New Years Eve Lisbon – Celebrations and Traditions NYE

Guide to Spending New Years Eve in Lisbon – Places to Visit and Lisboa Traditions

Looking for a memorable place to ring in the New Year? Lisbon, with its festive atmosphere and exciting events, provides an unforgettable way to bid farewell to the past year and welcome the next. Find out how to make the most of New Year’s Eve in Lisbon and discover the best places for tourists.

In Lisbon, New Year’s Eve is usually a family affair to start, often with a special dinner featuring traditional Portuguese foods. After dinner, many locals head out to join the public celebrations. The focal point is often the Praça do Comércio, where people gather to watch the fireworks and listen to live music.

It’s common for people to have a glass of sparkling wine or champagne ready for the midnight toast, and some folks also follow the tradition of eating 12 raisins at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock, to bring good luck for each month of the coming year.

Where to Celebrate in Lisbon New Years Eve

If you’re looking to ring in the New Year in Lisbon, one top spot is Praça do Comércio, right in the heart of the city. This square is transformed into a lively celebration area with a grand stage for live music and a massive fireworks display at midnight. The atmosphere is electric, and you’ll find yourself amid a sea of cheerful people.

Another hot spot is the Belém area near the iconic Tower of Belém and Jerónimos Monastery. The waterfront offers a peaceful yet festive setting where you can watch the fireworks light up the sky over the river.

At both of these locations, street vendors are usually around, selling a variety of snacks and drinks, including the traditional 12 raisins for your midnight wishes. Plus, you’re not far from many of Lisbon’s lively neighbourhoods like Bairro Alto or Cais do Sodré, making it easy to keep the party going in bars or clubs.

For a more upscale celebration, some of Lisbon’s hotels and rooftop bars offer exclusive New Year’s Eve parties. You’ll need to book tickets in advance for these events, but you’ll be treated to an evening of elegance with an unbeatable view of the fireworks.

Another option for a quieter experience is to head to the docks along the Tagus River. The atmosphere here is a bit more relaxed but still festive. After the fireworks, you could wander over to the nearby LX Factory or Santo Amaro Docks, both known for their lively bars and restaurants.

These popular locations do get crowded, so arriving early to claim a prime spot is usually a good idea, especially if you’re keen on participating in local traditions like eating the 12 raisins at midnight.

New Years Eve Traditions in Lisbon – 12 Raisins

The 12 raisins (sometimes people use grapes instead) are a Portuguese New Year’s Eve tradition, similar to the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes. In Portugal, people eat 12 raisins as the clock strikes midnight, one for each chime of the clock. As you eat each raisin, you’re supposed to make a wish for the upcoming year. So by the time you’ve eaten all 12, you’ve made 12 wishes for the new year ahead. It’s a fun, simple tradition that adds a bit of magic to the New Year’s celebrations!

It’s slightly easier than the tradition of full size grapes that you see in Spain, as the raisins are smaller and more manageable to eat quickly without the danger of anything going wrong.

Restaurants New Years Eve Lisbon

Many restaurants in Lisbon go all out for New Year’s Eve, offering special menus and sometimes live music or performances to make the evening memorable. In areas like Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Alfama, you’ll find a variety of dining options from traditional Portuguese Fado restaurants to modern international cuisine spots.

In the more touristy areas like Baixa and along the Tagus River, you’ll also find upscale restaurants that might offer a view of the fireworks. These places often require advance bookings and can be more expensive, but they offer a refined dining experience and sometimes even include entertainment like live bands or DJs.

Just keep in mind that many locals prefer to celebrate at home with family until midnight, so some smaller, family-run restaurants may close early or not open at all.