Why You Should Spend New Year’s Eve in Punta Cana

Did you know? The Dominican Republic is a world away from your everyday troubles – but easy to get to. It’s the ultimate Caribbean escape, just two hours from Miami. Especially when we’re talking about Punta Cana. Offering direct flights from over 28 countries and 96 cities around the world, Punta Cana International Airport is just a short drive from Bávaro Beach, home to some of the Dominican Republic’s greatest attractions. You’ll be on the beach in no time. Learn more about getting to Punta Cana.

Put away your snow boots and grab your beach towel and sunscreen. Dominican Republic weather is beautiful and tropical throughout the year, making a beach getaway a sun-soaked experience any time you visit. But it’s especially nice in the winter, when you can leave behind frigid temperatures at home for a Punta Cana escape. Average temperatures in December in Punta Cana usually hover around the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Added bonus: winter weather in Punta Cana is usually less rainy and humid than other times of year, too! Learn more about why there’s no “off-season” in the Dominican Republic.

From wild to laid-back, Punta Cana nightlife won’t disappoint. And that is especially true here. Check out just a few of your best Punta Cana New Year’s Eve options.

• Dance the night away at Coco Bongo this New Year’s Eve. This expansive Punta Cana nightclub is the perfect place for the final party of the year, with a glitzy and glamorous celebration that lasts until 4am. You’ll be able to take advantage of unlimited premium drinks from the bar, while grooving to world class DJs and live music that ranges from rock and roll to salsa. Coco Bongo pulls out all the stops for New Year’s Eve, creating an incredible spectacle for revelers. Amidst a state-of-the-art light show, balloons and confetti, you’ll see acrobats, dancers, entertainers and a whole lot more. Put on your best outfit and get ready to party – Punta Cana style! Get tickets at cocobongo.com.
• One of the best beachfront venues in Punta Cana, Pearl Beach Club is another great spot to spend New Year’s Eve in the Dominican Republic. You’ll enjoy a luxurious ambiance just steps from the sand, with the Caribbean breeze in your hair and a handcrafted cocktail in your hand. Learn more at pearlbeachclub.com.
• Enjoy some high-rolling thrills on New Year’s Eve! Casino Bávaro, located in Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort, is a 24-hour adult playground. Here, you can enjoy American Roulette, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Texas Hold ‘Em and much more.
• Another Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort New Year’s Eve option is the Vegas-style Grand Teatro Bávaro. Here, you’ll find dazzling dancers accompanied by live music performed by an outstanding orchestra. There are bars on both levels and attentive waiters so you don’t miss any part of the fabulous shows. You can also have some New Year’s Eve fun at Bávaro Nightclub, a glamorous spot with cocktails, DJs and dancing.

Can’t make it to the Dominican Republic this year to celebrate New Year’s Eve? No problem. You can still add a few Dominican Republic New Year’s Eve traditions to your own celebration at home this year.

• In the Dominican Republic, the color of the clothes you wear on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day could have a big effect on the year to come. Wear green if you want to improve your financial situation. Red apparel means that you’re hoping for a bright future. Yellow clothes may help you if you’re trying to get a promotion at work. And wearing white is thought to help you have good health in the new year.
• Cleaning house is a Dominican New Year’s tradition. Having a squeaky-clean home is thought to bring good luck in the months to come.
• A Dominican New Year’s dinner is one of the biggest feasts of the year, with empanadas, roasted pork, Russian salad – and authentic Dominican rum, of course!
• When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, that’s known as “Cañonazo” in the Dominican Republic. Hugs and toasts are exchanged to start the year off in friendly fashion.