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.
What to Expect
Eat twelve lucky grapes to the chimes of the clock tower.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Sol
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Madrid Destino
Food & Drink
Twelve lucky grapes are eaten as part of the countdown.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Crowd-loving new year's eve celebrants
Vibe
Festive and energetic
Energy Level
High
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free.
- Hours: 00:00 h.
- Parking: Use the Estadio Metropolitano park-and-ride and continue by public transport.
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.
Quick Actions
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.
More Christmas Events Near Madrid
More Christmas Events near Madrid
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.