New Year's Eve 2025
Date: December 31, 2025 (Wednesday)
Country: Chile Public Holidays
Description
New Year Eve in Chile is the last day of the calendar year. It falls on December 31. People watch the clock count down to midnight as the year ends and a new one begins on January 1.
This night means saying goodbye to the old year and thinking about what happened. It is a quiet moment for many to reflect on successes and mistakes. It helps people learn from the past.
It is also a time of hope. Many Chileans think about goals and plans for the coming year. The change from one year to the next feels like a fresh start and a chance to try again.
New Year Eve matters across the whole country. Schools and many workplaces pause for the holidays. The night connects families, friends, and communities as they mark an important shared moment.
For Chile as for other countries, this night links time and tradition with future hopes. It is both personal and public in its meaning and importance.
Traditions
In Chile people celebrate New Year with big fireworks shows and loud street parties. Families and friends gather in plazas, on rooftops, or at beaches. Music, dancing and hugging at midnight are very common.
Meals are big and festive. Families share seafood, empanadas, barbecued meat and fresh salads. Many also drink champaña or chicha. Sweet desserts and cakes finish the night while everyone toasts and counts down.
Popular rituals include eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck, and burning a muñeco or old doll as a way to say goodbye to the old year. Some wear red or yellow underwear for love or good fortune.
Travel Tips
Shops, banks, and some public offices close early or all day on New Year Eve. Book restaurants, rides, and hotels in advance. Expect heavy traffic, road closures, and crowded metro trains around midnight, so travel earlier or walk where safe.
Watch for official fireworks zones and police instructions. Carry cash and ID since ATMs may be busy. Keep valuables hidden, use licensed taxis or apps, and avoid driving right after fireworks. Know local emergency numbers and your hotel address to return safely.