What is New Year's Eve called in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland?

New Year's Eve is called Silvester in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

The name comes from Pope Sylvester I, whose feast day is observed on December 31 in Western Christianity. He died on December 31, 335, and the date later became associated with the final day of the year in German-speaking regions.

Silvester is also used for the evening's celebrations, not just for the religious feast. Common customs include fireworks, parties, sparkling wine, and watching the clock approach midnight. The following day is Neujahr, meaning New Year.

A common mix-up is treating Silvester as the German word for New Year's Day. It specifically refers to December 31, while January 1 is Neujahr.