Silvester is the traditional name for New Year's Eve in German-speaking countries such as Germany and Austria.
The term comes from Saint Sylvester's Day, the feast day of Pope Sylvester I, which falls on December 31 in the Western Christian calendar. Over time, the saint's name became a common everyday label for the final day of the year in several European languages.
German-speaking New Year's customs called Silvester can include fireworks, gatherings, fortune-telling games, and festive meals. In Germany, the phrase “Guten Rutsch” is commonly used before New Year's Eve to wish someone a good transition into the new year.
Silvester should not be confused with Christmas, which is Weihnachten in German. Nor is it the same as New Year's Day, called Neujahr, on January 1.