New Year's Eve at Puerta del Sol
Thousands of revellers pack the square to welcome the new year and eat twelve lucky grapes. Just before midnight, the ball at the top of the Real Casa de Correos tower descends with the sound of a carillon, followed by four quarters and twelve spaced chimes. The celebration fills the square with music, lively crowds, and a festive party atmosphere.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Free.
Hours
00:00 h.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Sol
Food & Drink
Twelve lucky grapes are eaten as part of the countdown.
Parking
Use the Estadio Metropolitano park-and-ride and continue by public transport.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Listen for the ball dropping and the four quarters that come before the twelve chimes, so you know when to start on the grapes.
- Take the metro to Sol, Callao, Ópera or Sevilla, or Cercanías to Madrid-Sol, rather than driving into the centre on the night.
- If you are coming by car, leave it at the Estadio Metropolitano park-and-ride and finish the trip on public transport.
- Stay on after the chimes, because music and celebrations carry on well into the night across Madrid.
Special Events & Promotions
- The Preuvas take place on December 30, the night before New Year's Eve.
Links & Contact
Run by Madrid Destino
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does everyone eat twelve grapes?
The best-known story dates the custom to 1909. That year, grape growers in eastern Spain had such a surplus that they handed grapes out free as a New Year's good-luck charm. Today the twelve grapes stand for luck in each month of the year.
How do I get there by public transport?
Take the metro to Sol (L1, L2, L3), Callao (L3, L5), Ópera (L2, L5, R) or Sevilla (L2), or Cercanías to Madrid-Sol. Many bus lines also stop nearby, including the night buses N16, N18, N19, N20, N21 and N26.
Where should I park?
Leave the car at the Estadio Metropolitano park-and-ride and use public transport to get into the centre.
What happens after the chimes?
The night is just getting started. Madrid stays up late with music and celebrations.
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