Best Places to Celebrate New Year’s in Italy

Italy is a place where history, beauty and festivity converge, especially on New Year’s Eve. Each city offers a unique celebration, from the grandeur of Rome to the elegance of Venice. Whether you’re looking for lively gatherings, stunning fireworks or a quiet night under the stars, this guide will help you find the best place in Italy for New Year’s Eve.

• New Year’s Eve traditions in Italy
• New Year’s Eve in Rome: the Countdown in Piazza del Popolo
• Venice: Piazza San Marco’s Elegant Celebrations
• Florence: Open-Air Concerts and Shows at Piazzale Michelangelo
• Milan: Countdown with a View at Piazza del Duomo
• Naples: Fireworks Lighting up the Bay of Naples
• The Best Hidden Gems for a Quiet but Authentic New Year’s Eve in Italy

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New Year’s Eve traditions in Italy

New Year’s Eve, known in Italy as La Festa di San Silvestro, is celebrated with a mix of family dinners, age-old customs and exciting city-wide festivities.

Embracing la festa di San Silvestro

A key part of New Year’s Eve in Italy is the traditional dinner. Cotechino (a savoury pork sausage) with lentils is often served, symbolising luck and prosperity. Italians believe that the coin-like shape of the lentils brings wealth in the coming year, and this hearty dish has become a beloved part of the celebration.

The custom of wearing red for good luck

Another unique Italian tradition is wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve. This ritual, rooted in superstition, is thought to bring love and luck for the year ahead. From Milan to Naples, people embrace this colourful tradition, adding a touch of fun to the festivities.

New Year’s Eve in Rome: the Countdown in Piazza del Popolo

Rome is a thrilling place to spend New Year’s Eve, with Piazza del Popolo being the heart of the celebrations. Crowds gather to enjoy live music, street performances and a spectacular countdown under the starry Roman sky.

Classical music concerts and fireworks at the Circus Maximus

For a cultural experience, head to Circus Maximus, where classical music concerts are held on New Year’s Eve. As midnight approaches, the sky is lit with a stunning firework display, adding a magical touch to Rome’s ancient ruins.

Venice: Piazza San Marco’s Elegant Celebrations

Venice offers a sophisticated and romantic setting to ring in the New Year. In Piazza San Marco, locals and visitors gather to celebrate with live music and a grand firework show over the lagoon. Venice’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are especially captivating, making it one of the best places to visit in Italy for New Year’s Eve.

Florence: Open-Air Concerts and Shows at Piazzale Michelangelo

In Florence, the iconic Piazzale Michelangelo hosts open-air concerts, offering a view over the entire city. Live music, dance performances and the picturesque backdrop make it a perfect spot to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The firework display over the River Arno is truly a sight to behold.

Milan: Countdown with a View at Piazza del Duomo

Milan’s grand Piazza del Duomo is the place to be for a stylish New Year’s Eve celebration. People gather here for live performances by well-known Italian and international artists. The stunning Duomo di Milano provides a dramatic backdrop for the countdown, making it one of the best places in Italy for New Year’s Eve.

Naples: Fireworks Lighting up the Bay of Naples

Naples brings a fiery, passionate energy to its New Year’s celebrations. The Bay of Naples offers one of the most breathtaking firework displays in Italy, with the sky alight over Mount Vesuvius and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Celebrating in Naples is an unforgettable experience, as the whole city joins in with the festivities with street parties, music and dancing.

The Best Hidden Gems for a Quiet but Authentic New Year’s Eve in Italy

For those who prefer a quieter celebration, Italy has plenty of hidden gems to offer. Matera, with its ancient cave dwellings, provides a mystical setting for a peaceful New Year’s Eve, while the romantic town of Verona offers a charming, intimate celebration in its mediaeval squares. These lesser-known spots offer an authentic Italian New Year experience, away from the bustling crowds.

For those planning a trip, Italo offers convenient travel options to Italy’s top destinations, making it easy to explore and enjoy the country’s most iconic New Year celebrations.