If you are in Ascona, Switzerland on New Year’s Day 1st January, you are in for a treat because the fireworks display there is known to be one of the most enjoyable to start the new year in Switzerland.
Of course, many New Years Eve firework shows are usually on at 12pm midnight when everyone enters into the new year. But in Switzerland, most shows are actually on January 1st. Which I personally find better since its then the official start to the new year, and less of a celebration of leaving behind the previous year.
Ascona Firework Show
For each year, the Ascona fireworks started usually at 6:30pm. We think this is a great time, as it allows those with families to come and watch the fireworks too. Since 12pm is rather late!
Ascona tourism always makes sure that all the village lights are turned off at exactly the same time as the start of the firework show. So it was perfect to sit in darkness as fireworks lit up the sky.
The firework show is overall brilliantly done, and they always put on a great show. For our first visit in 2023, it was very impressive! They have multiple platforms for the fireworks to be let off from, so its viewable from many angles too.
One of biggest highlights of the evening is of course the grand finale of the fireworks, which featured a series of massive, multi-coloured fireworks that filled the sky with colour and light. It’s a truly pretty sight to see, and like usual, one that leaves the crowd cheering and applauding in celebration.
TIP: We think the best place to sit/stand is on the Ascona Promenade for the show near all the trees. The view is best from here directly, so that you are looking directly towards the firework show in front of you.
Dinner In Ascona on 1st January
In addition to the fireworks, it’s highly recommended to enjoy a dinner out in Ascona for January 1st. All the restaurants are open and all get filled up as soon as the fireworks are finished.
Our Ascona Restaurant Recommendations:
- Piazza Ascona (our personal top favourite – with pizzas and pastas!)
- Osteria Nostrana
- Restaurant Eden Roc Ascona
- Al Pontile Ristorante
- L’ Angolo dei Golosi (for those wanting some Italian ice cream even in Winter!)
We have a fully-loaded, high content Ticino Guide listing local things to see, do and explore with each season: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
CLICK HERE
Ascona In January
If you are visiting for more than just the fireworks, we can suggest many things to do in Ascona during Winter. For example, there are a few museums, snowshoe hiking routes, the cinema, the spa and of course local boutique shopping.
Our full Ascona in Winter post has the best inspiration for you! Check it out!
If visiting Ascona during the day time too, check our top 9 tips of things to do in the village!
Ascona Fireworks Top Tips:
Arrive Early – we visited with public transportation about 40 minutes before the show was to start. It was already super busy and the bus had to leave many people behind. So we advise, if you can, to definitely arrive in Ascona at least 1 hour before the show so that you make it.
Make A Table Reservation – If you plan on eating some dinner afterwards, it’s worth making a reservation to be sure you will get seated. We didn’t do this in 2023, but we were lucky to get a table just before many others tried getting one.
Wear Suitable Clothes – Keep in mind it is January 1st and it can still be rather cold once the sun is set. Wear warm clothing for the show.
All in all, the New Year’s Day fireworks in Ascona, Switzerland were a truly memorable experience. If you ever have the chance to attend this event, we highly recommend it – you won’t be disappointed!
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