Polish people celebrate New Year’s Eve in a way similar to most Europeans – usually partying with a bunch of friends. Many choose to go to an outdoor concert with a big countdown and a fireworks display at midnight. Read on if you want to join them!

New Year’s Eve in Poland involves rather standard celebrations. For some foreigners, the only novelty may be the name adopted by Polish people for this holiday, Sylwester. It is commonly used in some neighboring countries as well and commemorates the feasts of Saint Sylvester, an ancient pope. Historically, this day has always been an excuse for a joyous celebration. Many Polish towns and cities organize up to this day outdoor concerts, which are free of charge and open to any citizen. Here's a list of what to expect this year!

Warsaw

This year the capital city of Poland is definitely attractive for foreigners, as the main star of the evening is a British band, The Kooks, and a German DJ, Paul van Dyk. The young musicians will be supported by Polish artists – a rapper, Grubson, and two bands, LemON and Perfect. If you are a fan of any of them, make plans for visiting the area at the base of the National Stadium on December 31^st!

Kraków

The second biggest city in Poland has taken the preparations very seriously – they have already started building the main stage for the big gathering in Main Square. This year the party is being advertised as a ‘FUNtastic’ event and they have set the bar high. It will be broadcast live on TVN, one of the main TV channels. If you want to hear some of the biggest Polish divas live (Justyna Steczkowska, Natalia Kukulska, or Patrycja Markowska), do not miss this opportunity!

Wrocław

Another televised concert will take place in Wrocław, in the city’s Market Square. If you cannot come, you will be able to watch it on the second channel of the Polish public TV, TVP2. This event has a more modern twist to it – most of the performers are rock musicians. The people of Wrocław will have a chance to listen to some bands (Hey, Ira, Feel, Lady Pank), as well as female vocalists (Maryla Rodowicz, Ewa Farna, Sarsa). Go and check them out!

Katowice

The capital of the Upper Silesia region will have a magnificent show thanks to another broadcaster, Polsat. They are going to go all the way as the TV channel has invited a universally renowned disco band, Boney M., to celebrate their 40^th anniversary in Katowice. Apart from them, a long list of popular Polish artists will perform their biggest hits. The event will take place next to the famous Spodek – a multipurpose arena which is the heart of the city.

Poznań

The city in the west of Poland has come up with something less conventional for its citizens. The theme of the event is swing music and the concert will consist of big hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, as well as popular film scores. The celebrations will take place in Plac Wolności. If you prefer less mainstream music, you cannot miss this opportunity!

Lublin

On the other side of Poland, the city council of Lublin also had an original idea – they have decided to discard big celebrations in favour of more family-oriented activities. Lublin will boast a few stages, but instead of seeing famous musicians, its citizens will be able to watch fire-eaters, dancers, and other entertainers. There will be an additional mini fireworks display at 10 p.m. for the youngest participants so that their parents can manage to come back home, put them to bed, and still have some time for each other. Seems like the city board in Lublin has been really sympathetic with young couples this year!