Barcelona New Year's Eve (Nochevieja) 2024-2025
Eat 12 grapes by the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc and go partying in a museum
Dates: December 31
Barcelona, renowned for its nightlife and street parties, is an excellent destination for New Year's Eve celebrations. The city hosts massive fireworks and a public countdown with music and various festivities. Known locally as Nochevieja, Barcelona’s New Year's Eve is filled with festive traditions and unique customs.
New Year's Eve Traditions
Barcelona’s New Year's Eve, known locally as Nochevieja, is filled with festive traditions and unique customs. One of the most cherished practices is the "Twelve Grapes" tradition, where at the stroke of midnight, locals eat a grape with each chime of the clock, symbolizing good luck for each month of the upcoming year. Many gather at Plaça d'Espanya, one of Barcelona's most iconic landmarks, to enjoy live music, light shows, and a stunning fireworks display that lights up the city. Nearby, Plaça Catalunya in the heart of Barcelona also draws large crowds for its festive gathering, where many bring bottles of Cava, popping them at midnight and tossing empty bottles into the center of the square to mark the New Year. It’s also customary to wear red undergarments on New Year’s Eve, which is believed to bring love and good fortune. After midnight, revelers often head to neighborhood bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to continue the celebration into the early hours.
NYE Celebration at Montjuïc
Barcelona's biggest New Year's Eve celebration, the New Year Chimes, takes place from Plaça Espanya to the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, a major tourist attraction designed for the 1929 International Exhibition. Starting at 9:30 p.m. with a free live concert, thousands gather by 11:45 pm for the countdown and fireworks, which incorporate the Magic Fountain's light and water show.
The Magic Fountain shows are free and feature choreographed light and music displays. Nearby attractions include MNAC Barcelona and Montjuic Castle. To get there, use Metro Espanya, various bus lines, or walk from Poble Sec or Montjuic.
Poble Espanyol New Year Party
For over 30 years, the Poble Espanyol has hosted Barcelona's iconic New Year’s Eve party, making it the go-to celebration for locals and visitors alike. This year, the festivities kick off on December 31 at 10:30 pm, allowing partygoers to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025 with music, dancing, and tradition. Located near the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, this open-air architectural museum transforms into a vibrant venue with three different areas—the main square, the marquee, and the VIP section—each offering a unique experience. With the most popular hits and high-energy ambiance, the party lasts until 6 am, ensuring non-stop dancing and revelry. Complete with festive decor, the traditional midnight grapes, and a range of drink options, the Poble Espanyol New Year’s Eve event is set to deliver one of Barcelona’s best nights out for those over 18.
Poble Espanyol’s New Year Party tickets offer various options: the General Ticket (access to Plaza Mayor and Carpa, 4 drinks, and grapes) starts at €45 in advance and goes up to €85 at the door. The VIP Ticket (access to VIP area, 4 drinks, grapes, and party favors) ranges from €70 to €105. Groups can opt for a VIP Table (€150 per person) or a VIP Premium Table (€180 per person), each with a reserved table, one bottle per four people, and additional drinks.
New Year’s Eve Gala and Flamenco Party
Another option for an unforgettable New Year's Eve is attending the Gala and Flamenco Party at Tablao Flamenco Cordobés in Las Ramblas, Barcelona. This historic venue offers an exclusive New Year’s Eve Gala with a lavish, unlimited menu featuring gourmet dishes like lobster with mango, acorn-fed Iberian ham, and seafood paella.
The program begins at 8:30 pm with an aperitif, followed by a tasting dinner at 9 pm. At 10 pm, guests are treated to a live flamenco show, showcasing the artistry of talented dancers and musicians. As midnight approaches, the traditional grapes and cotillion (party favors) are handed out for the countdown. The celebration continues with a festive party starting at 12:15 am, making it a memorable way to welcome the New Year. Tickets for the gala dinner and flamenco party start at €230. For those looking for a shorter experience, the venue also offers the best flamenco show in Spain with one drink included, starting at €47.
Nightlife
Barcelona’s vibrant nightlife provides plenty of options for an unforgettable start to the New Year. Most clubs in Barcelona organize New Year's Eve parties starting around 12:30-1 am. It's best to buy tickets in advance to avoid missing out and to get possible discounts. Notable parties for 2024-2025 include events at Hotel Barcelona Center, Sutton Barcelona, City Hall, Emma Event, Sala Razzmatazz, Otto Zutz, Opium Mar, and Terraza Alaire. These venues offer a range of music genres and atmospheres, ensuring a memorable New Year's Eve. General Tickets typically range from €25 to €60.
Rooftop Bars and Luxury Experiences
For a more luxurious New Year's Eve celebration, Barcelona's rooftop bars and terraces offer stunning views, elegant dining, and a front-row seat to the fireworks. There’s something truly charming about ringing in the New Year on a rooftop with friends and family, watching the city light up below. Barcelona’s rooftop restaurants and bars provide a range of options, from the panoramic views of Mirablau Club on Tibidabo Hill to city-center favorites like The Majestic, Mandarin Oriental, Alaire Terrace Bar, 1881 Sagardi, and The Rooftop at Sir Victor. These venues create an unforgettable setting to welcome the new year in style.
Bars and Restaurants
Barcelona’s bars and restaurants come alive on New Year's Eve, offering a range of festive dinner and celebration options for every taste. Many restaurants create special menus for the night, with multicourse meals featuring Catalan and Mediterranean specialties. Traditional New Year’s Eve dinners often include seafood dishes, tapas, and decadent desserts, followed by a midnight toast with Cava. After dinner, many diners continue the celebration, as restaurants transform into lively bars and dance venues, allowing guests to ring in the New Year with music, drinks, and dancing well into the early hours. Recommended venues include Mirabé for a dinner and party, Gatsby Barcelona for a New Year's Eve party with a dinner option, D'Divine for a dinner and drag queen show, and Tablao de Carmen for a dinner and flamenco show.