How to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Lisbon the Portuguese way
Feat photo by Wine Tourism in Portugal
Having just come out of the Christmas celebrations, the Portuguese apply the same enthusiasm in celebrating the end of the year and the beginning of another one. In many ways, as we will see, the two celebrations are connected. Many Portuguese also spend the New Year with their family, and food is again very important. Some Christmas dishes even make a comeback for the end of the year. However, there are specificities to this holiday that are important to know if you plan on coming to Lisbon and want to celebrate the arrival of 2025 like a true Portuguese.
Like in many countries around the world, a Portuguese New Year’s Eve is not complete without fireworks, sparkling wine and countdowns to midnight. However, the Portuguese have their own set of traditions that they follow around this time of the year and superstitions that they take very seriously. Whether they are related to food or clothes, money or good energies, there’s some intriguing and sometimes surprising customs that seem unique to this country.
Portuguese New Year traditions and superstitions
A tradition that many Portuguese seem to follow is spending New Year’s Eve near the water. The Algarve, as well as Madeira, are very popular destinations around this time, with occupancy rates for hotels usually over 90%. In fact, all coastal towns and cities in the country experience a surge in tourism at the end of the year. In the capital, Lisboners as well as visitors also choose the riverside as a preferred location to bid the year farewell. It’s no wonder that the city’s official celebrations take place in Terreiro do Paço (but more on that later) and that so many parties are held in terraces, or even on the river itself. The Tagus river is undoubtedly central to the life of the inhabitants of Lisbon, and it’s no wonder that they prefer to welcome the new year near it.
Photo by Fever
The Portuguese aren’t a particularly superstitious people. However, when it comes to the new year, there is no shortage of customs, practices and unwritten rules that one must follow in order to attract love, health, prosperity and general good luck for the year to come.
Cleaning is a big part of preparing for the new year. For some people, there must be a last deep clean before the new year. For others, new bed sheets are a must in order to welcome the new year without any bad energies lingering on from the last one. For that same reason, it is customary to also wear new clothes on the night of the 31st of December, as well as on the 1st day of January. A particular item of clothing to which the Portuguese pay special attention is the underwear. Yes, one should put on new underwear to bring in the new year. But the color of the underwear is equally important. There are people who defend that one should wear red underpants to attract love, yellow ones to attract money, or even white ones for peace and tranquility. However, the most common color worn on new year’s eve is blue. So much so that it is not uncommon to see blue panties and underpants for sale, sometimes even on the streets, on the last days of the year, just in case someone needs some last minute luck for the year to come.
Photo by Um Blog Entre Bibliotecas
If you spend the New Year in Lisbon or anywhere else in Portugal, for that matter, you might also notice a strange noise coming out of houses at midnight. That noise will be the banging of pots and pans, to chase away bad spirits from the homes before the new year comes in. So if you happen to spend midnight in an apartment in Lisbon, feel free to join the fun and bang away to your heart’s content.
Some superstitions may involve a few props in order to carry out. For some people, it’s important that at the stroke of midnight they are standing on a chair or stool, holding a banknote. For others, at that same time the clock strikes midnight, they should step onto a chair with the right foot. Others choose to jump three times on their right foot, for good luck, holding a glass of bubbly on the right hand. Finally, some people jump from a chair onto the floor, thus taking the first step of the year, always with the right foot, of course. Whatever superstition you choose to follow, make sure to be careful, because spending the first hours of the year with a sore ankle might not be the best omen for the new year.
Photo by RegiãoOnline
One tradition that is a bit more common worldwide, but that is still quite interesting, is bathing in the ocean, on the morning of the 1st of January. Around the country, some beaches have become famous for the large numbers of people that chose them for the first dip of the year. You can even find TV crews interviewing some of the intrepid new year’s swimmers that brave the cold temperatures of the air and the water. In the greater Lisbon area, the beach of Carcavelos (pictures above), which is easily accessible by train from the city center, is perhaps the most popular for this quintessential holiday activity.
Finally, like with everything in Portugal, food is also part of the traditions and superstitions of this celebration. Perhaps one of the most famous customs of this time of the year is the eating of twelve raisins at the twelve strokes of midnight, which by now is an inescapable rite associated with Portuguese New Year. With each raisin one can ask for one wish, so it is worth it to think ahead about twelve things we want in 2025, which can be surprisingly difficult on the spot!
However, apart from the good luck raisins, washed down with sparkling wine, what other foods are traditionally consumed around this time?
Portuguese New Year’s culinary traditions
Christmas in Portugal is definitely a food-heavy affair, and it certainly doesn’t end after the 25th of December. In fact, in most Portuguese family’s homes there is usually a table that is set up with food, frequently replenished, and that often stays that way until the New Year celebrations. So it is only natural that some foods that are eaten during Christmas can also be enjoyed at the end of the year.
Photo by Pastelaria Batalha
Among them are definitely the Christmas sweet treats. If you visit a Portuguese home on the 31st, you might be able to indulge in eating rabanadas, sonhos, filhoses or coscorões. But even if these are not present, what will definitely be at the table will be the king of the holidays, the bolo rei, which in fact will be available to buy in pastelarias around the country until Epiphany day, January 6th, which in Portuguese is called Dia de Reis. Like on the 24th of December, going to a pastelaria on the 31st of December can be a busy affair, with securing the warm bolo rei as the main goal.
Photo by Mar d Estórias
Apart from the Christmas desserts and bolo rei, a necessary addition to the holiday table on the 31st are nuts and dried and candied fruits, perfect for snacking while waiting for midnight. Apart from the traditional raisins, many others can be consumed. One very popular item to have at this time of the year are almond stuffed dried figs, a traditional food from the Algarve, but that is very commonly consumed all around the country over this holiday.
Snacking is the name of the game at the end of the year. While Christmas in Portugal is very much a sit down affair, New Year’s Eve may be spent continuously munching on sweet and savory treats. And when it comes to savory snacks, cheese and smoked meats seem to be omnipresent at the end of the year, a time where no expense is spared, and Portuguese treat themselves to the nicest Serra da Estrela, Nisa or São Jorge cheese, as well as, on the meat front, salpicão, paio and the tastiest chouriços that they can find.
But what if you still want to have something more substantial on the last night of the year? Well, for the Portuguese, labor intensive and bold flavored dishes are the way to go, and for many that means another encounter with the king of Portuguese cuisine, the salted cod, in one of its countless iterations. For others, fancy dishes like oven baked duck rice topped with slices of chouriço (arroz de pato), roasted lamb or even roasted suckling pig are the preferred main dishes. And for many, seafood dishes like arroz de marisco, a soupy, tomatoey dish, full of shrimp, clams and other seafood, usually finished with some lemon juice and cilantro, are the perfect dish to bring in the new year. In fact, seafood is undoubtedly a desired addition to any New Year’s table. Whether it is a pot of ameijoas à Bulhão Pato, a simple dish of clams made with a wine, lemon, garlic and coriander, a or a big pile of boiled shrimp, seafood for the Portuguese is the definitive celebration food, present at the happiest events in everyone’s life.
Photo by Continente
Perhaps the most festive and nostalgic of all seafood dishes in the Portuguese mind is the brown crab (sapateira), whose shell is emptied and used as a vessel for a mix of crab meat, different ingredients and sauces – each home cook will have their own recipe, but condiments like mustard and hot sauce, as well as ingredients such as beer and pickles are often present, and is served with toast. This dish is packed with flavor, and goes perfectly with a beer or the more customary chilled sparkling wine consumed on this date.
While Christmas is all about the food, New Year’s celebrations give alcohol perhaps a bit more of a limelight. After all, in Portugal, like throughout the world, at the stroke of midnight you will see a glass of champagne or any other sparkling wine in most people’s hands and, sometimes, even the younger ones will have a little sip. But at the New Year’s table, sparkling wines are not the only drinks available. Port wine always has a place at the table, since it is the most festive of all Portuguese alcohol. And aperitifs like moscatel, another fortified wine, as well as digestifs to help manage the inevitably large amounts of food, will definitely make an appearance.
While it seems that this holiday’s food offerings are more on the heavier side, there are also some refreshing additions that are very traditional on this day. And none is more interesting than the pineapple. In the same way that this day is the time to splurge on nice meats, seafood and cheeses, it is also the time to indulge in the most luxurious of all Portuguese fruits: the pineapple from the Azores. Although nowadays this fruit may be more affordable, in the old days it was most definitely a luxury item, that for many was only to be enjoyed on this day. And it certainly makes for the perfect refreshing pause on an indulgent meal, which can also explain its enduring presence at the new year’s table.
Photo by Público
After all of this food, and after munching for hours throughout the night, could there be any more space for food in a Portuguese stomach? Well, it seems so, because the final dishes in this food marathon are still to come. At the end of the night, or maybe at dawn, it is time for the classic pão com chouriço and caldo verde. The pão com chouriço, a simple yet delicious sturdy bun stuffed with portuguese smoked sausage, will help to soak up the alcohol consumed throughout the night. And caldo verde, a collard green and chouriço soup, with a light but creamy potato puree as a base, will soothe over exerted stomachs and hydrate the tired bodies of the party goers, before they go to bed. It might seem a bit odd to end a celebration with soup, but for a nation of soup lovers, it makes perfect sense to start the year with a warm bowl of caldo verde.
Although many Portuguese enjoy spending the New Year’s celebration at home with their loved ones, many also enjoy spending it outside, leaving the hassle of preparing food and drinks to the pros. So we have prepared a selection of both restaurants where you can enjoy exciting Portuguese food, as well as some suggestions for New Year’s Eve parties, where you can let your hair down, grab some raisins, and bring in the new year like a true Portuguese.
Where to eat in Lisbon on New Year’s Eve
The Lisbon Club 55
Located inside the Hotel Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina, The Lisbon Club 55 is a Portuguese gastropub under the helm of chef Fábio Lopes, that mixes cosmopolitan elegance with distinctive Portuguese flavors, which honor the country’s culinary heritage. Famous for its signature cocktails, as well as its incredibly visually appealing dishes that never lose sight of their Portuguese roots, Lisbon Club 55 presents classic but not always obvious Portuguese dishes, with a particular influence of the Trás-os-Montes region, in the northeast. The Lisbon Club 55 offers a New Year’s Menu that includes its take on the holiday classic dish of Atlantic fish and seafood rice, as well as an offering of traditional desserts that include Azorean pineapple.
📍Tv. da Portuguesa 55, 1200-401 Lisbon
www.instagram.com/thelisbonclub55
Photo by The Lisbon Club 55 on TripAdvisor
Mar ao Carmo
Located in the heart of Lisbon, in Chiado, this classic seafood restaurant (marisqueira) with its terrace overlooking the ruins of the Convent of Carmo, offers fresh fish and seafood, prepared in an elegant setting. As far as food goes, you couldn’t ask for a more traditional and authentically Portuguese experience, with a focus on fresh ingredients and preparations that let them shine, a perfect spot for those who love seafood. On the 31st of December, Mar ao Carmo offers a New Year’s Eve menu that includes a classic seafood rice, a staple of the festive season, as well as mussels as a starter. There is also a vegetarian menu, for their plant-based patrons.
📍Largo do Carmo 21, 1200-092 Lisbon
Photo by USA Today
Café de São Bento
Open for over 40 years, Café de São Bento is known as much for its classic São Bento style steak (bife à São Bento) as for its notable clientele which can partly be explained due to its location, right next to the Portuguese Parliament. This is also one of the best late night restaurants in Lisbon. This time-honored eaterie is all about quiet style, from its wood paneled walls, to its experienced waiters in bow ties and tartan vests. Its steak is the main star, bathed in a coffee based sauce whose secret recipe is carefully guarded. For New Year’s Eve, Café de São Bento has a menu available that includes classic starters like Iberian ham (presunto pata negra) and garlic prawns, its famous steak, and even pineapple carpaccio as a dessert option. For those who enjoy old school charm and a cozy atmosphere, this is definitely an option to consider.
📍Rua de São Bento 212, 1200-821 Lisbon
Photo by The Fork
Sacramento do Chiado
Sacramento do Chiado is a sure bet for those wanting to try all the classic Portuguese dishes, from codfish topped with portuguese cornbred (bacalhau com broa) to the most iconic of the roasted octopus dishes in the Portuguese culinary canon (polvo à lagareiro), from Bulhão Pato style clams to duck rice. Located in what used to be the palace of the Condes de Valadares, this restaurant is a great option to say goodbye to 2024 with a happy stomach. For New Year’s Eve it offers a set menu including drinks and sparkling wine, where you can also find a Monção-style lamb dish, a delicacy that might be harder to find in a regular Lisbon restaurant, but that is also a popular dish in Portuguese celebratory meals, particularly in the north of the country.
📍Calçada do Sacramento 40 a 46, 1200-394 Lisbon
Photo by Lisboa Convida
Tabik
Part of the Bessa Hotel and located in the elegant Avenida da Liberdade, in Lisbon’s city center, Tabik is characterized by its elegant yet unfussy atmosphere, and its interesting takes on Portuguese food, of which the alheira croquettes with quince mayo are a perfect example. On the drinks front, its impressive array of classic cocktails will suit all tastes and palates. On the 31st of December, Tabik offers a set menu that has a focus on fish, seafood, and Portuguese sweet treats like rabanadas (Portuguese style french toast) and bolo rei, which are very traditional during the holidays, as well as the classic cheese board to end the meal, and the year, in style. This set menu includes drinks, sparkling wine and the New Year’s raisins that you can consume at midnight, for extra good luck in the year to come.
📍Av. da Liberdade 29 A, 1250-139 Lisbon
https://tabikrestaurant.com/en
Photo by Tabik
Marlene
Marlene, the eponymous restaurant of renowned chef Marlene Vieira, is known for its blend of traditional Portuguese flavors and contemporary culinary techniques, and offers a refined yet approachable dining experience. Vieira, a celebrated chef in the Portuguese food scene, infuses her menu with creativity, emphasizing the use of local ingredients sourced from small-scale producers. The carefully crafted dishes reflect her understanding of Portuguese cuisine, while showcasing her personal twist on classic recipes. Marlene,’s ambiance mirrors this fusion of tradition and innovation, with a modern decor and an inviting and elegant atmosphere that makes it an ideal spot for a special occasion. Marlene, has quickly become a must-visit spot for customers seeking a taste of contemporary Portugal at its finest, and is definitely an exciting option for a culinary adventure, perfect to round out 2024. Diners can enjoy the New Year’s set menu offered by the restaurant, with drinks to be ordered separately.
📍Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 1100-651 Lisbon
Photo by MICHELIN Guide
New Year’s Eve parties and celebrations in Lisbon
Fire works at Praça do Comércio – free
Perhaps one of the most iconic and certainly affordable New Year’s Eve celebrations is the one that takes place every year at Praça do Comércio. A stage is set up at the iconic square in the center of the city, right by the Tagus river, just like the Portuguese like it, and a crowd of partygoers brings in the new year with concerts, DJ sets, and of course, fireworks. Last year’s show lasted for all of 13 minutes, while the music shows lasted from 10.30PM to 1AM. Many people, however, might choose to watch the fireworks from another vantage point, and for those there are many viewpoints to choose from, like the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte, or Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, just to name a few. In the Oriente area there is also usually a separate fireworks display, with plenty of space by the river to watch it, at the Parque das Nações. So, if you are gregarious and aren’t afraid of the cold, bring your friends, and your 12 raisins, and celebrate the New Year with a bang.
📍Praça do Comércio (Terreiro do Paço), 1100-148 Lisbon
Photo by Lisboa Secreta
Royal Palace – from €30
One of the biggest and most popular parties in the city is the Royal Palace. With entries starting at 30€ (including 3 drinks) and with the possibility of booking a table or a place at the VIP section, this party includes options for different price ranges. Taking place at the Pavilhão Carlos Lopes, it is certainly a great option for those who like to spend the last night of the year partying until the early hours of the day. With a line up that includes hip hop artist Mizzy Miles, brazilian funk Dj duo I love Baile Funk and Deejay Kamala, Royal Palace promises to make you dance your way into 2025.
📍Pavilhão Carlos Lopes, Av. Sidónio Pais 16, 1070-051 Lisbon
www.royalpalace.pt/passagem-de-ano-lisboa
Photo by Royal Palace
ReveillonFest – from €25
Another lively addition to Lisbon’s New Year Party scene, ReveillonFest promises live music and Dj’s with music styles to suit all tastes, with a particular focus on Brazilian music, from funk, to sertanejo and axé, as well as acts that pay a modern and revamped hommage to Portuguese pimba music. Reveillon Fest will take place at Music Station, near Oriente, in the east of the city, and tickets start from 25€ up to 150€ per person, which includes a table for 4 and as well as finger food and access to a VIP area. The dress code is casual chic.
📍Music Station Lisboa, Av. Mar. Gomes da Costa 29 B1, 1800-255 Lisbon
www.instagram.com/reveillonfestportugal
Photo by Sombra Solene
Navio Ópera – €220
For those who want to celebrate the start of 2025 in a truly unique way, The Ópera offers a complete New Year experience, complete with dinner, a spectacular view of the city’s fireworks from the river Tagus itself, a buffet of traditional holiday sweet treats and cheeses, and even the customary caldo verde, the collard greens and potato soup that is served at the end of any big Portuguese celebration. After dinner there’s an open bar, with a varied choice of digestifs. With festivities starting at 7.30PM and ending at 2AM, there will be plenty of time to celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of a new one, in the best way possible.
📍Boarding: Doca de Alcântara (north side) – Rocha Conde de Óbidos, 1350-355 Lisbon
https://nmopera.com/R%C3%A9veillon-2024-25
Photo by Seaventy
Lumen Hotel & Lisbon Light Show – from €550 per for a double room (with New Year’s Eve Package)
Lumen Hotel & Lisbon Light Show rings in the final hours of 2024 with an unforgettable experience featuring gourmet dining, immersive entertainment, and luxurious comfort. The evening starts with a welcome drink at the 6º Degrees Bar, followed by an overnight stay with breakfast the next morning. The highlight of the night is a chef’s tasting dinner at Clorofila Restaurant, paired with festive entertainment, including the magical Christmas and Snow Show and the stunning Lisbon Light Show. As midnight approaches, guests gather in the Páteo Fotossíntese for the countdown, with sparkling wine and grapes to celebrate the new year. Taking on traditional Portuguese ingredients and flavors with playful creativity, the New Year’s Eve dinner features marinated scallops, flavorful langoustine soup, sea bass with spinach flan, a creamy corn-based xarém, and a light Bulhão Pato foam as well as a classic of international cuisine, the beef Wellington. The evening ends with a dessert buffet of fresh fruits and seasonal treats, along with coffee, petit fours, and a final cocktail.
📍Rua Sousa Martins 20, 1050-217 Lisbon
www.lumenhotel.pt/pt/ofertas-especiais/pack-fim-de-ano
Photo by NIT
Whether or not they decide to follow one or more of Portugal’s countless traditions or superstitions, travelers in Lisbon will definitely find something to suit their taste. With plenty of delicious meals to be consumed, as well as good times to be had, the city makes a strong case for itself as a place where we can leave the old year behind, and welcome the New Year with beauty, fun, and most certainly some good food too.
Join us on Instagram for more Lisbon inspirations and start planning a trip to Portugal for the new year! #tasteoflisboa
Feed your curiosity on Portuguese food culture:
When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
How to plan and enjoy your Christmas in Lisbon
How to detox eating Portuguese food
Chefs who have made a mark on Lisbon’s culinary scene – Part 3
Real people, real food. Come with us to where the locals go.
Signup for our natively curated food & cultural experiences.
Follow us for more at Instagram, Twitter e Youtube