The musical focus of this year's event will be hits of the 1990s. The line-up will include DJ Bobo, the Venga Boys, and the Hermes House Band. And just before midnight, there'll be a special guest: singer Jermaine Jackson, brother of pop icon Michael Jackson. He'll feature his song “When the Rain Begins to Fall“ - and some songs made famous by his brother.

The list of performers also includes Max Giesinger. He's perhaps best known for creating a new version of his hit "80 Million" that was dedicated to Germany's Euro 2016 football team. During the tournament, fans gathered at the same party-zone to celebrate, and sing Giesinger's song. 

Revellers will gather in a two-kilometer long party-zone that stretches west from the Brandenburg Gate all the way to the Victory Column. More than a million people are expected for the New Year's Eve celebrations. They will not be allowed to take bags, backpacks, or similar items into the party zone.

Security at the event will be tight, in the wake of the Christmas Market attack. Berlin Interior Senator Andreas Geisel says that the authorities have developed a "very professional" security concept that includes the deployment of 2,400 police officers. Streets that lead into the party zone will be blocked by concrete barriers. Video surveillance and others measures will be in place at the entrance to the zone.

The party zone will be open to the public at noon on New Year's Eve.

fm / jm (dpa)