It’s time to close out 2018 with a German-style New Year’s Eve Celebration in the Bierhalle! From a short film and a cider toast to live-streaming the Fireworks on the Rhine in Germany and the traditional jelly donuts, we’ll usher in 2019 in true German fashion. And of course, there will be plenty of bier! The Bierhalle will close at 7:00 p.m.
SHORT FILM, DINNER FOR ONE (4 PM): Watching this short film has been a popular New Year’s Eve tradition in Germany for more than 40 years. While set in England and performed in the English language, Dinner for One was filmed in Germany in 1963. (15-Minute Film)
SPICED CIDER TOAST (5 PM): When the clock strikes midnight in Germany (5 PM CST) we’ll toast the upcoming year with a spiced cider.
FIREWORKS ON THE RHINE (5:01 PM): Following the toast, we’ll live-stream the Kölner Lichter (Cologne Lights) Music and Fireworks Celebration on the River Rhine.
JELLY DONUTS: After the bells, fireworks and folly, it’s time for another German tradition — handing out jelly donuts! It’s been said the jelly donut originated in Berlin in the late 18th Century. People outside of Berlin call the donut a Berliner. People in Berlin simply call them Pfannkuchen (pancakes). Whatever the name, eat your donut carefully, because it may contain a practical joke — mustard in place of jam — which some say will bring bad luck!
The Bierhalle will close at 7:00 p.m.
