December is incredible, we just wrapped up Christmas, and now we get to celebrate the New Year in Lisbon.
New Year’s Eve is the grand finale of a magical December in Lisbon. For the full picture of what the month has to offer, including Christmas markets and festive events, check out my guide to Lisbon in December.
New Year’s in the Portuguese capital is special, not only because the people of Portugal love to celebrate, but also because you get to see fireworks in multiple places.
My favorite place is at Praça do Comércio, but you can see it in Belem and Parque das Nações as well.
So add this to your to-do list for when visiting Lisbon during the New Year.
6 Places to Watch the Fireworks
When the clock strikes midnight in Lisbon, you must see the fireworks. It feels like the skies are exploding with dazzling fireworks displays.
1. Praça do Comércio (Terreiro Do Paco)
Overlooking the Tagus River, this place offers excellent views of the main municipal fireworks show over the water. I recommend that you arrive early to find a good spot for the best view.
2. Belém
Belém’s scenic location near the river makes it a prime viewing area. The medieval Belém Tower is beautifully illuminated at midnight and makes for a magical display you simply can’t miss.
3. Parque das Nações
This modern district has unobstructed river views, perfect for watching fireworks. On NYE, they also host concerts and DJ parties. You may be lucky enough to join the festivities and party the night out.
4. Almada
Almada, which is located across the Tagus River, provides a spectacular backdrop for the fireworks. Head to the Christ King Statue viewpoint for the best view.
5. Castelo de São Jorge
In Alfama, you find Castelo de São Jorge, and here you get a scenic view of the city with the fireworks in the background. It’s simply magnificent.
6. Cascais
While Cascais is a little further away from the center, it’s still only 40 min by train, and as long as you’re facing the sea, you’ll be able to see the fireworks.
With so many excellent spots around Lisbon to view the dazzling fireworks, it’s easy to ring in 2027 with a bang!
5 Things To Do In Lisbon For New Years
One thing I found when visiting Lisbon is that the people know how to party on New Year’s Eve!
The city hosts lively club nights, casino events, dances, concerts, and more. You can dress to impress and get ready to dance the night away at some of the best places.
1. Celebrate the New Year at a Party in Lisbon
- Le Reveillon no Convento do Beato: This annual NYE party takes place in a historic convent-turned-nightclub. Expect four dance floors, funky decor, multiple DJs, and an electric atmosphere.
- Palácio Real Hotel: The opulent 18th-century hotel hosts a black-tie gala with fine dining, live music, and partying until dawn.
- LuxFrágil: This is one of Lisbon’s top clubs where you find the best DJs. You can dance to different musical genres. Even the New Year’s Eve party is reasonably priced, but buying your ticket in advance is best.
- Fábrica Braço de Prata: The club used to be a weapons ammunition factory, but now it is an event space. While it has an industrial atmosphere, it is still chic to enjoy the night on New Year’s Eve.
2. Celebrate New Year at a Restaurant in Lisbon
- Corinthia Lisbon: Enjoy a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner with a Great Gatsby theme. Dance to live music while enjoying your dinner. The next morning, you have a large breakfast buffet available to celebrate the first day of the year.
- Sheraton Lisbon Hotel & Spa: This spa has a restaurant called Panorama, offering a fantastic dinner with the city’s best view.
- Tivoli Avenida Liberdade: You can enjoy a New Year’s Eve dinner at SEEN Lisboa’s restaurant. You get a five-course menu at midnight, live music, and a champagne toast.
- Altis Belém Hotel & Spa: Enjoy a New Year’s Eve dinner at the Feitoria restaurant. The dinner includes live music, a six-course menu, and a champagne toast at midnight.
- Pestana Palace Lisboa: Like the other hotels, it offers a New Year’s Eve dinner at the Valle Flôr restaurant; the dinner includes a six-course menu, live music, and a champagne toast at midnight.
3. Dinner Cruises
You can enjoy an NYE dinner with Portuguese cuisine, music, and sparkling wine as you sail along the Tagus River past the beautiful fireworks along the shore.
It’s just magnificent, and you get a completely different look at the fireworks.
4. Fado Houses
It’s no secret that Fado is huge in Lisbon. It’s the music they’re known for, and around New Year, that doesn’t change.
Many Portuguese like to welcome the new year at a Fado House, such as Clube de Fado, Tasca do Chico, or Sr. Fado.
5. Eat 12 Raisins
This is something my partner, being Portuguese, taught me. You eat 12 raisins at the stroke of midnight, one for each month.
For each raisin you eat, you make a wish for the next year to come true.
So every year, wherever we are, we eat 12 raisins at midnight.
Here are the best things to do in Lisbon in February 2026
I’ll send you a list of the best things to do in February and every month thereafter.
It’s based on my personal experience of living and traveling around Lisbon for years. I’m sharing many hidden gems.
Looking for weekly Lisbon tips? Check out my Lisbon Newsletter.
The Weather at New Year’s in Lisbon
Lisbon enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with average highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F) in December.
I recommend packing a jacket and dressing in layers for celebrating outdoors on restaurant terraces, viewing fireworks, or walking between venues.
January 1st features similar mild temperatures. You will love Lisbon’s pleasant winter weather, which makes it perfect for ringing in 2027!
What is Open in Lisbon on New Year’s Day
Lisbon shuts down on New Year’s Day because it is a public holiday, and most people need to rest from the party the day before.
Most shops, monuments, and museums are closed; the same goes for shopping centers and supermarkets.
Still, you do find some exceptions, and I have some ideas of things you can do on this day:
- Visit the Oceanarium, which opens at 11 am on the 1st of January.
- You can walk the streets to spot the Christmas lights still on when it gets dark.
- Or head to the cinemas that are open on New Year’s Day.
Wrap-Up
Celebrating New Year in Lisbon is something I adore. It’s just magical.
Surrounded by people who love to celebrate and with such a tradition.
Whether you’re celebrating at a restaurant, cruising through the river, or in one of the squares, you’ll simply love it.
So bring 12 raisins wherever you go to see the fireworks in Lisbon, and I’m sure you’ll have a blast.
FAQ
Planning On Going To Lisbon?
I’ve created a trip planner where you enter the number of days you’re going and what activities you want to do.
Based on your input, you then get an entire vacation planned with ideas.
