala. You can be sure to enjoy excellent drink pairings with the fantastic food here. At the stroke of midnight, snacks and drinks are served on the outdoor terrace – with the infrared heaters on, of course.

Frans Bistro - For a Touch of New York

For a modern bistro experience with a touch of New York, check out Frans Bistro. Here you can enjoy classic dishes with a modern twist at their New Year’s Eve dinner – or order a New Year’s Eve box for a flavorful celebration at home.

Restaurant Aaltos - for Italian Elegance

In the stylish house designed by Alvar Aalto, on the charming Sysslomansgatan, restaurant Aaltos offers a New Year’s Eve dinner with Italian influences. Prego!

 

Miss Voon - a View Over the Entire City

For a unique view of Uppsala, the restaurant Miss Voon is recommended. Enjoy modern Asian dishes and delicious drinks while taking in the beauty of the city and perhaps a few fireworks. A perfect spot to capture the magic of the stroke of midnight!

Bierhuis - Belgian charm in Uppsala

If you’re looking for a relaxed yet festive atmosphere, visit Bierhuis, where Belgium meets Uppsala. Here, you’ll find authentic Belgian cuisine and a diverse drink menu, all under a ceiling fresco as beautiful as any fireworks display

Go to a Party & Nightclub

Dance in the new year! Put on your sparkliest outfit and celebrate the upcoming year in Uppsala’s nightlife. Remember to book tickets in advance to secure your spot.

Guldkonfetti på en nattklubb

Nightclub Tips

Flustret – Glitter and Glamour at a Historic Nightclub

The entertainment palace Flustret is located in the city park and has been a place for entertainment and dancing in the city for over 100 years. On New Year’s Eve, they invite you to a party with champagne, sparklers, and confetti. Head here to dance in the new year in glitter and glamour. As they express it: ‘Darling, it wouldn’t be a party without you.’

Birgerjarl – dance all night

The nightclub Birgerjarl traditionally hosts a grand New Year’s Eve bash with fireworks, chilled champagne, and happy guests. Experience an evening full of celebration and joy!

Celebrate New Year at a Hotel

Check in, enjoy a luxurious dinner, and fall asleep among plush hotel pillows. With a New Year’s package at a hotel, you can avoid stress and planning – plus, a breakfast buffet awaits you on New Year’s Day. There are several hotels in Uppsala offering special New Year’s packages, and below are some of them.

For more hotel recommendations, check out our guides to accommodation in Uppsala.

Clarion Hotel Gillet

Here, you can book a package with a four-course dinner in the hotel’s popular restaurant, a night at the hotel, and breakfast. This hotel also has a spa section! Learn more at Clarion Hotel Gillet.

Radisson Blu Hotel Uppsala

Check in and enjoy a five-course dinner, a night at the hotel, and their popular breakfast buffet the next day! Check out the menu and prices at Radisson Blu Hotel.

Arenahotellet

Arenahotellet is – as the name suggests – directly connected to several of Uppsala’s sports arenas. The hotel has specially crafted a New Year’s menu that you can combine with a stay in one of their rooms. Book at Arenahotellet.

Hotell Botanika - Christmas Holiday Package

Are you traveling or enjoying a staycation with the family? Hotell Botanika has put together a perfect Christmas holiday package with pizza, shuffleboard, and admission to Fyrishov’s adventure pool! Check out the Christmas holiday package here.

Fun New Year's Activities for the Family

If you’re celebrating New Year’s with children, it can be nice to focus on activities not too late in the evening. Here are some activities suitable for families with children who want to have some New Year’s fun together!

Activity Tips

Slottsbacken – sledding with a touch of luxury

When it’s snowy, you don’t really need to go any further than Uppsala Castle and Slottsbacken to enjoy sledding. The pink castle in the background will add a touch of New Year’s festivity to the activity – why not finish with a walk around the castle and take in the view from the castle courtyard? Then, perhaps, an early dinner in town would be a good idea? Check out our tips for family-friendly restaurants. If you need to borrow a sled or other equipment, check out Fritidsbanken (but make sure to pick up the equipment before New Year’s Eve, as the bank is closed).

Fyrishov – New Year's Dive in the Adventure Pool

End the year with a visit to the Fyrishov swim complex and enjoy a refreshing New Year’s bath. There are also water slides for those who like a swim a bit more on the adventurous side.

Latitude-59 – Celebrate with Fun Activities like Lasertag, Bowling or Miniature Golf

Challenge each other to various games and activities at Latitude-59. Here you’ll find bowling, laser tag, mini golf, and shuffleboard. A perfect place for a family-friendly New Year’s battle!

Leos Lekland – Fun and Laughter All Year Round

Leos Lekland (Leo’s Playland) is open every day of the year. Celebrate the new year with lots of fun and laughter for the whole family.

Celebrate Outdoors

For those who prefer to celebrate New Year’s outdoors, Uppsala offers a range of opportunities to breath some winter fresh air. Read our tips for sledding, skiing, and winter bathing in scenic areas of Uppsala.

Man åker skidor i en snöig skog

Recreation Areas in Uppsala

Outdoor Fun – Sleds, Skis, and Outdoor Dining in Hammarskog or Sunnersta

Skiing on New Year’s Eve is a tradition for many Swedes. In Uppsala’s outdoor areas, such as Hammarskog or Sunnerstabacken, there are ski tracks – but also the opportunity to sled. Pack some hot chocolate; a hot tip is to buy the charming hot chocolate lollipops from Chocolat in Svavagallerian for a slightly more luxurious New Year’s experience. There are also barbecue areas in the outdoor areas where you can prepare a simpler New Year’s meal.

Winter Bathing into the New Year

New Year’s bathing is an old tradition, but it’s only in recent years that cold bathing has become hot. In Fjällnora, about a 20-minute drive from central Uppsala, there are at least two ice holes during the winter season, and a jetty is available year-round. At one of the ice holes, you can rent a wood-fired sauna and a hot tub. Remember to follow safety guidelines when winter bathing – it’s a good idea to bring company and keep an eye on each other.

How is local transportation operated during New Year’s night in Uppsala?

Buses run on a Sunday schedule during the day and according to the Saturday night timetable on December 31st. Look up your journey on ul.se. You can search for commuter trains on sl.se and for regional trains on either sj.se or malartag.se.

How do I book a taxi?

If you want to take a taxi, you can book with services such as Uppsala Taxi (phone: 018-100 000) or TaxiKurir. We recommend pre-booking your trip.

Are there any fireworks in Uppsala city?

Uppsala municipality does not organize fireworks in the city. This decision has been made with consideration for people, animals, and the planet. It is also not permitted to set off fireworks in central Uppsala without obtaining permission from the municipality.

How are shops, restaurants, museums, and similar places open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day?

Opening hours vary. Make sure to check the opening hours for the specific places you plan to visit, before you go.