New Year’s Eve in Denmark is called Nytårsaften.
The Danish term literally means “New Year’s Eve.” A prominent national custom is the monarch’s New Year’s address, traditionally broadcast on December 31. The speech is delivered at 6 p.m. and is followed by private celebrations, dinner, fireworks, and midnight toasts.
Another well-known Danish tradition is jumping from a chair or sofa at midnight, symbolically jumping into the new year. Some people also smash old plates against friends’ or neighbors’ doors, although this custom is less universal than the televised speech and midnight celebrations.
Nytårsaften is distinct from New Year’s Day, called Nytårsdag. Danish Christmas observances, including Juleaften on December 24, are separate celebrations despite the similar “-aften” ending, which means evening.