In a Danish New Year's Eve tradition, people jump from a chair at midnight.
The custom is commonly described as “jumping into the new year.” At the stroke of midnight, participants stand on a chair or another raised surface and jump down, symbolically entering the new year rather than simply stepping into it.
Danish New Year's celebrations also commonly include a televised royal address, festive food, champagne, and the dessert kransekage. Fireworks are widespread, and some people exchange greetings or visit friends and family after midnight.
The chair-jumping custom is a folk practice rather than a formal national ceremony, so details differ between households. It is also a safety issue: jumping from furniture can cause falls, and contemporary celebrations may adapt the tradition by jumping from the floor instead.