New Year's Eve 2025-2026 in Rio de Janeiro

New Year's Eve is one of Rio's most spectacular festivities. As usually happens in Rio, the celebration is a mix of both new and old traditions.

NYE Traditions in Brazil

The older traditions include wearing white clothes, putting flowers and candles in the sea, and traditional carnival songs and dancing. The white clothes are a symbol of a new beginning, and flowers and candles are put in the water to honor Iemanjá, the Goddess of Sea and Water in the Candomble and Umbanda religions. In addition to the most famous festivals, some regions in Brazil have unique traditions for welcoming the new year. A common ritual involves jumping over seven ocean waves, symbolizing good fortune for the coming year. Another popular practice is releasing lanterns into the sky or the sea, which represents letting go of the past and embracing hope for the future.

Copacabana New Year's Eve (Copacabana Reveillon)

Among the new traditions is the captivating fireworks display on Copacabana Beach, complemented by live music stages and festive champagne parties. The residents of Rio, known as Cariocas, are unmatched in their ability to celebrate, bringing a cheerful, lively spirit to their holidays. Experiencing New Year's Eve in Rio is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should not be missed.

The highlight of the Copacabana New Year's Eve celebrations referred to as Copacabana Reveillon, features an impressive 15-minute fireworks show flanked by concerts from a variety of Brazilian artists, drawing an audience of approximately two million people. This event is recognized as one of the largest New Year's celebrations in the world.

The festivities begin around 7 pm, with DJs and bands performing on two main stages along Copacabana Beach. This year, the primary stage, located in front of the iconic Copacabana Palace Hotel, will showcase a sculpture adorned with LED lights, while the second stage, dedicated to samba, will be situated in front of the Hilton Hotel. The 2025 lineup includes notable artists such as Caetano Veloso, Bethânia, Anitta, and Ivete Sangalo.

New Year's Eve at Morro da Urca (Reveillon do Morro)

For breathtaking panoramic views, visit one of Rio's premier attractions—Sugarloaf Mountain. The 721-foot (220-meter) summit of Morro da Urca features a tram station that transports visitors to the top. On December 31, Morro da Urca transforms into the ultimate New Year's Eve party venue, known as Reveillon do Morro. This event includes an open bar, DJs, live bands, and delicious food, creating a vibrant atmosphere for guests. Attendees can also take a scenic ride to Sugarloaf Mountain, where they can enjoy a stunning vista of Rio de Janeiro while witnessing the fireworks display from a perfectly panoramic vantage point. Tickets for this exclusive event start at R$ 1,400.

Other NYE Locations in Brazil

Even though Rio is the top destination to dance the night away, you can explore the country beyond the city and discover more fascinating ways to ring in the New Year. Aside from the legendary Copacabana Beach, the other options include Trancoso, Florianópolis, Porto Seguro, and Fernando de Noronha. All of these coastal spots allow you to dip your toes into the sand by day and party into the New Year at night—a perfect program for your NYE getaway. Click here to find out more about New Year's Eve in Brazil.