More than just New Year’s Eve parties, these experiences signal a new beginning that includes plenty of lights, sound, warmth, and excitement.
When it comes to such memorable celebrations, two places are particularly special: Madeira and Rio de Janeiro, two places where the pages on the calendar change with greater intensity, colour, and soul.
If you’re wondering where to go, it depends on what you’re looking for: relaxation and Atlantic beauty in Madeira, or tropical energy and exciting get-togethers in Rio? Whatever you choose, it’s tough to imagine better places to celebrate this time of year.
Funchal: fireworks and Atlantic views
In Madeira, New Year is celebrated with one of Europe’s largest fireworks displays, which is also considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, where Funchal Bay becomes a natural amphitheatre, with thousands of lights reflecting on the water and illuminating the island’s sky. The atmosphere is festive, as well as charming and traditional.
Staying at one of our resorts and 4 and 5-star hotels in Madeira means having a front-row seat to this spectacular show. There are gala dinners, live music, theme parties, and rooftop terraces with great views of the city and fireworks. On this night, the island takes on a special charm that cannot be experienced at any other time of the year.
To avoid disappointment, it’s well worth booking in advance, as the island is packed with visitors at this time of year. It’s a good idea to arrive a few days early to explore the Christmas markets, the festive lights in the historic centre, and the walks along the island’s south coast, where the weather is mild, even in December. Pestana’s hotels in Funchal offer the ideal balance between comfort, location, and experience.
Rio: the contagious energy of Copacabana
On the other side of the Atlantic, Pestana Rio Atlântica hotel offers guests a very different New Year’s Eve. The Copacabana neighbourhood is filled with millions of people clad in white, there are petals in the sea, promises made to the waves, samba, and explosions of colour in the sky. Fireworks launched from the beach and barges on the sea light up one of the most famous New Year’s Eves on the planet.
This isn’t just another hotel near the beach in Rio de Janeiro, but rather an iconic establishment, perfectly located on Avenida Atlântica (the city’s boardwalk) with a direct view of the main festivities. On the rooftop, which has both a swimming pool and DJ, the celebrations are well underway. And when midnight strikes, amid all the toasts and hugs, you can feel the real spirit of Rio: joy, warmth, and a vibrant sense of hope that spreads throughout the city.
If you’re thinking of celebrating New Year in the “marvellous city”, make sure you plan everything well, as many Brazilians and international travellers pick Rio to enjoy the city’s unique vibe. It’s normal to see hotels along the Copacabana waterfront fully booked, with the Pestana Rio Atlântica being one of the most popular. On the 31st, the streets near the beach are closed to traffic, so it’s best to already be ensconced in the heart of the festivities. In the days leading up to the celebrations, why not visit classic landmarks, such as Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, not forgetting to stroll around Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and enjoy a caipirinha at sunset on Arpoador beach.
