New Year's Eve in Punta Cana is the night the whole coast was built for: dry, warm, fireworks over the water, and a bill to match.
The resort galas#
Almost every resort runs a gala dinner on the 31st, with a party after and fireworks on the beach at midnight. The catch is the price: on many all-inclusive plans the gala is an extra charge, sometimes mandatory for guests staying over the date. Read the holiday terms before you book, and reserve the gala the day the resort opens reservations. Cap Cana and the largest Bávaro resorts host the biggest nights. Christmas and New Year's in Punta Cana covers the full holiday fortnight.
Outside the resort#
Bávaro's beach bars and restaurants, the Los Corales strip, and the beach itself, where locals and visitors gather for the fireworks the resorts fire along the coast. Tables with a sea view sell out; book. The night runs to dawn, and taxis back are the one thing to arrange before midnight.
The Dominican way#
Dinner with the family first, late. At midnight: twelve grapes for twelve wishes, yellow underwear for luck, a suitcase walked around the block for a year of travel, cider, fireworks, and bachata until the sun comes up. In Punta Cana this happens in Verón and the Dominican side of Bávaro, where the people who work in the hotels live. Dominican New Year's Eve traditions has all of them. If you would rather do it in the capital, New Year's Eve in Santo Domingo is the Malecón at midnight.
Weather#
Dry season: around 28°C by day, 22°C at night, little rain, warm sea, usually no sargassum. Punta Cana in December and in January for the weeks either side.
Prices and booking#
The most expensive week of the year, by a distance. Flights and rooms months ahead; the gala as early as the resort allows. The week after New Year drops sharply, so a trip that starts on the 2nd costs much less than one that ends on the 1st.
Do it with a Dominican#
The grapes, the suitcase and the right beach bar are easier with someone who has done it every year. Post your dates on Roavi Community and browse Local Friends in Punta Cana.
New Year's Eve in Punta Cana? Twelve grapes with someone who lives here.
Meet a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
Is New Year's Eve dinner included at Punta Cana all-inclusives?
Often not. Most resorts run a gala dinner on 31 December with a mandatory or optional surcharge on top of the all-inclusive rate, sometimes substantial. Check the resort's holiday terms before booking and reserve the gala early; they sell out.What do Dominicans do on New Year's Eve?
Dinner with the family first, then the street. Twelve grapes at midnight for twelve wishes, yellow underwear for luck, a suitcase walked around the block for a year of travel, cider or champagne, fireworks, and music until dawn. In Punta Cana the Dominican version happens in Verón and Bávaro, not in the hotel zone.Where can I celebrate New Year's Eve outside the resort in Punta Cana?
Bávaro's beach bars and restaurants, the Los Corales strip, and the beach itself, where people gather for the resort fireworks visible along the coast. Book a table; everything with a view sells out.What is the weather like in Punta Cana on New Year's Eve?
Dry season: around 28°C by day, 22°C at night, little rain, warm sea and usually no sargassum. The best weather of the year, which is part of why the week is the most expensive.
