New Year's Eve Lotteries 2026: Mega da Virada, El Niño & More
New Year, new luck? For many, the turn of the year is linked to the dream of a fresh start – ideally with a massive jackpot. While fireworks light up the sky, billions are at stake in special draws worldwide. Here are the most spectacular New Year's lotteries and fascinating trivia.
Mega da Virada: Brazil's NYE Giant
In Brazil, no New Year's Eve tradition is bigger than the Mega da Virada, the special Mega-Sena draw. At the end of 2025 it offered R$1.09 billion, more than €150 million and the largest prize in Brazilian lottery history.
The special feature: the jackpot does not roll over. If no one matches all 6 numbers, the money goes to the players with 5, and so on. The next draw is on 31 December 2026.
New Year's Eve lotteries in Germany
Most German states have their own New Year's Eve or New Year lottery. A ticket usually costs €10 and the top prize is usually €1 million. The biggest is Baden-Württemberg's Silvester-Millionen, with twelve €1 million prizes and €18 million paid out in total.
- Silvester-MillionenBaden-Württemberg€10 · 12 × €1M · Draw 31 Dec
- MillionenKracherNorth Rhine-Westphalia€10 · 6 × €1M · Draw 31 Dec
- BayernMILLIONENBavaria€10.50 · 2 × €1M · Draw 7 Jan
- SilvesterlotterieLower Saxony€10 · 1 × €1M · Draw 31 Dec
- Neujahrs-MillionRhineland-Palatinate€10 · 1 × €1M · Draw 31 Dec
- GlücksraketeBerlin and the eastern states€5 · €250,000 · Draw 8 Jan
| Lottery | State | Ticket | Top prize | Draw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silvester-Millionen | Baden-Württemberg | €10 | 12 × €1M | 31 Dec |
| MillionenKracher | North Rhine-Westphalia | €10 | 6 × €1M | 31 Dec |
| BayernMILLIONEN | Bavaria | €10.50 | 2 × €1M | 7 Jan |
| Silvesterlotterie | Lower Saxony | €10 | 1 × €1M | 31 Dec |
| Neujahrs-Million | Rhineland-Palatinate | €10 | 1 × €1M | 31 Dec |
| Glücksrakete | Berlin and the eastern states | €5 | €250,000 | 8 Jan |
Figures for the 2025/26 edition, per lotto.de. The 2025 Silvester-Millionen went on sale on 3 November; tickets for New Year's Eve 2026 can be expected from early November as well. Prices and prizes may change.
Other New Year Classics
Sorteo del Niño (Spain)
Shortly after El Gordo comes El Niño (The Child) on 6 January. The top prize is smaller, but the chance of winning something is better, which is why it is seen as a second chance after Christmas. In 2026 it paid out €770 million, with a first prize of €200,000 per €20 ticket. The next draw is on Wednesday, 6 January 2027.
Oudejaarstrekking (Netherlands)
The Dutch Staatsloterij holds its biggest draw of the year on New Year's Eve. In 2025 the €30 million top prize went to two half tickets from Nuenen and Amstelveen, and a record 7.9 million tickets were sold. Winners receive their prizes tax-free.
New Year Trivia
🎆 Top Resolution?
Surveys often show 'Save more money' or 'Get rich' as top resolutions. A lottery win would be the perfect shortcut – but of course, the odds remain slim.
🗓️ First Millionaires
Due to time zones, the first lottery millionaires of the year are often crowned in Australia or New Zealand, long before Europe even wakes up.
Your Start to 2027?
Have you got your lucky numbers in mind? Check now if they would have brought luck in the past.
Disclaimer: Gambling can be addictive. Play responsibly. Participation from 18 years. This article is for informational purposes only.