Where to Spend New Year’s Eve in Latin America: 15 Cities to Ring In 2027

Photo: Alex Rio Brazil / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Jet Set LatAM · Seasonal Guide

From millions dressed in white on Copacabana to twelve grapes at midnight in Mexico City, Latin America does New Year’s Eve with ritual, music and fireworks. Here’s where to celebrate the arrival of 2027 — and how to plan the slow, sunny day that follows.

December 31 and January 1: plan them separately

This selection helps you choose a destination to welcome 2027. The 15 city links lead to guides for January 1, 2027, rather than tickets or confirmed New Year’s Eve schedules. Before paying for a dinner or party on December 31, 2026, check the organizer, location, minimum age, inclusions and cancellation terms.

For a family trip, prioritize a suitable dinner time and an easy return to your hotel. For a party-focused stay, settle the journey home before buying tickets. For a quieter start to the year, choose one flexible activity and confirm where you will eat.

The best cities for New Year’s Eve

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Copacabana’s Réveillon is one of the world’s great New Year’s parties: crowds in white on the sand, fireworks over the ocean, seven waves jumped for luck and flowers set afloat for Iemanjá. Plan your New Year’s Day →

São Paulo, Brazil

If you want to celebrate on Avenida Paulista, check the official December 31, 2026 programme, access arrangements and return transport first. Plan your New Year’s Day →

Salvador, Brazil

Bahia’s capital rings in the year with big Réveillon music festivals, and on January 1 a boat procession honors Bom Jesus dos Navegantes. Plan your New Year’s Day →

Florianópolis, Brazil

Beach-club parties and fireworks along the island’s beaches make Floripa a favorite for a glamorous summer New Year’s. Plan your New Year’s Day →

Buenos Aires, Argentina

It’s summer in Buenos Aires: think late rooftop and waterfront dinners, toasts at midnight and fireworks across the city. Plan your New Year’s Day →

Montevideo, Uruguay

Locals gather along the Rambla, and on the last working day of the year office workers toss old papers out the windows. Punta del Este is close for the high-season social scene. Plan your New Year’s Day →

Santiago, Chile

Compare a dinner in Santiago with a coastal stay. Do not assume a Torre Entel or Valparaíso fireworks display is confirmed: check the official programme for December 31, 2026 before booking, and arrange your return transport. Plan your New Year’s Day →

Cartagena, Colombia

Fireworks over the bay, parties in the Walled City and Colombian rituals: twelve grapes, yellow underwear for luck and a suitcase walk around the block for a year of travel. Plan your New Year’s Day →

Medellín, Colombia

The city glows with its December alumbrados (Christmas lights), and many families burn an año viejo effigy at midnight. Plan your New Year’s Day →

Mexico City, Mexico

Rooftop parties, fine dining and the Mexican ritual of eating twelve grapes at midnight — one for each wish. Plan your New Year’s Day →

Guadalajara, Mexico

Compare dinners in the historic center and confirm each venue’s December 31 programme, price and hours directly. Plan your New Year’s Day →

Oaxaca, Mexico

A slower, more intimate New Year’s, with long dinners and mezcal in a colonial city. Plan your New Year’s Day →

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Beach parties and fireworks on the Caribbean sand, steps from Quinta Avenida. Plan your New Year’s Day →

Panama City, Panama

Fireworks over the bay and celebrations on Casco Viejo’s rooftops. Plan your New Year’s Day →

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Parties in Old San Juan and Condado — and the island tradition of tossing a bucket of water out the door to wash away the old year. Plan your New Year’s Day →

Heading to the islands? See our guide to New Year’s Eve in the Caribbean.

Planning tips

• Book hotels and flights for the holidays as early as you can — late December is peak season across the region.
• Reserve New Year’s Eve dinners in advance; many restaurants serve set menus.
• Pack something white for Brazil and something festive for the city.
• January 1 can bring closures and special hours. Use the city guides to plan, then confirm opening arrangements directly with each venue.

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Where to stay

Compare live rates for New Year’s week with the accommodation map below; the flight search helps you plan the rest.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the biggest New Year’s Eve party in Latin America?

Rio de Janeiro’s Réveillon on Copacabana Beach.

Why do people wear white on New Year’s Eve in Brazil?

White is worn for peace and good luck in the year ahead.

What is the twelve grapes tradition?

Eating twelve grapes at midnight, one for each month and wish of the new year.

Is New Year’s Eve in South America in summer?

Yes — in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile, it’s the height of summer.

Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you book or buy through them, Jet Set LatAM may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This is a researched editorial guide; details, hours, prices and travel advisories change, so confirm before you go.