The short answer: for the biggest New Year’s Eve party in Aruba, head to the Palm Beach strip along the high-rise hotels, where the bars and beach clubs are busiest and the fireworks at midnight are everywhere. Want something more organised? Book a resort gala. Want something more local? Look for the private parties promoted online, or join the gatherings at the Fisherman’s Huts.
A local’s take
The turn of the year along the high-rise beach is something else. The whole coast lights up with fireworks at midnight. Book your dinner early, then head to the beach for the countdown.
Where to party on New Year’s Eve
| Where | What it’s like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach strip | Bars and beach clubs along the high-rise hotels, with fireworks all along the beach at midnight | First-timers, groups |
| Moomba Beach | A beach bar right on Palm Beach, one of the party spots on the strip | Dancing on the sand |
| Resort galas | Ticketed New Year’s dinner and party at a hotel or resort | Couples, an all-in-one night |
| Private parties promoted online | Parties thrown by local organisers and sold through social media and ticket pages | A more local crowd |
| Fisherman’s Huts | Informal gatherings on the beach just north of the high-rise hotels | A relaxed, local feel |
Line-ups, prices and tickets change every year, so check each venue’s or organiser’s own page for this year’s plans.
Three New Year’s traditions to know
- Fireworks everywhere. At midnight, fireworks go up all over the island, not just at one official show. Find a spot on the beach with an open view of the sky.
- Pagara. On 31 December, businesses set off long strings of firecrackers called pagara, a tradition meant to chase away bad luck and bring in a good year. It’s loud, so don’t be surprised.
- Dande. Dande is traditional New Year’s music. Groups go from house to house singing to wish everyone good luck for the year ahead.
Going with a group?
A nightlife party bus takes care of the driving and goes from bar to bar, so nobody has to worry about getting around. Check whether it runs on 31 December before you book.
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What nobody tells you upfront
Very few boat trips sail at midnight for the fireworks. A sunset sail earlier in the evening, then the beach for the countdown, is the easier plan. If you do find a New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise, book it as early as you can.
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