Marcelo OliveiraNew Year’s Eve in Ubatuba brings together silent fireworks on Praia do Itaguá, free Ubaterá Festival shows on Avenida Iperoig and ticketed parties at beach clubs like 180º Graus. The countdown from December 31, 2026 to January 1, 2027 happens in warm weather (averaging 26 °C) with more than 100 beaches to choose from.
Hotels for New Year’s Eve in Ubatuba12/30 to 01/02 · free-cancellation options onlySee hotels ›Booking.com partner (advertising): we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
| Date and location | Countdown 12/31/2026 → 01/01/2027 · Praia do Itaguá (downtown) and Maranduba (south), Ubatuba – SP |
|---|---|
| Fireworks | At midnight, silent visual effects (since 2019) 2026 edition |
| Summer Festival 2027 | No official schedule: on 09/14/2026 the City Hall said the festival process had not yet been opened No announcement |
| Is it free? | Yes — public party on the waterfront; ticketed parties are separate |
| Ticketed parties | None had announced 2027 prices as of 09/25/2026 — compare parties › 2026 edition |
| How to get there | 230 km from São Paulo via Rodovia dos Tamoios (SP-099), 3h30–5h by car; cars pay the environmental fee (TPA) |
| Where to stay | Itaguá to walk to the fireworks · Toninhas and Praia Grande for full infrastructure · Enseada, Lázaro and Maranduba for families and lower cost — see hotels by neighborhood › |
In this article · 14 topics
Ubatuba is one of the most sought-after New Year’s Eve destinations on the São Paulo coast — and not by chance. The city combines more than 100 beaches, preserved Atlantic Forest and a New Year’s celebration that mixes a free waterfront event with paid options for those who want open bar and music until sunrise. Even without an airport, its position between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro (3h30 from each) guarantees high demand every year-end.
Where to watch New Year’s Eve for free in Ubatuba
Free · no ticket You can spend New Year’s Eve in Ubatuba without spending anything on tickets: the fireworks on Praia do Itaguá and the Ubaterá Festival shows are free and open to the public.
Fireworks on Praia do Itaguá
The most traditional spot for the New Year’s celebration in Ubatuba is Praia do Itaguá, in the city center. The city concentrates the fireworks there — since 2019, Ubatuba has adopted silent visual-effect fireworks, which makes the countdown more inclusive for animals and people with sound sensitivity. At midnight, the sky over the bay lights up and thousands of people celebrate with their feet in the sand. 2026 edition
Ubaterá Summer Festival
In recent years, the city has organized the Ubaterá Summer Festival, with free shows from late December through the first days of January. The main stage is at Praça de Eventos, on Avenida Iperoig, right by the sea. In the previous edition (2025/2026 countdown), the New Year’s Eve headliner was Bárbara Labres, and the festival brought names like Jota Quest, Nando Reis, Xande de Pilares and Guilherme & Benuto over ten days. 2026 edition
The Ubaterá lineup for the 2027 countdown has not yet been announced. On 09/14/2026, the Ubatuba City Hall published a note saying there is still no administrative process opened for the 2027 Summer Festival — artist names and dates circulating on social media are not official. The announcement usually comes out between November and December. The format — free shows at Praça de Eventos with varied genres — tends to repeat. No announcement
Fireworks in Maranduba
Praia da Maranduba, in the southern region, also usually hosts fireworks and organized events. It’s an alternative for those staying in the southern part of Ubatuba who want to avoid downtown traffic on New Year’s Eve. 2026 edition
Ticketed parties and VIP areas for New Year’s Eve in Ubatuba
Paid Ubatuba doesn’t have the scale of Balneário Camboriú when it comes to ticketed parties, but it offers solid options for those who want infrastructure, open bar and music until sunrise.
| Party | Price | What’s included | Best for | Sleep nearby |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fireworks and public party (Praia do Itaguá) 2026 editionUbaterá 2027 with no official announcement (09/14/2026) | Free | Silent fireworks at midnight; festival shows on Av. Iperoig in recent editions | Those who want to be in the heart of the action | Walking distance from the fireworks, in Itaguá: Pousada Margerie9.2Booking › |
| Fireworks in Maranduba (southern region) 2026 edition2027 schedule not announced | Free | Fireworks and waterfront events in recent editions | Families staying in the south | Right in Maranduba:Quintal do Son Chalés9.8Booking › |
| 180º Graus (Prainha do Matarazzo) 2026 editionNearly 30 years running · 2027 edition not announced (09/25/2026) | 2027 price not announced | Electronic music and live shows, until sunrise | Party until dawn | Nearby, in Itaguá:Recanto das Palmeiras9.1Booking › |
| Café de la Musique (Prainha do Matarazzo) 2026 edition2027 edition not announced (09/25/2026) | 2027 price not announced | Beach club with electronic scene DJs | Electronic music and beach club | Nearby, in Itaguá:Recanto das Palmeiras9.1Booking › |
| Raízes Araxá (Itaguá bay) 2026 edition2027 edition not announced | 2027 price not announced | Premium open bar and open food across two floors; live band | Dinner with a view of the bay | In Itaguá:Pousada Margerie9.2Booking › |
| Anchieta Café and Vô Zé (Downtown and Itaguá) 2026 edition2027 editions not announced (09/25/2026) | 2027 price not announced | Anchieta: buffet and dance floor (R. Tamoios, 64). Vô Zé: signature drinks and DJ (Av. Leovigildo Dias Vieira, 1336) | A more intimate countdown | In Itaguá:Pousada Margerie9.2Booking › |
| Itamambuca Eco Resort party (Itamambuca, north) 2026 editionResort guests only | Package sold by the resort | Resort’s own party | Nature and surfing | Resort had no availability on Booking as of 09/25/2026. If available, on the same beach:Suites Prime Itamambuca8.8Booking ›Itamambuca Eco Resort8.4no availability |
Party status verified on 09/25/2026 through the organizers’ official channels. No ticketed party in Ubatuba had opened sales for the 2027 edition as of this date. Booking ratings and availability for 12/30–01/02 as of 09/25/2026.
180º Graus is the established reference: those who want a New Year’s Eve with infrastructure, music until sunrise and ocean views will find it there. The other events listed ran in recent editions and tend to repeat — but confirm before buying, since none of these parties has announced its 2027 edition.
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The best beaches in Ubatuba for New Year’s Eve
Ubatuba has more than 100 beaches and choosing where to spend New Year’s Eve defines the entire experience. The city stretches over more than 80 km of coastline — Enseada is at the far south end, Prumirim at the far north, and the center (Itaguá) in the middle.
For those who want buzz and infrastructure
Itaguá is the center: restaurants, bars, midnight fireworks and the summer festival just steps away. It gets packed, but it’s where everything happens. Grande is sprawling, with kiosks and parking — good for families who want a beach with infrastructure. Enseada has calm water, ideal for kids, on the way for those arriving via Rio-Santos. Toninhas offers full beachfront infrastructure, a good base for those who want convenience without the chaos of Itaguá.
For those who want peace and nature
Itamambuca is a surfing and nature stronghold — Itamambuca Eco Resort throws its own New Year’s party. Félix is small and surrounded by forest, with no kiosk, but the scenery makes up for it. Prumirim is reached by a short trail and has crystal-clear water. Domingas Dias has calm, shallow water in a protected cove — one of the most beautiful in Ubatuba.
How much it costs to spend New Year’s Eve in Ubatuba
Ubatuba is one of the most affordable New Year’s Eve destinations on the São Paulo north coast — cheaper than Ilhabela or São Sebastião, but not as budget-friendly as smaller towns on the south coast.
How much New Year’s Eve in Ubatuba costs for 2 people, 3 nights (12/30 to 01/02), excluding transport to the city
- Lodging · 3 nightsEnseada Hotel, EnseadaR$ 2,646
- New Year’s EveFree fireworksfree
- Lodging · 3 nightsPousada Margerie, ItaguáR$ 4,200
- Speedboat tour (2 people)
Southern beachesR$ 360
- Lodging · 3 nightsPousada Pitel, ToninhasR$ 5,999
- Schooner tour (2 people)Ilha das Couves and PrumirimR$ 630
Lodging: total Booking price for 12/30–01/02, 2 adults, checked on 09/25/2026. Tours: Civitatis on 09/25/2026, per person. Does not include fuel, tolls, environmental fee (TPA), meals or ticketed party admission (2027 prices not announced).
| Other expenses | Reference range |
|---|---|
| Food per day (couple) | R$ 150–350 (Sep/2026) |
| Fuel São Paulo → Ubatuba (round trip) | R$ 250–400 (Sep/2026) |
| Boat tour booked online (per person) | R$ 180–315 on Civitatis (09/25/2026); at the pier, schooners also sell directly |
For a couple over 5 nights with mid-range lodging, meals and one tour: expect to spend between R$ 3,000 and R$ 7,000 total (Sep/2026). Sharing a house with friends greatly reduces the cost per person.
How to get to Ubatuba
Ubatuba is on the north coast of São Paulo, about 230 km from the capital. Access is by road — there’s no airport in the city.
By car (from São Paulo)
Time: 3h30 to 5h, depending on traffic. Three main routes: the Rodovia dos Tamoios (SP-099), the most modern and safest, passing through São José dos Campos and Caraguatatuba; the Rodovia Oswaldo Cruz (SP-125), shorter but with a winding mountain descent (not recommended at night or in rain); and the Rio-Santos (BR-101) for those coming from Rio de Janeiro (~330 km, 5–6h).
By bus
Pássaro Marron runs regular lines departing from Terminal Rodoviário Tietê (São Paulo). The trip takes about 5 hours and tickets start at R$ 128 (checked on Omio on 09/25/2026).
Nearest airport
São José dos Campos airport (SJK) is about 140 km away. Guarulhos (GRU), at ~200 km, has more flight options. In either case, you’ll need to rent a car or take a bus to Ubatuba.
On New Year’s Eve, leave São Paulo before 6 a.m. or after 10 p.m. to avoid the worst of the mountain descent. The return trip on January 1 or 2 is equally heavy.
A stress-free arrival for New Year’s
- Car: it’s the most practical way to get around between Ubatuba’s beaches. If you’re renting, compare rental companies in São Paulo or at the airport on Rentcars and pick up the car before the 28th.
- Environmental fee (TPA): out-of-town cars pay the Environmental Preservation Fee, charged per day and read automatically by camera; you can pay up to 30 days after leaving.
- Flight: coming from far away, compare flights to Guarulhos or São José dos Campos with cash or miles on FlipMilhas and continue by car or bus.
How to get back after midnight in Ubatuba
Getting back to your lodging after the fireworks is the biggest practical challenge of New Year’s Eve in Ubatuba. The city has no nighttime public transport, and on the night of the 31st, downtown streets are closed or congested.
If you’re staying far from Itaguá, your options are: go and return by taxi or app (99 and Uber work, but demand explodes at midnight — expect high surge pricing and 30–60 minute waits), arrange a ride with someone who isn’t drinking, or simply choose lodging within walking distance of the fireworks (downtown, Itaguá, Toninhas). If you’re driving and not drinking, you can park early (before 8 p.m.) on the side streets of downtown — spots around the waterfront disappear fast.
Agree on a meeting point with your group before the countdown — cell signal tends to get congested at midnight.
Weather in Ubatuba for New Year’s Eve and what to wear
December and January are the hottest and rainiest months in Ubatuba — it’s part of the package on the São Paulo north coast at the height of summer.
Highs range between 30 and 31 °C, with lows of 21–22 °C and sea water at 26–27 °C. December rainfall totals around 320 mm (19 rainy days), but showers are usually quick, in the late afternoon — it rarely rains all day. Humidity stays high, between 70% and 90%.
For the countdown, wear light clothing, preferably white (a New Year’s tradition in Brazil). Bring a thin rain jacket and a bag to protect your phone. For beach days, sunscreen is essential — the summer sun on the north coast is strong.
Rainy-day plan B: the Ubatuba Aquarium and Projeto Tamar (a sea turtle conservation base) operate in the rain and are great for families. Restaurants downtown and in Itamambuca offer good food for a leisurely lunch.
Best hotels for New Year’s Eve in Ubatuba 2027
For New Year’s, lodging sells out early and prices rise — book ahead. The most strategic neighborhoods are Itaguá/Downtown (close to the fireworks and festival, pricier) and Enseada/Maranduba (better value, calm beaches, 15–25 min by car). Prefer places with breakfast included and late check-out so you can enjoy January 1 without rushing.
On 09/25/2026, Booking showed 297 accommodations in Ubatuba with availability for 12/30–01/02, but Itamambuca Eco Resort and Hotel Coquille were already sold out. Many places require a minimum stay of 4–5 nights during the period. All hotels below have more than 150 reviews on Booking and had availability at the time of the check:
| Hotel | Nota | Faixa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pousada Margerie UbatubaItaguá · A pé da orla dos fogos | 9,2435 aval. | $$$ | Ver preços |
| Pousada Recanto das PalmeirasItaguá · No Itaguá, perto da Praça de Eventos | 9,1225 aval. | $$$ | Ver preços |
| Pousada do FrancêsPraia Grande · Mais de 1.400 avaliações | 8,61.457 aval. | $$$ | Ver preços |
| Pousada Pitel UbatubaToninhas · Nota 9,6 na Praia das Toninhas | 9,6186 aval. | $$$ | Ver preços |
| Hotel Nacional Inn UbatubaToninhas · Hotel grande à beira da Praia das Toninhas | 8,41.471 aval. | $$$ | Ver preços |
| Enseada HotelEnseada · Mar calmo, bom para famílias | 8,8320 aval. | $$ | Ver preços |
| Quinta Essência Suítes e ChalésLázaro · Praia do Lázaro, região sul | 9,6163 aval. | $$ | Ver preços |
| Aldeia da LagoinhaLagoinha · Praia da Lagoinha, região sul | 9,3463 aval. | $$ | Ver preços |
| Quintal do Son ChalésMaranduba · Na Maranduba, perto dos fogos do sul | 9,8164 aval. | $$ | Ver preços |
| Suites Prime ItamambucaItamambuca · Praia de surfe, região norte | 8,8303 aval. | $$$ | Ver preços |
Nota e faixa do Booking.com em 30/09/2026, para 30/12–02/01 e 2 adultos · $ até R$ 1,5 mil · $$ até R$ 4 mil · $$$ acima · como calculamos
Other dates or another neighborhood? Search here:
What to do on January 1 in Ubatuba
January 1 is usually the calmest day of the season — many people are still sleeping in after the countdown. It’s the ideal time for boat tours around the islands (Ilha Anchieta, Ilha das Couves, Prumirim), with snorkeling in crystal-clear water. After the countdown, many people prefer to save the boat trip for the 2nd.
Partner · Civitatissee all tours in Ubatuba ›Schooner to Ilha Anchieta and Praia das Sete Fontes
Two stops of about 2 hours each: Praia das Sete Fontes, accessible only by sea or trail, and Ilha Anchieta, with the ruins of the old prison. Island admission fee and lunch are separate.
- Schooner to Ilha das Couves and Ilha do PrumirimCrystal-clear water for snorkelingfromR$ 315per personSee ›
- Speedboat along the southern beaches of UbatubaShorter, good for those who slept infromR$ 180per personSee ›
- Island and Prumirim waterfalls tourSea and waterfall in the same dayfromR$ 204per personSee ›
Civitatis prices as of 09/25/2026. Check whether the tour operates on 01/01 before booking.
Other options: head to a more remote beach like Félix, Prumirim or Domingas Dias (they’ll be emptier than on previous days), visit Projeto Tamar or the Aquarium with the kids, or stretch out breakfast at a downtown bakery or café. Downtown supermarkets and pharmacies usually open normally from 8 or 9 a.m.
New Year’s Eve in Ubatuba with family and kids
Ubatuba is one of the best New Year’s Eve destinations for families on the São Paulo coast. The reason: many beaches have calm, shallow water (Enseada, Maranduba, Domingas Dias, Lázaro), Projeto Tamar and the Aquarium are kid-friendly attractions, and the silent fireworks avoid startling little ones and pets.
For families with children, the best base is the Enseada or Maranduba area — calm beaches, close to markets and pharmacies, and away from downtown traffic on New Year’s Eve. The public party in Itaguá is usually safe, but the waterfront crowd is dense — with small children, consider watching from a spot further back or from your lodging’s balcony.
Accessibility for New Year’s Eve in Ubatuba
The Itaguá waterfront, where the fireworks and festival take place, has a boardwalk with even paving along most of its length, which makes access easier with a wheelchair or stroller. The beaches themselves are sandy, without accessibility mats along most stretches.
The Ubatuba Aquarium is accessible (ramp and adapted restroom). Projeto Tamar also has wheelchair access. At ticketed parties, confirm accessibility conditions directly with the organizer — most take place on sand or uneven ground. Pássaro Marron intercity buses have reserved seats, but not all vehicles have a lift.
New Year’s Eve pitfalls in Ubatuba
Mountain traffic: the descent on December 28–31 and the climb back on January 1–3 are the worst times. Plan your schedule. Environmental fee (TPA): every out-of-town car entering Ubatuba pays the fee per day, charged automatically by camera; pay on the ECO Ubatuba website or app within 30 days to avoid it becoming active debt. Beach parking: arriving after 10 a.m. at popular beaches on a holiday guarantees you won’t find a spot — leave early. Minimum packages: many inns require a minimum of 4–5 nights during the period; compare before booking. Restaurant prices: some establishments charge a special (pricier) menu on the night of the 31st — ask beforehand. Summer rain: bring a rain jacket and bags to protect electronics — showers pass quickly but soak you thoroughly. Cell signal: on more remote northern beaches (Prumirim, Almada, Brava da Almada), signal can be weak or nonexistent.
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- See hotelsBook lodging with free cancellationNow — resorts are already sold outItaguá to walk to the fireworks; Enseada, Lázaro and Maranduba for families and lower cost.
- Compare partiesChoose your New Year’s EveWhen parties open salesFireworks in Itaguá are free; no ticketed party had announced 2027 prices as of 09/25/2026.
Compare carsSecure your carBefore 12/28Rent in São Paulo or at the airport and leave before 6 a.m. to avoid the packed mountain road.- See tourBook a boat tour for the 2ndIn advanceSchooner to Ilha Anchieta from R$ 288 per person (Civitatis, 09/25/2026).
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Check off what you’ve sorted; it’s saved in this browser. Prices with check dates; confirm with the partner before paying.
To compare another travel base, see New Year’s Eve in Vitória, with lodging and return planning.
FAQ
Will there be fireworks in Ubatuba in 2027?
The Ubatuba city government has held fireworks on Praia do Itaguá in recent editions, with silent visual-effect fireworks since 2019. Official confirmation for the 2026/2027 countdown has not yet been published: on 09/14/2026, the City Hall said there is no open process for the 2027 Summer Festival. The announcement usually comes out in November or December.
What’s the best beach to spend New Year’s Eve in Ubatuba?
For those who want to see the fireworks and enjoy the summer festival in Ubatuba, the best beach is Itaguá. For peace and nature, Itamambuca or Prumirim. For families with children, Enseada or Maranduba offer calm, shallow water.
What are the best travel options for New Year’s Eve 2027?
Ubatuba competes with other destinations on the São Paulo coast (like Ilhabela and Guarujá) and on the Rio coast (like Paraty and Búzios). Ubatuba’s advantage is lower cost and beach diversity; those who prefer a ticketed party with open bar will find more options at New Year’s Eve in Maresias, in São Sebastião. For those who want a big party, Rio de Janeiro and Balneário Camboriú offer more infrastructure.
What are the New Year’s Eve packages for Ubatuba in 2027?
Inns and resorts in Ubatuba usually sell New Year’s packages with 4–5 nights and a dinner. On 09/25/2026, Itamambuca Eco Resort and Hotel Coquille were already sold out on Booking for 12/30–01/02; there were still well-rated options in Itaguá, Toninhas and the southern region, like those in our hotel table.
Is Ubatuba good for New Year’s Eve with kids?
Ubatuba is one of the best New Year’s Eve destinations for families on the São Paulo coast. Calm-water beaches (Enseada, Maranduba, Lázaro), Projeto Tamar, the Aquarium and silent fireworks make the city a safe and pleasant choice for children.
To compare another travel base and plan your night, also see New Year’s Eve in Praia Grande (SP), with schedule, lodging and getting back after midnight.
Conclusion
Ubatuba delivers a complete New Year’s Eve for those who want nature, beach and a countdown party without the price tag of the coast’s trendiest destinations. Book lodging early, choose the right area for your profile and follow the Ubaterá schedule when it comes out. For more New Year’s Eve destinations, see the Voyage Voyage New Year’s Eve hub and the guides to Ilhabela and Paraty.
