Celebration at the Brandenburg Gate prior to potential departure
The iconic New Year's Eve party in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is facing a potential cancellation due to financial constraints. As of early July 2025, no guarantee of financial support from the Berlin Senate has been received, posing a significant threat to the event's continuation[1].
In recent years, the party has attracted tens of thousands of visitors, with over 60,000 people counted at last year's event[2]. The live ZDF broadcast "Celebrate at the Gate" has featured popular acts such as Shirin David and was hosted by Andrea Kiewel and Johannes B. Kerner.
However, the event has not been profitable in the past, and the support of partner ZDF alone is not sufficient for the event's funding[3]. Last year, the Department of Economics contributed 300,000 euros to the event, with other Senate departments also participating in the financing[4].
Managing Director Benedikt Alder of BfS GmbH, the event organiser, has emphasised that several months of lead time are necessary for planning an event of this scale[5]. Planning for the event has reportedly been halted due to the lack of financial support[6].
As efforts to secure funding for the event are ongoing, it is possible that local authorities, businesses, or the community may come forward to support the celebration. For the most up-to-date information, it would be prudent to keep an eye on local news and official announcements from Berlin's event organisers or city authorities.
[1] No guarantee of financial support from the Berlin Senate has been received so far. [2] In the past, the New Year's Eve party has not been profitable. [3] Last year, more than 60,000 people were counted at the event. [4] The managing director of BfS GmbH emphasises that several months of lead time are necessary for planning an event of this scale. [5] Managing Director Benedikt Alder stated that planning for the event has been halted. [6] The entrance fee for last year's event was 20 euros. [7] The support of partner ZDF alone is not sufficient for the event. [8] Last year, the Department of Economics contributed 300,000 euros to the event, but other Senate departments also participated in the financing. [9] No guarantee of financial support from the Berlin Senate has been received so far. [10] Previously, financial support for the event ranged from 500,000 euros to one million euros from Visit Berlin and Berlin Partner, through renting advertising spaces. [11] The event cannot take place due to financial reasons, according to the Berlin feiert Silvester (BfS) GmbH. [12] No current funding from the Berlin Senate's Department of Economics is planned for the event, unlike last year. [13] A spokesperson for ZDF is observing current developments and is in talks with the organiser.
Despite the iconic New Year's Eve party's attraction of over 60,000 visitors in the past, the event's entertainment has not been profitable and faces potential cancellation due to financial constraints. The ongoing efforts to secure funding for the event may involve support from local authorities, businesses, or the community.
