New Year's Eve is a big deal all over Spain, including Valencia. The residents and guests of the city gather in the streets and squares, lavishly garnished with Christmas illuminations, and enjoy live entertainment and fireworks. According to a special local tradition, you must also eat twelve grapes at each stroke of midnight—this rite ensures you have good luck in each month of the upcoming year. The most common gathering points include Plaza de Ayuntamiento, Plaza de la Reina, and Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.
Plaza de Ayuntamiento
The central celebrations occur at the very heart of Valencia around Town Hall Square. Plaza de Ayuntamiento is home to a large Christmas tree, holiday lights galore, an ice rink, and shopping malls.
On December 31, from 11 am to 12:30 pm, this place hosts festivities for kids. The program features clowns, actors and actresses, dancers, and fireworks. Besides, the little ones consume 12 lucky grapes at noon.
The evening party starts at 10:30 pm and lasts up to 1:45 am. The balcony of the Town Hall becomes a stage for local DJs, such as CINNAMON, INMIR, and Boccachico. The happy crowds enjoy the city's most spectacular New Year's firework show at midnight.
Barrio del Carmen
Another place to be for New Year's Eve in Valencia is definitely the Carmen district in the city center. In particular, check out Calle de Caballeros and the streets adjacent to the Cathedral in Plaza de la Virgen. The district is merely packed with restaurants, where you can enjoy iconic paella and a glass of Agua de Valencia cocktail. Besides, you can find dozens of bars and nightclubs scattered across the neighborhood and dance the night away.
Lastly, book your accommodations in advance while planning your New Year's Eve in Valencia. Check out the housing options on the map below. Also, note that many hotels might host their own New Year's Eve bashes. So maybe you won't even need to look for where to spend the night.
