Germany's New Year's Eve celebration is commonly called Silvester.
The German name refers to Saint Sylvester, whose feast day is December 31 in the Western Christian calendar. German-speaking communities use Silvester for the evening and its celebrations, which commonly include private parties, fireworks, food, and midnight toasts. The word does not mean that the saint created the modern celebration; it identifies the date through the liturgical calendar.
People in Germany may say “Guten Rutsch” before the new year, a phrase commonly understood as a wish for a good start or smooth transition into it. Its exact linguistic origin is debated, and it should not be taken simply as a literal wish to slide.
Silvester is distinct from Neujahr, which means New Year's Day. It is also different from Oktoberfest, the Bavarian beer festival held mainly in September and October. Regional customs vary, so there is no single nationwide menu or ritual.