Red underwear, twelve grapes, and bottles of cava all together can only mean one thing – Alicante province is getting ready for a lively New Year’s Eve on December 31, combining Spanish traditions like guzzling down 12 lucky grapes on the stroke of midnight with family-friendly events, live music, and private galas.
Full day and night of partying in Alicante
In Alicante city, the heart of the action is the Rambla de Méndez Núñez near Portal de Elche. Morning brings a children’s cotillón (big bag of sweets) with inflatables, workshops, and a noon countdown just for the little ones. From 11pm, the adult party features free grapes, live music, chimes broadcast on a big screen from Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, and a communal celebration extending into the early hours. Knowing Alicantinos, expect crowds and a joyful atmosphere and a very late party celebration under the city’s lights and fireworks.
Nearby coastal towns offer varied options. Torrevieja hosts its main event in Plaza de la Constitución, with a children’s New Year’s Eve earlier in the day followed by midnight chimes, grapes, music, and fireworks along the promenade.
In Orihuela Costa, families head to Playa Flamenca’s esplanade for a morning Nochevieja Infantil featuring workshops, bouncy castles, and a kid-friendly countdown. Adult celebrations lean toward private hotel dinners or beach gatherings, while central Orihuela features a lively party in Glorieta Gabriel Miró.
Santa Pola keeps it community-focused with gatherings in central plazas or the port area, including music and traditional chimes—many opt for seafood restaurant dinners.
Inland Crevillent starts early with “Australian chimes” around noon in Plaza de la Constitución, complete with grapes and a DJ, before an evening concert and party.
La Zenia Boulevard shopping centre winds down its Christmas events but remains a spot for last-minute shopping; nearby beaches or hotels host informal countdowns.
Across the region, mild weather invites outdoor fun, with hotels and restaurants offering gala dinners, open bars, and catamaran parties. Private venues book up fast—reserve early for upscale experiences.
Take it a step further
For those who have the stamina, a really traditional New Year’s celebration in Spain doesn’t really start on the streets until midnight and then goes on until the early hours, culminating at dawn with churros and chocolate and, for those physically capable, a dip in the Mediterranean.
Then, the Christmas season is still not over as the Three Kings celebrations follow on Monday, January 5! ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!