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 2023, the Ascona fireworks started at exactly 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 had also made sure that all the village lights were 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 was overall brilliantly done, and they always put on a great show. They have multiple platforms for the fireworks to be let off from, so its viewable from many angles too. However the best place to sit/stand is on the Ascona Promenade for the show.
One of biggest highlights of the evening was 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 was a truly pretty sight to see, and one that left the crowd cheering and applauding.
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. A personal recommendation is to visit the restaurant. Their dishes have always been delicious.
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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