Celebrating New Year 2024 in Rio de Janeiro

Welcoming the New Year in Rio de Janeiro is an experience like no other. The New Year’s party that happens every year at Copacabana Beach is famous all over the world, with an impressive fireworks show that illuminates the city.

As a local from Rio, I know that navigating the New Year’s celebrations in the city may not be simple for foreigners, which is why I put together this New Year in Rio guide.

In this guide, I’ll share my perspective on how to navigate the bustling celebrations and ensure you have an unforgettable experience ringing in the New Year in Rio. If you want to know how we Cariocas celebrate and what spending New Year’s Eve in Rio looks like, you’ve come to the right place!

New Year’s Eve celebrations happening in Rio 2024

Every year, there are a few different New Year’s Eve celebrations happening around Rio, but the most iconic one is the fireworks and shows that happen at Copacabana Beach.

Millions of people come to Rio from other parts of Brazil and the world to watch the famous firework shows. I have been to Copacabana for New Year’s Eve a few times and I can confirm that it does have a very special energy.

However, if this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, there are also a bunch of other New Year’s Eve celebrations happening around the city. Here are a few examples:

  • Firework shows in other neighborhoods like Barra da Tijuca (which is much more residential)
  • Private parties:
    • Réveillon Tropical at Jockey – tickets here
    • Vista Réveillon in Marina da Glória with a concert by Anitta – tickets here
    • Réveillon SAL – tickets here
    • Réveillon do Alto Vidigal Brasil, which has really panoramic views of the fireworks – tickets here

Local tip: In Portuguese, we call New Year’s Eve “Reveillon” so if you want to search for other parties and events by yourself, try searching for Reveillon events.

New Year’s Eve in Copacabana Beach

Copacabana Beach is the heart of Rio’s New Year celebrations.

On the night between December 31st and January 1st, the beach is taken by people from all over – locals and tourists alike – to celebrate the new beginnings that the new year brings. A massive stage is built on the sand that hosts concerts by Brazilian artists all night long.

This year’s lineup wasn’t yet announced. We usually get the full schedule at the start of December.

The star of the evening is the fireworks show. Every year, they make it bigger. In 2022, the fireworks show lasted 12 minutes non-stop and it was beautiful!

The Copacabana fireworks show is so big and famous that it is broadcast all over the world.

Watch the video below to have a glimpse of what the fireworks show in Copacabana looked like in 2023/24:

Where to celebrate New Year in Copacabana Beach

If you want to join the crowds, the best place to go is to find a spot on the sand. You will have first-class seats to the fireworks show and be in the middle of the crowd for the party.

You closer you are to the stage, the louder and crowder it will be. But, since Copacabana Beach is very long, you can always find quieter areas to stay.

I personally am not a fan of staying very close to the stage because it can be deafening at times. A good reference is to look for the lifeguard house at Posto 6.

Another option is to get a place at one of the kiosks or restaurants by the beach. All the kiosks have closed parties and they charge tickets upfront. If you want to get a spot, you’ll need to book it beforehand.

The kiosks can be a good option if you are not a fan of the crowds or if you are spending New Year’s Eve in Rio with your family and kids.

You can also get a place at one of Copacaban’s beachfront hotels or join one of their rooftop parties. Most hotels in Copacabana host New Year parties with a front-row seat to the concerts and fireworks, while offering the comfort of AC, all-you-can-eat, and an open bar.

You can expect to pay high-priced tickets for these parties, though. Make sure to buy your ticket in advance!

Rio de janeiro - copacabana beach during new years eve
Copacabana Beach on New Year’s Eve

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Transport options during the New Year’s to Copacabana Beach

From the night of December 31st until January 1st, the traffic in the entire neighborhood of Copacabana is closed for cars and buses. This means that any Uber or bus will get you only on the outskirts of the neighborhood and you will have to walk 5 blocks or more to the beach.

The best way to get to Copacabana Beach on New Year’s Eve is by subway. During that night, the subway is open all night and it works with a special ticket for that evening, so make sure you check it and buy it in advance.

Pro tip: The best option is to get a hotel in Copacabana during this night so you can easily walk back to your accommodation after the party and don’t have to stress about the commute. If you get a place in Ipanema, you can also get to the party in Copacabana on foot.

Read also:

Safety tips for your first New Year’s in Rio at Copacabana Beach

If this is your first time spending New Year’s in Rio, here are a few safety tips:

  • It is impossible to avoid the crowd, so make sure your valuables are well protected against pickpocketers. Having a money belt is a good idea, but an even better idea is to leave anything that you won’t need at home during the evening.
  • Don’t take shady taxis. Many drivers see this night as a great opportunity to make money since the influx of people going to Copacabana is massive, but I would strongly recommend using the subway or Uber. You can also arrange a transfer service upfront.
  • Speaking of Uber – it will be extremely hard to get a car on New Year’s Eve in Rio. So, be ready to wait or get the subway instead.
  • Be careful with drinks you buy at the beach from unofficial sellers, especially pre-made cocktails. The safest thing to do is to buy only canned or bottled drinks like beer cans. If you want to get a cocktail, buy it from a kiosk instead.
  • Try to blend in: The easiest way to feel safe in Rio, during New Year’s or not, is to blend in and look like a local. Continue reading for my personal tips on how to celebrate New Year’s in Rio like a local.

The New Year celebration in Copacabana is a massive event so there is usually quite some police around. But, considering the fact that New Year’s in Rio gathers millions of people in one place, the police can’t physically see and prevent it all.

So, be mindful and take care of your belongings, as you would at any other crowded event.

rio de janeiro copacabana

Tips for spending NYE in Rio de Janeiro like a local

By now, you must be thinking “Am I falling into a tourist trap?” 

Not at all! I would say there are more Brazilians than foreigners during New Year’s in Copacabana – or at least that was the impression I got on the few times I spent NYE there.

If you want to experience New Year’s in Rio de Janeiro like a local, here are some tips to help you blend in and have an unforgettable time:

  1. Wear white: In Brazil, wearing white on New Year’s Eve symbolizes peace, purification, and renewal. It is believed that by wearing white you will attract positive energy for the upcoming year. Oh, and make sure you dress comfortably! Most people come in flip-flops or comfy shoes.
  2. If you don’t want to wear white, you can also wear another color (we believe that each color has a meaning) but whatever you do, don’t wear black. That is considered bad luck on New Year’s night.
  3. Bring flowers: Another tradition is to offer white flowers as a gift to Iemanja, who is the Queen of the Sea in the Brazilian religions of Candomblé and Umbanda. You will see a lot of people leaving flower arrangements for the goddess and gifting white flowers to each other.
  4. Celebrate by the beach: Even if I can’t go to Copacabana Beach on New Year’s Eve, I would still want to go somewhere where it would be close to a beach – any of them. On the next tip, you will find out why. 
  5. Skip 7 waves at midnight: If you see people running to the sea as soon as it rings midnight and jumping waves, it’s because of a popular New Year tradition in Brazil. According to tradition, you have to skip 7 waves at midnight, and for every wave jumped, you can make a wish for the next year. When exiting the water, don’t turn your back on the sea (otherwise you will attract bad luck with your finances) and your wishes will come true in the following year.
  6. Bring your own drinks: Prices skyrocket during New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro. Save some money and buy drinks beforehand. You will see that a lot of people come to Copacabana Beach with their own coolers and bags, prepared for a full night of celebration on the beach. Just be mindful of the environment and clean up after yourself.

Other alternatives for spending the New Year in Rio de Janeiro

Do you feel like going to Copacabana Beach is not the right fit for you? Here are a few other options:  

  • Go to one of the quieter beaches in Rio, like Ipanema, Leblon, or even Barra da Tijuca. You will be able to see the fireworks from these other beaches and it will be less crowded than Copacabana.
  • Party in Lapa: Lapa is known for its vibrant nightlife and it’s no different on New Year’s Eve. The streets are filled with people dancing, drinking, and having a great time.
  • Rooftop bars: There are several rooftop bars in Rio de Janeiro that offer a stunning view of the fireworks. 
  • New Year Cruise: Another alternative is to join a cruise party on Guanabara Bay. You can enjoy the beautiful views while dancing and celebrating on board.
  • Go to a New Year party: Rio is boosting with options of New Year parties every year. One of the most prestigious parties happens at the top of the Sugar Loaf, where you have a prime view of the city’s landscape and the fireworks (this is what many of us Cariocas do on New Year’s).
  • Private parties: If you will be coming to Rio in a group, you can rent a house or a boat and have your own private party.

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rio de janeiro copacabana

FAQ – Popular questions about spending New Year’s in Rio de Janeiro

How does Rio de Janeiro celebrate New Year’s?

Rio de Janeiro celebrates New Year’s with a big party, with millions of people gathering on Copacabana Beach to watch the fireworks display. The celebration also includes music performances and traditional Brazilian rituals like jumping seven waves and making wishes for the New Year.

Is it safe to celebrate New Year’s in Rio de Janeiro?

I would say that celebrating New Year’s in Rio de Janeiro is as safe as any major city or very crowded event.

Of course, we recommend you take precautions and stay aware of your belongings as you would in any other party like this. But you can definitely have an amazing experience! I have helped many people celebrate New Year’s in Rio de Janeiro safely, without any issues.

What should I wear to celebrate New Year’s in Rio de Janeiro?

As it is summertime in Brazil during New Year’s, the weather will likely be hot and humid. You should wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes as you may be walking and dancing a lot.

Also, it is a tradition in Brazil to wear white on New Year’s Eve for good luck.

What time should I arrive for the New Year’s celebrations in Copacabana?

If you want to secure a spot on Copacabana Beach, it is recommended to arrive early in the afternoon. However, if you are attending a party or event, it is best to check the specific time and location beforehand.

Make sure you calculate the transport time because, as I mentioned above, transport is closed in Copacabana and the traffic is heavily affected in Rio in general during New Year’s Eve.

Is it worth spending New Year’s in Rio de Janeiro?

I may be biased because Rio is my hometown so I have celebrated multiple New Year’s in the city. But I truly believe Rio has a very special energy that makes celebrating the New Year in the city definitely worth it.

Whether you go to Copacabana or a private event, I believe you will have a great time.

If you value unique experiences and love immersing yourself in different cultures, spending New Year’s in Rio is definitely a bucket-list-worthy adventure.

I hope that this guide has helped you navigate the information. We recommend making your reservations in advance and we hope you have an amazing time in Rio for New Year’s.

Other resources that will help you plan your trip to Rio:

Organizing your trip

To help you plan your trip to Brazil, we have put together our favorite planning resources: 

  • Flights: Get affordable flights to Brazil on Skyscanner.com
  • Travel insurance: Make sure you are protected during your trip. We use SafetyWing whenever we are traveling abroad. 
  • Renting a car: We always use Discover Cars to get the best car deals. 
  • Accommodation: Find the best hotels and apartments on Booking.com
  • Activities: Get fun ideas of what to do and buy unique activities with Get Your Guide. 
  • SIM Card: Stay connected during your trip with Airalo. 
  • Personalized itinerary: We can create a travel plan tailored to your wishes!
  • Rio de Janeiro map: All of our favorite places on one map.

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