German broadcasters offer a mix of classics, shows, and films on New Year's Eve and Day 2025/26. The cult sketch 'Dinner for One' airs traditionally on Das Erste, while RTL broadcasts live from the Brandenburg Gate. Family programs and music shows provide festive entertainment.
On December 31, 2025, Das Erste starts family-friendly with children's programs and fairy tale films like 'The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs' at 09.50. At 18.40, the classic 'Dinner for One or: The 90th Birthday' from 1972 airs. The channel then broadcasts the Chancellor's New Year's address at 20.10 and the live 'Silvester-Schlagerbooom 2026' with Florian Silbereisen from 20.15, extending into the 'Party Night' until 00.30.
ZDF begins with 'Bibi & Tina - Simply Different' at 08.05 and winter sports coverage from 11.20. In the evening, the New Year's concert from the Semperoper airs at 17.30, followed by the address at 19.15 and the 'heute-show special' at 19.25. The live show 'Welcome 2026' with Johannes B. Kerner and Andrea Kiewel starts at 20.15 from Hamburg.
RTL focuses on nostalgia with episodes of 'New Stories of Pumuckl' from 06.10 and the 'Ultimate Chart Show' from 12.35. At 00.00, it broadcasts live from the Brandenburg Gate 'Welcome to 2026'. Vox highlights pop history with docs like '100 Songs that Moved the World' and the show 'So Sounds Germany' at 20.15.
ProSieben airs Harry Potter films throughout the day, including 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' from 18.40, ending with 'New Year's Eve with Joko & Klaas - The Countdown' at 23.45. Arte offers culture with the Berlin Philharmonic New Year's concert at 18.35 and Charlie Chaplin's 'A Countess from Hong Kong' at 20.15. 3sat presents a music marathon with stars like Elton John from 17.15 until Electric Callboy at 04.45.
On January 1, 2026, Das Erste features fairy tales like 'The Little Match Girl' at 09.05 and the 'Tatort: Nightshade' at 20.15. ZDF airs the Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert at 11.15. RTL runs the 'Back to the Future' trilogy and 'Forrest Gump' on Kabel Eins at 20.15. Streaming options include free ARD and ZDF media libraries as well as paid services like RTL+ and Joyn.
