New Year's Eve in Havana: how it's celebrated and what to do
If you're thinking of spending New Year's Eve in Havana, this is what we can tell you: how it's celebrated in Cuban homes, what changes in the city on those days and where to look up what's on each night.
We've been welcoming travelers at Amargura 62, in Old Havana, for eleven years. What follows comes from public sources and from what we know about the house; when we can't confirm something, we tell you.
How New Year's is celebrated in Cuba
In Cuba, the important celebration is family around the table, and it begins before the 31st.
On the 24th, the Christmas Eve dinner. It is the heart of the celebration: the whole family gets together, and people with few resources usually save something special for that night. The 25th is quieter: you eat what's left over and either visit people or rest.
The main dish is usually pork, with congrí rice and yuca with mojo. For toasting, people use beer or Cuban rum more than sparkling wine. For dessert, buñuelos in syrup.
On the 31st, at midnight, there are customs you may not know:
- Throwing a bucket of water into the street, to say goodbye to the bad of the year that is leaving. If you walk down a neighborhood street at that hour, keep your wits about you.
- Burning a rag doll that represents the Old Year.
- Walking around the block with a suitcase, so that the new year brings travel.
- Grapes and cider, which had stopped being seen, have come back in some homes.
The dinner on the 31st, on the other hand, is lighter than the one on the 24th for many people.
What to expect on December 31 and January 1
December 31 and January 2 are holidays under the Labor Code, and January 1 is a national commemoration day. December 25 is also a holiday. According to last year's Ministry of Labor notice, on those days transportation, hospitals, pharmacies, gas stations, lodging, tourist centers and restaurants within their authorized hours, among others, keep operating. Many other places, such as offices and shops, usually close.
That's why we recommend: arrive at these dates with the money, medicine and shopping you need already taken care of, and confirm before you go anywhere you want to visit. In Cuba hours change easily and we can't promise you that something will be open on a particular day.
For payment, remember what we explain in money in Cuba: since June 2026, Visa and Mastercard are not accepted, so bring cash.
And if the power goes out: the historic center is one of the areas of Havana with the fewest outages, and at the house you have fans and battery-powered lights, and a power bank for your phone.
What's on in the city those days
In Havana, New Year's Eve night depends a lot on each venue and each year, and we don't have a reliable source saying what has been organized for this December right now. That's why we don't give you a list that would go out of date.
What we do is check it every week:
- In the Agenda we publish concerts, exhibitions and shows in Havana with date, place and the distance from the house.
- In Concerts in Havana you see today's and this week's.
- In This weekend you have what's on in the next few days.
Two December events that do have a date and a source:
- Havana Film Festival (Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano). According to its call for entries, published in May, its 47th edition is announced in Havana from December 3 to 13, 2026. Confirm the dates and venues before you go.
- Pilgrimage to San Lázaro, which is usually held on December 17. Thousands of people walk to the El Rincón sanctuary, on the outskirts of Havana, many dressed in purple or burlap. It is a religious and popular festival, not a spectacle: if you want to see it, go with respect and ask beforehand how to get there.
And outside Havana: on December 24 the Parrandas are held in Remedios (Villa Clara province), a festival of music and fireworks between rival neighborhoods, inscribed by UNESCO in 2018. Remedios is in the center of the country, not in Havana.
Weather and what to pack
If you're coming in December, also see Havana in December: weather, vibe and what to pack.
Where to stay
Amargura 62 has a courtyard and a roof terrace, and Plaza de San Francisco is a 1-minute walk away. There are four apartments and, for groups, you can book the whole house (up to 12 guests, minimum 3 nights).
You'll find more details about the apartments in Where to stay in Havana. From December 20 to January 6 the house has its holiday-season prices; the booking search always shows you the final price for your dates, taxes included.
Frequently asked questions
How is New Year's celebrated in Cuba?
With a family dinner on the 24th and a lighter dinner on the 31st. At midnight people throw a bucket of water into the street, burn a rag doll and walk around the block with a suitcase, so that the year brings travel.
What opens and what closes on December 31 and January 1?
Transportation, hospitals, pharmacies, gas stations, lodging, tourist centers and restaurants keep operating, according to last year's Ministry of Labor notice. Many offices and shops close. Confirm before you go.
What's on in Havana on December 31?
It depends on the year. What gets confirmed, we publish in the Agenda.
Can I pay by card?
No: since June 2026, Visa and Mastercard are not accepted. Bring cash in euros or dollars. More in money in Cuba.