Where to go on New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro

Where to go on New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro

New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro is internationally recognized as one of the largest and most exciting New Year celebrations in the world. However, beyond exclusive parties, the city welcomes the new year with free events spread throughout different neighborhoods.

New Year’s Eve in Copacabana

Without a doubt, the free New Year’s Eve celebration in Copacabana is the most famous in Rio de Janeiro and one of the largest in the world. The beach welcomes millions of people who arrive early to secure a good spot on the sand and watch the fireworks display.

In addition, stages are set up along the beachfront with free concerts featuring artists from different musical styles, such as samba, pop, MPB (Brazilian Popular Music), and DJs. This allows the public to enjoy performances before and after midnight, extending the celebration until sunrise.

See the full program below:

PALCO RIO (Copacabana):

• 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM – DJ Cady
  
• 8:00 PM – Gilberto Gil + Ney Matogrosso (special guest)
  
• 10:30 PM – Belo + Alcione
  
• 12:12 AM – João Gomes + Iza (special guest)
  
• 2:00 AM – Alok
  
• 3:30 AM – G.R.E.S. Beija-Flor
  

PALCO SAMBA AMSTEL (Copacabana):

• 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM – DJ Tamy
  
• 8:00 PM – Roberta Sá
  
• 10:00 PM – Mart’nália
  
• 12:12 AM – Diogo Nogueira
  
• 2:00 AM – Feijão invites Bloco da Preta
  
• 3:30 AM – G.R.E.S. Grande Rio
  

PALCO BANCO DO BRASIL – LEME:

• 7:00 PM to 1:30 AM – DJ Marcelo Araújo
  
• 7:20 PM – Midian Lima
  
• 8:45 PM – Samuel Messias
  
• 10:15 PM – Thalles Roberto
  
• 12:12 AM – Grupo Marcados
  

PALCO PARQUE MADUREIRA AMSTEL (Rua Soares Caldeira, 115):

• 8:00 PM – DJ Michell + Black de Elite
  
• 10:30 PM – Sombrinha
  

PALCO SESC RJ FLAMENGO:

(Flamengo Beach – Post 2, in front of Rua Dois de Dezembro)

• 8:30 PM – Joanna
  
• 10:00 PM – Moacyr Luz & Samba do Trabalhador
  
• 12:12 AM – Raul Seixas Tribute
  

PALCO SESC RJ ILHA DO GOVERNADOR:

(Praia da Bica, in front of number 169)

• 7:00 PM – Roda de Santa Rita
  
• 8:30 PM – Arlindinho
  

PALCO SESC RJ PAQUETÁ (Praia da Moreninha):

• 7:00 PM – Ryon
  
• 10:00 PM – Afromix
  
• 12:20 AM – Marcos Santos
  

PALCO SESC RJ PARQUE REALENGO:

(Rua Professor Carlos Wenceslau, 388)

• 7:00 PM – DJ Rafael Nazareth
  
• 10:00 PM – Nem da Tia Doca
  
• 12:15 AM – Sambay
  

PALCO SESC RJ PISCINÃO DE RAMOS:

(Praça Roquete Pinto, 2)

• 9:30 PM – Ana Petkovic
  
• 10:30 PM – MC Cacau
  
• 12:20 AM – Balacobaco
  

PALCO SESC RJ PENHA:

(Rua Santo Engrácia)

• 8:30 PM – Pura Batucada
  
• 9:30 PM – Thais Macedo
  
• 12:20 AM – Dudu Nobre
  

PALCO SESC RJ SEPETIBA:

(Sepetiba Beach, 1,886)

• 9:30 PM – Tília
  
• 10:30 PM – Juninho Thybau
  
• 12:20 AM – Caju Pra Baixo
  

PALCO SESC RJ PARQUE OESTE:

(Avenida Cesário de Melo, 6,851)

• 7:30 PM – Pagodelas
  
• 9:00 PM – Fróes
  
• 10:30 PM – Batuke 021
  
• 12:20 AM – Leandro Sapucahy
  

PALCO SESC RJ PEDRA DE GUARATIBA:

(Estrada da Matriz, 219)

• 8:30 PM – MC Bob Rum
  
• 12:20 AM – Delcio Luiz
  

Flamengo, Lagoa, and Other Areas of the South Zone

In addition to the beaches, other public spaces in Rio’s South Zone also become popular gathering spots on New Year’s Eve. Flamengo Beach, for example, attracts residents who bring their own drinks and snacks to celebrate the arrival of the new year with views of Guanabara Bay and an exclusive fireworks display.

Free New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Other Neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro

However, free New Year’s Eve celebrations in Rio are not limited to the South Zone. In several areas of the city, the local government organizes public events with live music and performances.

Neighborhoods in the North Zone and West Zone often host stages with local attractions, promoting a more community-focused celebration. This allows residents to celebrate close to home without traveling to Copacabana.

Therefore, regardless of the neighborhood, the Carioca New Year’s Eve spirit spreads throughout the entire city.

Where to Watch the Fireworks in Rio de Janeiro

Penha (Church of Our Lady of Penha)

The fireworks display at the Church of Our Lady of Penha, in Rio’s North Zone, is one of the city’s official pyrotechnic points for New Year’s Eve 2025/2026. It is a traditional and free option for those who want to watch fireworks away from the beach.

The event is usually part of the official city program and includes live music and performances at Praça Santa Emília, at the foot of the church, before the New Year’s fireworks begin.

Free access: As with other public New Year’s Eve events in Rio, no tickets are required. Simply arrive early and choose a good spot.

Barra da Tijuca and Recreio dos Bandeirantes

In Rio’s southwest zone, complementary programming will include fireworks at several locations in Barra da Tijuca and Recreio, organized through partnerships between hotels, condominiums, and shopping centers.

Some confirmed locations include:

• Lagune Hotel
  
• Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro
  
• Barra World Shopping
  
• E-Suites Recreio Shopping
  
• CDesign Hotel
  
• Windsor Marapendi
  
• Wyndham Rio Barra
  
• Quebra-Mar
  
• Radisson Barra
  
• Ilha Pura
  
• Olympic Golf Course
  
• Courtyard by Marriott
  

Brazilian New Year’s Eve Traditions

Beyond the parties, New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro is marked by Brazilian traditions filled with symbolism, making the experience even more special. One of the most well-known traditions is wearing white clothing, which represents the desire for peace, harmony, and renewal for the coming year.

In addition to white, many people believe in the symbolism of other colors worn on New Year’s Eve: red for passion, yellow for wealth, orange for joy, and more.

Another very common tradition is jumping seven waves in the sea, making a wish with each jump. This ritual, of Afro-Brazilian origin, is linked to faith and devotion to Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea, especially revered along the coast.

Many people also offer flowers to the sea as a gesture of gratitude and a request for protection. At the New Year’s dinner, foods such as lentils, grapes, and pomegranates symbolize prosperity, abundance, and good luck.

Finally, the midnight toast—usually with sparkling wine—officially marks the beginning of the new year and reinforces a collective feeling of hope.

Why Choose Free New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Rio?

In summary, choosing free New Year’s Eve celebrations in Rio de Janeiro means opting for an accessible, cultural, and meaningful experience. In addition to saving money, visitors have the opportunity to experience the city in its most authentic form, sharing the moment with people from different backgrounds and stories.

Whether in Copacabana, Leme, Flamengo, or other neighborhoods, free New Year’s Eve celebrations in Rio offer an unforgettable experience filled with music, tradition, iconic landscapes, and positive energy to start the year right.