End the year off the right way by celebrating New Year’s Eve in Valencia! Enjoy the fireworks, festivities, and the 12 grapes during the countdown. Read through this guide to learn everything you need to know about a Valencia New Year’s Eve! 

New Year’s Eve in Valencia

Just like most places in the world, New Year’s Eve in Valencia is a cause for celebration. You’ll head out to the city hall square to see fireworks, enjoy some nightlife, and start the new year off the right way. 

In this guide, we’ll be going over where to celebrate, things to do, and some important details about the holiday. 

So if you need any help planning your trip to Valencia, or you want to learn more about public holidays in Valencia, check out these guides:

• A guide to Les Falles 
• Christmas Markets & Winter Events
• Valencia nightlife 
• Where to stay in Valencia

How to Say New Year’s Eve in Valencian

In Valencian (the local language), New Year’s is called Cap d’Any. Literally, this is the “head of the year”. 

And New Year’s Eve is “La nit de cap d’any”. 

Because if you’re coming to Valencia for New Year’s Eve, you need to at least know how to celebrate it! When the clock strikes midnight, make sure to yell “Feliç any nou!”

Want some more language resources? Check out these two guides:

Where To Celebrate the Countdown

The heart of Valencia’s New Year celebration takes place in the Plaça de l’Ajuntament (City Hall Square), in the Ciutat Vella. 

Thousands of people gather to welcome in the new year. But if you want to get a good view, you’ll have to come early! Last year, I couldn’t get close because I procrastinated! 

But you can also expect to see some firework displays at the City of Arts and Sciences, the Torres dels Serrans, and in the Túria Gardens. Plus all of the neighborhood associations are likely to launch their own fireworks.

(because Valencians loooove their fireworks!)

So head to the City Hall Square, and the countdown will start at 23:59. Then, up until around 13:30, you’ll have a lively atmosphere with DJs performing in the square. 

And after that — you can head to the clubs for more! 

What To Expect

I ran into plenty of culture shocks when I first moved here. Because New Year’s Eve in Valencia can be pretty different from the US. 

So let’s go over a few important things to know about Cap d’Any.

The 12 Grapes

During the last minute of the year, Valencians will eat 12 grapes during the countdown. 

In other words – every 5 seconds you need to eat & swallow a grape.

Which is a lot harder than it sounds! 

So when you go to the City Hall, you’ll want to bring your 12 grapes with you to end the year off the Valencian way. 

It’s a fun — although challenging tradition. 

Pro tip: Make sure to get seedless grapes! 

Late Dinners

Don’t expect to be hanging out at a club when the clock strikes midnight. 

Because in fact, Valencians probably won’t even be finished eating dinner by the time you’re barreling grapes down your throat. 

Usually people eat dinner around 9 pm on normal days. But on New Years Eve, Valencians might push that back even further. 

So if you’re hanging out with the locals during the holiday, make sure you take a nap earlier in the day. Because it’s going to be a long night! After finishing dinner, people will probably head out around 1:30/2:00 AM. 

Revetles

After midnight, the city comes alive with “revetles” – outdoor parties that continue until the early morning hours. So you can enjoy your New Year’s parties without evening needing to get into a club. 

These are common during big celebrations throughout the year, and especially during Les Falles. They’re usually in big squares,  but sometimes in smaller ones throughout different Valencia neighborhoods. It’s a great option for people that don’t know what club to go to – or would just prefer the colder air.

Which means if you’re coming to Valencia during New Year’s – either join the party, or bring ear plugs. 

Red Underwear

This is one of the “newer” traditions in Valencia. 

You’re supposed to put on red underwear to bring in good luck for the following year. 

Where does this come from? Honestly, I have no idea. But lots of people do it! So make sure to bring a red pair for your trip to the city if you want good luck!

Clubs & Parties

Just about every club in Valencia is going to take advantage of New Year’s Eve. Valencia has a ton of options for just about any type of party-goer. 

➡️ Here’s a list of the best bars in Valencia. 

I suggest heading to Russafa for the best nightlife. For most travelers, this will offer the best range of clubs and bars. 

Although you may want to look into getting your ticket beforehand! Make sure to check the club’s website to see if it’s necessary. 

You also have the option to head down to the City of Arts and Sciences, as the Mya club always hosts a big party, too. 

Plus, lots of restaurants will also have special New Year’s dinners. And for those, you’ll definitely want to make a reservation! You can check out some options for the best restaurants in Valencia here. 

New Year’s Eve Valencia 2024

Here’s all the details you need to know to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Valencia this year. If you have any questions as you plan your trip, just send me a message and I’ll point you in the right direction!

• Countdown: December 31st at 23:59 at the Plaça de l’Ajuntament
• Fireworks: At the Plaça de l’Ajuntament, Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, Torres dels Serrans, and the Turia Gradnes
• Outdoor Party: At the Plaça de l’Ajuntament from 22:30—01:30. 

Valencia Travel Resources

I hope this guide helps give you an exciting end to the year in Valencia! Enjoy the fireworks, the crisp air, and the lively atmosphere! 

If you have any questions as you’re planning everything, just send me a message!

Otherwise, check out these articles:

• Best hotels in Valencia
• How to get to the city center from the airport
• Is Valencia expensive?
• Valencia tourist card
• Rooftop bars in Valencia
• LGBT Travel Guide