Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is already buzzing with excitement and anticipation for the New Year! The city is ready to sparkle with dazzling colors, lights and grand celebrations to mark the new beginning. As the clock ticks down to midnight, the Philippine capital transforms into an exhilarating playground, offering romantic countdowns, spectacular fireworks, lavish parties, intimate family gatherings and much more. Let’s discover the top spots, thrilling activities, and unique traditions that ensure your New Year in Manila is filled with joy, wonder, and authentic Filipino charm!
Top Spots to Experience the Vibe of New Year in Manila
Manila offers a diverse array of venues to usher in the New Year, each with its unique flavor. From spectacular outdoor concerts to luxurious hotel galas, here’s a list of the best places to celebrate New Year in Manila:
1. Bonifacio Global City
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig hosts one of the most happening New Year celebrations in Manila. The streets of BGC come alive with street parties, food stalls, live music, and festive energy, making it an ideal choice for friends and couples seeking a lively celebration. Many upscale bars and restaurants in BGC also host private New Year parties, offering special dining menus.
How to Reach: BGC is easily accessible via ride-hailing services, taxis, or the BGC Bus system. Major bus routes connect BGC to various parts of Metro Manila. For those driving, consider reserving parking in advance, as roads close early for events.
Entry: Free General Admission (First-come, first-served basis); Some ticketed VIP options available
Things to Do:
- Attend the massive ‘BGC NYE at the Fifth’ street party with concerts and countdown
- Watch the iconic ‘Sparks in the Sky’ fireworks display at the 5th Avenue
- Savor a buffet dinner with live performances at Ibiza Beach Club BGC
2. SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex
%20Complex.webp)
To enjoy the most spectacular fireworks display in Manila, head straight to the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex in Pasay City. Located along Manila Bay, the mall offers an expansive viewing area for electrifying performances by Kapuso stars and P-pop idols, breathtaking pyrotechnic music shows and midnight fireworks.
How to Reach: MOA is accessible by taxi, ride-hailing apps, and various bus routes that terminate or pass through the MOA Complex. Public jeepneys also ply routes to and from MOA.
Things to Do:
- Attend the star-studded Kapuso Countdown to 2026 at Seaside Boulevard
- Witness Manila’s largest fireworks display at SM Mall of Asia (MOA) By the Bay
- Arrive early to secure a good spot along the Baywalk
- Explore the mall for last-minute shopping and dining before the night
- Enjoy carnival rides at SM By the Bay Amusement Park
Suggested Read: Plan Your Trip to the Best Beaches in Vietnam
3. Makati
Located in the heart of Manila's financial district, Makati shines brightly during New Year celebrations. Ayala Avenue, particularly near the Ayala Triangle Gardens, is known for its grand fireworks displays and a massive street party with live OPM bands and food stalls. It's a free event, although premium or VIP ticketed sections might offer better views.
How to Reach: Makati is well-served by public transportation, including buses and jeepneys. The MRT-3 Ayala Station is a short walk or jeepney ride away from Ayala Avenue. Parking is available in various car parks, but traffic can be heavy.
Things to Do:
- Join the energetic crowd for live performances and soak in the festive atmosphere
- Experience 'Radiating on Top' New Year Countdown
- See the impressive pyrotechnic displays at Ayala Avenue, Makati
- Enjoy exclusive New Year's Eve galas and dinner buffets at various luxury hotels
4. Newport City
Home to Newport World Resorts (formerly Resorts World Manila), Newport City offers a more integrated and luxurious New Year's Eve celebration in Manila.
How to Reach: Newport City is directly accessible from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Terminal 3) via a pedestrian bridge. Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available.
Things to Do:
- Join the Grand Countdown at Newport World Resorts, featuring celebrity performances, exquisite dining and fireworks
- Try your luck at one of the casinos in the area
- Visit nearby Okada Manila for a luxurious celebration with world-class dining and spectacular views
Suggested Read: Top Places to Visit in Vietnam to Enjoy a Pleasant Holiday
5. Rizal Park (Luneta)
.webp)
If you are seeking a family-friendly New Year celebration in Manila, Rizal Park (also known as Luneta Park) is your ultimate destination. This historic landmark provides a spacious, relaxed environment to welcome the new year.
How to Reach: Rizal Park is centrally located and easily accessible by LRT-1 (alight at United Nations Avenue or Central Terminal stations), jeepneys, or taxis.
Things to Do:
- Picnic and enjoy the festive atmosphere with loved ones
- Enjoy live music performances and an impressive midnight fireworks show
- Explore the park's various monuments and gardens before the countdown begins
Top Venues to Enjoy New Year Parties in Manila
The Manila fireworks display is arguably the highlight of the New Year's Eve celebrations, painting the city skyline with vibrant bursts of color. While many locations offer excellent views, some stand out for their grandeur and atmosphere.
- The Peak at Grand Hyatt Manila
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at The Peak with luxurious dining, panoramic skyline views, live entertainment, and a glamorous atmosphere perfect for countdowns, fireworks watching, and unforgettable celebrations high above the city.
- Vu's Sky Bar at Marco Polo Ortigas
Vu’s Sky Bar offers a stylish New Year celebration with breathtaking city vistas, crafted cocktails, live music, and an elevated ambiance ideal for enjoying fireworks and sophisticated countdown festivities in Ortigas.
- Antidote Rooftop Bar at I'M Hotel
Antidote Rooftop Bar delivers a vibrant New Year experience with neon aesthetics, live DJs, creative drinks, and sweeping Makati views, creating an energetic party atmosphere perfect for ringing in the new year.
- C Lounge at Conrad Manila
C Lounge features a relaxed yet elegant New Year setting with Manila Bay views, curated cocktails, live performances, and front-row visibility of fireworks, offering a serene but festive celebration by the waterfront.
Suggested Read: Usher in the New Year in Malaysia: Your Ultimate Celebration Guide
Activities to Enjoy During New Year in Manila
While the countdown and fireworks are theChinatown highlight of New Year celebrations, Manila offers a range of activities to enjoy far beyond midnight. From dining experiences to cultural immersions, there's something for everyone.
- Indulge in Media Noche Feast, the traditional meal for New Year
- Witness the vibrant countdown at hotels like The Peninsula Manila, Fairmont Makati and Bellevue Manila
- Experience the nightlife of Manila at Poblacion in Makati or various clubs in BGC
- Step back in time at Intramuros, the historic walled city in Manila
- Enjoy a joyful celebration in Manila's vibrant Chinatown (Binondo)
- Explore Christmas Markets and illuminations in Ayala Triangle Gardens
- Attend pre-New Year concerts and theatrical performances at The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex
Unique New Year Traditions in the Philippines
To truly immerse yourself in the New Year's Eve celebration in Manila, understanding and participating in local traditions is must. These customs are rooted in hopes for good fortune and a prosperous year ahead.
- Media Noche Feast
This midnight feast is a popular Filipino New Year tradition. Families gather to share an abundant meal, symbolizing their desire for a year full of food and blessings.
- Twelve Round Fruits
A staple on the Media Noche table, twelve different round fruits represent prosperity, one for each month of the year. The circular shape symbolizes coins and money.
- Wearing Polka Dots
Many Filipinos believe that wearing polka-dotted clothing on New Year's Eve brings good luck and prosperity, as the dots resemble coins.
- Making Noise
To drive away evil spirits and bad luck, Filipinos make a lot of noise as the clock strikes midnight. This can involve banging pots and pans, blowing horns, or lighting firecrackers and sparklers (known locally as paputok).
- Jumping at Midnight
Children, and sometimes adults, jump at midnight with the belief that it will help them grow taller.
- Opening Doors and Windows
Many families open all doors and windows at midnight to let out the old year's misfortunes and welcome in good fortune and positive vibes for the new year.
- Keeping Containers Full
Ensuring rice and water containers are full before midnight is believed to guarantee a continuous supply throughout the year.
Suggested Read: Top Exotic Beaches in Malaysia for Water Adventure & Relaxation
Travel Tips for New Year in Manila
Planning your New Year in Manila trip requires a little foresight, especially given the popularity of the season. Here are some quick tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable celebration:
- Book hotels early, as they fill up quickly and prices increase
- Make advance reservations for NYE galas, parties and events
- Be prepared for heavy New Year's Eve traffic
- Use MRT, LRT, buses and ride-hailing apps for easy commute
- Wear lightweigth clothing as Manila's December weather is warm (25 to 31°C)
- Carry plenty of water at crowded outdoor events
- Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas
- Learn basic Tagalog phrases like ‘Maligayang Bagong Taon!’
- Carry some cash for street vendors
Welcoming the New Year in Manila is not just about partying but diving deep into a vibrant culture, watching breathtaking spectacles and embracing new beginnings like never before. Whether you are captivated by the grand fireworks, charmed by the unique traditions, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere with loved ones, Manila offers a dynamic backdrop to bid farewell to the old and usher in the new. Plan your Manila holiday with our Philippines tour packages and get ready for an unforgettable start to 2026 in the Pearl of the Orient!
FAQ’s - New Year in Manila
Top spots include SM Mall of Asia, Bonifacio Global City, Ayala Avenue in Makati, and Rizal Park for grand fireworks displays.
Filipinos celebrate with Media Noche, display 12 round fruits, wear polka dots, and make loud noises to ward off bad luck.
Yes, but always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Public safety measures are usually in place.
Yes, you should book everything in advance, including popular NYE parties, hotels, fine dining experiences, events, and additional activities for a hassle-free New Year in Manila.
Media Noche is a traditional midnight feast celebrated by Filipino families on New Year's Eve to welcome prosperity.
December in Manila typically has warm, dry weather with average temperatures between 25-31°C (77-88°F).
Public transport operates, but expect reduced services and heavy crowds. Ride-hailing may be challenging around midnight.
Yes, places like Rizal Park and designated areas in SM Mall of Asia and BGC often host family-friendly events.
