New Year’s Eve in Panama is a big night — rooftops in the city, bonfires on the beach and fireworks over the bay. If you are wondering where to celebrate December 31 in Panama, here are the main options.
City parties and rooftops
The Casco Viejo rooftops and the bars of Calle Uruguay host some of the best countdown parties, with DJs, dinner-and-party packages and skyline views. These sell out early, so book ahead.
Beach New Year
Many families head to the coast: Coronado, Playa Blanca and Pedasí–Playa Venao fill up for New Year’s Eve, with beach parties, hotel galas and fireworks over the Pacific. It is the classic Panamanian way to welcome the year.
Traditions to know
At midnight, Panamanians burn the muñeco de año viejo (a life-size doll representing the old year), eat 12 grapes, and some run around the block with a suitcase for a year of travel. Fireworks are everywhere — the whole sky lights up.
Fireworks and countdown
The best fireworks views are from the Cinta Costera and the Amador Causeway, looking back at the skyline and the bay.
Early-bird tickets
We will list the best New Year’s Eve events and dinners with early-bird tickets in our Year-End in Panama 2026 guide — leave your email or WhatsApp there to get the links before they sell out. Hosting an event? Publish it and sell tickets through the directory.
Planning something for New Year’s Eve in Panama: Where to Celebrate December 31?
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