Silvester is the name for New Year's Eve in German-speaking countries, named after Saint Sylvester I.
Saint Sylvester I was bishop of Rome from 314 until his death in 335. His feast day is observed on December 31, the date traditionally given for his death. German-speaking regions therefore commonly call December 31 Silvester, while January 1 is Neujahr, meaning New Year.
Modern Silvester celebrations may include parties, fireworks, countdowns, festive meals, and the exchange of good wishes. In Germany, a traditional New Year's Eve television custom is watching Dinner for One, a short English-language comedy sketch that became a recurring annual broadcast despite having relatively little recognition in the United Kingdom.
The name is not evidence that Saint Sylvester created New Year's Eve celebrations. It reflects the placement of his feast day in the calendar. The spelling also varies by language: German uses Silvester, while English usually writes Sylvester for the saint. In Switzerland and Austria, local celebrations combine the shared name with distinct regional customs.