Germany’s traditional name for New Year’s Eve is Silvester.
The name comes from Saint Sylvester I, whose feast day is December 31 in the Western Christian calendar. Sylvester was bishop of Rome from 314 until his death in 335, during the reign of Constantine the Great. German speakers use Silvester for the evening and celebrations surrounding the turn of the year.
The term is not exclusive to Germany. Saint Sylvester’s Day is also used in countries and regions including Austria, Switzerland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and parts of the Netherlands and Belgium. Local customs vary widely despite the shared name.
Silvester should not be confused with the German word for New Year’s Day, Neujahr. In Germany, common New Year traditions include fireworks, midnight toasts, and watching the short British comedy sketch “Dinner for One,” which became a television tradition there.