New Year's Eve Fireworks in Valparaíso 2024-2025, Chile

Fireworks are a common feature of New Year’s celebrations around the world, but those in Valparaíso are renowned not only throughout Chile but across South America and beyond. This spectacular display, featuring 16,000 shots, has even earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Each year, over a million visitors from around the globe flock to Valparaíso for New Year's Eve to witness this breathtaking spectacle.

Location & Details

The New Year is welcomed in the Bay of Valparaíso with a spectacular 20-minute coordinated fireworks display featuring the four port cities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Reñaca, and Concón. Just before midnight, revelers gather along the waterfront to toast the New Year with friends, eagerly anticipating the fireworks. The pyrotechnic show begins at midnight and lasts for about 20 minutes, illuminating the night sky in a breathtaking celebration.

Viewing Points

The fireworks in Valparaíso are launched from 16 different locations throughout the city, allowing most spots with a line of sight to catch the show. Some of the best vantage points include Plaza Sotomayor and Paseo Muelle Barón, but you can also follow the crowds to find a great view. Keep in mind that the most popular viewing spots are typically claimed by early morning, so arriving early is advisable. Other notable areas for viewing include the closed “Errazuriz” waterfront and Hotel Ibis.

NYE Parties

The "party city" of Valparaíso truly comes alive during this time of year, boasting bustling bars, restaurants, clubs, and vibrant street parties, all complemented by a stunning pyrotechnic display that lights up the sky over the bay, reflecting in the Pacific Ocean. Musical performances take place at Plaza Sotomayor, where both locals and tourists, adorned in New Year regalia, celebrate into the early hours of the morning. The final burst of fireworks marks not just the end of the show but also the start of the "real" New Year’s Eve festivities, with Chileans celebrating loudly in the streets until dawn.

Transportation Tips

Valparaíso is located just 72 miles (116 km) from the capital, Santiago. However, due to the influx of tourists during the New Year's celebrations, it's essential to organize your trip in advance, including reservations for bus tickets and accommodations. By around 5 PM on December 31st, many streets in Valparaíso are closed to traffic to accommodate the large crowds. Buses to and from Santiago, as well as hotels, hostels, and restaurant tables in Valparaíso, tend to be fully booked weeks in advance, making early planning crucial for a smooth experience.