Overview
- The pyrotechnics industry group VPI estimates Germans spent more than €180 million on rockets and firecrackers for New Year 2024/25, the highest on record.
- An IFDD survey of 1,029 adults for Krone reports 56% of Austrians feel not or rather not confident about 2026, with only 6% describing their outlook as absolutely positive.
- Party‑centric plans are receding: 59% intend to mark the evening with family, 43% plan to stay at home, 28% will celebrate with friends, just 4% expect to attend a party, and 6% plan to spend the night alone.
- Younger respondents diverge from the broader gloom, with 55% of under‑30s expressing optimism about the year ahead, according to the same polling.
- Coverage notes many are skipping New Year’s resolutions—75% in Krone’s poll and 68% in an IMAS survey—and urges cost‑savvy plans such as early budgeting, shopping lists and potluck gatherings.