Got Barcelona on the brain? I don’t blame you, and you’re not alone! These cold winter months always have me dreaming about warmer climates, particularly those found in Spain.
Just because it’s winter, though, doesn’t mean that experiencing this city in December is any less fun than it is in the summery sunshine. There are a few “need-to-know” Barcelona travel tips (which can be found in our blog post that covers the essentials) before you go, but once you’ve got them under your belt, your mindset for “Barca” should be solely focused on fun.
If you find yourself ringing in the new decade in Barcelona, there’s an abundance of opportunity for festive celebrating. Here are some of our top recommendations for what to do to welcome 2020 with wild, open, celebratory arms.
And, to note: it doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo, or with friends – Barca brings the party, and along with it, new friends to make and experiences to try.
Dance the Night Away at Palacio del Flamenco
This Barcelona Flamenco Theater, Palacio del Flamenco, will get very cheery on New Year’s Eve with heaps of exciting dance moves for you to sit back and watch, or, join in! Wear your most festive and colorful attire to this party. Their New Year’s Eve 2020 Gala will help you usher in the new year with a pep in your step.
📍Address: Carrer de Balmes, 139, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
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Enjoy the Fireworks at Plaça d’Espanya
For a classic New Year’s Eve activity of ooh-ing and ahh-ing at fireworks brightening up the night sky, hit Plaça d’Espanya. Get there early, though, as this event attracts tens of thousands of people, and can fill up fast! This is a fireworks show you won’t want to miss. The pre-show begins at 9:30pm, and the NYE-level fireworks kick off at 11:45pm.
📍Address: Plaça d’Espanya, Barcelona, Spain
Run the New Year’s Eve 10k Race
My kind of night! Hit the ground of 2020 quite literally running. This brisk and endorphin-infused activity will leave you feeling far better come January 1st than a few other more raucous event options on this list. Sign up for the Barcelona NYE 10k before your trip. Bonus – the event boasts that you’ll celebrate New Year’s Eve TWICE, fete-ing both the Spanish and British New Year’s (thanks, time zones).
📍Address: Barcelona, Spain; starting location information available on the race event page
Get Funky at Pacha Barcelona
This hip “disco club,” is the perfect spot to let go of the bygone times of 2019 and look to 2020 with stars (disco ones, of course) in your eyes. This New Year’s Eve rager goes all night – till 6:45am on January 1st! So drink a coffee before you go because you’ll need all the energy you can get. Musical performances from Marshall Night and Alberto Herrera will have you dancing till dawn. You can purchase your tickets on the event page.
📍Address: Ramón Trias Fargas, 2, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
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“Glow Up” at Eclipse’s Light It Up Party
Another late night event – this one “only” goes till 6am the following day. At the “Light it Up” party at the famed W Hotel, you’ll get drink tickets, 12 lucky grapes (a Spanish New Year’s custom), and a party that’ll knock your socks off, with house DJs spinning tracks and gorgeous views of the Mediterranean beneath your dancing feet. Ticket information is available online.
📍Address: Plaça Rosa Del Vents 1, Final, Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
Toast to 2020 with Cocoa Blues & Fusion
Blues DJ’s, Fusion DJs, a special dinner, and cava toasting – all this and more at the Cocoa Blues & Fusion New Year’s Eve Party. Special musical guests the Blue Foxies, a group from France, will take the stage shortly after midnight. Secure your spot on their website.
📍Address: Carrer de Rosés, 46, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Gallivant like Gasty at ZUU
This full party-plus-dining experience will leave you with a delightfully full belly and incredible memories to boot. This year’s theme for the ZUU New Year’s Eve party is the Roaring 20s, so don your most Jay Gatsby or Daisy Buchanan-inspired look for this event. Hosted by the Sofia Hotel, this hip venue is sure to please the eye. The mouthwatering menu for the evening includes oysters, Imperial caviar, Iberian ham, foie gras, truffled lobster, and champagne.
📍Address: Plaça de Pius XII, 4, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Enjoy a Slice of Home at the Hard Rock Café Party
Okay, so the Hard Rock Café can get a bad rap sometimes. And I wholeheartedly encourage venturing off the beaten path, and going with the unfamiliar, when it comes to eating and drinking abroad (check out our Travel by Mouth posts for inspiration).
All that said, sometimes, you just want something that feels familiar. If you’re in Barca and feeling a bit homesick (though that need not be a prerequisite for hitting this party!) go to the well-known, and steadfast Hard Rock Café, where you’re sure to see some cool music memorabilia, have some tasty cocktails, enjoy some home-style American eats, and more.
📍Address: Plaça de Catalunya, 21, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Jam at the Reggaetop New Year Party
Closing out this list, is the Reggaetop New Year’s Party at Restaurant Medusa, which will no doubt be serving up chill, laid-back vibes all night. Roll into 2020 easy-breezy and feeling good with reggae music in your ears as you dance away through the beautiful Barcelona night. (This event is one of the more economical options on the list.)
📍Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 596, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Related links:
- Essential Things to Know Before Your Trip to Barcelona
- Visiting Barcelona in Winter
- Tips for Traveling Solo in Barcelona
- Top Ten Barcelona Rooftop Bars
- Fat Tire Tours’ Best of Barcelona
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