You don’t really need to go all the way to New York and Times Square to welcome the New Year. You can do that perfectly in Barcelona because there are many wonderful ways to say goodbye to 2019 and enter the new year.
Some of the ways to do this might even surprise you, so take a pen and paper and add your favourite activities from ShBarcelona’s list to your calendar. The activities to celebrate the new year have been sorted by neighbourhood for your convenience.
Related article: Celebrating New Year’s Eve In Barcelona
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Ideas on how to celebrate New Year’s Eve
An exceptional party at Montjuïc



Photo via Pixabay
It is custom (since 2013) to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Barcelona at the fountain of Montjuïc in the neighbourhood of Poble Sec. The evening starts at 21:30 with an incredible show, and for this you need to go to Montjuïc’s Magic Fountain.
Then, at about 23:45, the fireworks and a marvellous performing arts show will start. Of course, New Year’s Eve would not be complete without the tradition of the twelve grapes. (eating one every time the clock strikes at twelve o’clock).
After this special start of the new year, what better way to keep on celebrating then going to a discotheque or other venue to continue the party? ShBarcelona can recommend Poble Espanyol for this, an architectural museum that is located on Montjuïc mountain.
For the best ambience and the most fun, join one of its 3 locations with your company. The party at Poble Espanyol starts at 22:30 and continues until 6 in the morning.
Running the Cursa dels Nassos
On Tuesday, December 31 the next Cursa dels Nassos (running event) will start around 17:30. It consists of a 10 km long route that will show you some of the most characteristic places of Barcelona. If you wish to run this race, you must be at least 16 years of age.
Everyone needs to register before picking up their number. Could there possibly be a healthier way to end the year than participating in this sports event? If you are ready to part with 2019 in your running outfit, the start and finish is in the neighbourhood of Poblenou.
Related article: Catalan and Spanish traditions in New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Dive at the beach of Sant Sebastià
This is a very special tradition, and we have been celebrating it in Barcelona since 1996. There is no other way to put it: on this first day of the year you take a swim with lots of kindred spirits. It takes place at the beach of Sant Sebastiá in the neighbourhood of Barceloneta.
People that are interested to join this New Year’s Dive should meet on January 1 at 12:00, in front of Club Natació Atlètic. If you will be travelling here by metro, line 4 is best.
Magic City at Plaça Catalunya



Photo via Pixabay
From December 20 to 31 Plaça de Catalunya (in the district of Eixample) is a very special location if you want to celebrate Christmas or the last day of the year.
Many events have been organised, for example dances, fairs, children’s activities, sports, games, Christmas carols, giants and much, much more. Take a look at the programme on Barcelona.cat and be sure not to miss any of the great events.
Carillon concert in Barrio Gótic
Every first Sunday of the month you can listen to a free concert by the carillonist of the Palau de la Generalitat. And if you happen to be in the Gothic Quarter at the correct day and time, you mustn’t miss these monthly concerts given by Anna Maria Reverté inside the Patio de los Naranjos.
The programme includes classical and popular compositions, and they change every month. We can share a little secret with you though: the one on January 5 will be a very special performance.
How are you going to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Barcelona this year?
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