5 Enchanting Destinations to Celebrate New Year in Italy

New Year (Capodanno) is more than just a date on the calendar and Italians make it unforgettable! Counting down to midnight under a sky ablaze with fireworks and the joyous shouts of "Buon Anno!" in the streets, this is what celebrating New Year in Italy looks like. From the grandeur of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice, the cultural heart of Florence, or the spirited streets of Naples, each city offers a unique way to welcome the new year. Planning to welcome 2026 in true Italian style? Read the blog to dive into the heart of Italian festivities - you won’t be disappointed!

Where to Celebrate New Year in Italy

Italy transforms into a magical wonderland during the festive season, and New Year's Eve is its dazzling crescendo. The blend of rich history, exquisite cuisine and welcoming locals creates an unmatched atmosphere for celebrations. You will find a wide array of New Year events in Italy, from grand public concerts in iconic piazzas to intimate dinners and lively club parties. Here’s a list of the best cities in Italy that promise legendary New Year celebrations:

1. Rome

Known as the ‘Eternal City’, Rome offers the most magnificent backdrop for New Year celebrations in Italy. Its ancient ruins and majestic piazzas come alive with music, lights, and an electric atmosphere.

How to Reach Rome

Fly to Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) or G. B. Pastine Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA). High-speed trains are also available from major Italian cities like Milan, Florence, and Naples. Once in the city, you can use the metro, buses and trams for an easy commute.

Things to Do in Rome:

• Attend La Festa di Roma at Circus Maximus, featuring a massive free concert and fireworks
• Enjoy the grand NYE party, midnight fireworks and Rome Parade at Piazza del Popolo
• Attend the Pope's New Year's Day Mass in St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican City)
• Join the Concertone di Capodanno (Big New Year's Concert) and countdown at Circus Maximus
• Indulge in a traditional multi-course Cenone di Capodanno at a local trattoria
• Stroll through the illuminated streets of Trastevere

2. Venice

For couples seeking an enchanting and romantic way to celebrate New Year in Italy, Venice offers an unparalleled experience. Imagine watching fireworks light up the lagoon, reflected in the shimmering water.

How to Reach Venice

Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the main gateway to Venice, served by regular flights from across the world. Venice Santa Lucia train station is well-connected to Italy's major cities by high-speed rail. Once in Venice, you'll travel by Vaporetto (water bus), water taxi or on foot.

Things to Do in Venice

• Witness fireworks over the Bacino di San Marco (St. Mark's Basin) from Piazza San Marco or Riva degli Schiavoni
• Take a private gondola ride as the clock strikes midnight
• Attend a special New Year's Eve opera performance at the historic Teatro La Fenice
• Savor special Capodanno Dinners with canal views
• Join the collective "Baciami a Mezzanotte" (Kiss Me at Midnight) in Piazza San Marco
• Wander through the quieter, illuminated alleys (Calli)

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3. Florence

Sometimes called the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’, Florence offers a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere to celebrate New Year in Italy. It's beautiful piazzas host open-air concerts, and the city maintains its artistic elegance even amidst the festivities.

How to Reach Florence

Florence's Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) serves primarily domestic and European flights. The city is a major hub for Italy's high-speed train network, connecting it efficiently to Rome, Milan, and Venice. The city center is very walkable, and buses are available.

Top Events to Attend and Things to Do in Florence

• See the most breathtaking fireworks over Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo
• Attend free public concerts and midnight countdowns in Piazza della Signoria or Piazza del Duomo
• Enjoy a traditional Florentine Cenone at a trattoria
• Try ice skating with family or friends
• Explore the world-class museums and galleries during the day
• Soak in the views and festive atmosphere from Ponte Vecchio

4. Naples

For an authentic, passionate, and somewhat explosive Capodanno, head to Naples. Known for its lively street celebrations and enthusiastic use of fireworks, New Year's Eve here is an experience for the adventurous.

How to Reach Naples

Take a flight to Naples International Airport (NAP), located about 6 kilometers from the city center. Napoli Centrale is a major railway hub in the city with high-speed connections to Rome, Florence and Milan. Further, the metro, buses, and funiculars are easily available.

Things to Do in Naples

• Enjoy the massive free concert in Piazza del Plebiscito, featuring popular Italian artists
• See spectacular fireworks displays over the Bay of Naples and Castel dell'Ovo from Lungomare
• Experience the festive buzz and Neapolitan artisanal traditions in Via San Gregorio Armeno
• Indulge in a hearty Neapolitan New Year's Eve gala abroad a cruise
• Join spontaneous street parties in the historic center and Spanish Quarters
• Participate in the ‘Farewell to the Old Year’ tradition of throwing old items out of windows

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5. Milan

Milan, Italy's fashion and financial capital, offers a sophisticated and stylish way to celebrate New Year in Italy. Expect elegant parties, vibrant concerts, and dazzling displays.

How to Reach Milan

Milan is connected to the world through three main airports, namely Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP), Milan Linate Airport (LIN) and Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY). Milano Centrale is a major European railway station with high-speed links across Italy and beyond. The city boasts an excellent metro, tram, and bus network.

Things to Do in Milan

• Experience a free open-air concert in Piazza Duomo
• Watch the fireworks over Parco Sempione from near Castello Sforzesco
• Enjoy NYE gala dinners at luxury hotels and exclusive parties at various clubs
• Attend the New Year's Day concert at the iconic Teatro alla Scala
• Browse through Milan's famous shopping streets during the day
• Explore the Navigli District for bohemian-style NYE events

New Year Traditions in Italy That You Must Know About

To truly celebrate New Year in Italy like a local, understanding the unique Capodanno traditions is important. These customs are believed to usher in good fortune and prosperity for the year ahead.

• Wearing Red Underwear: It is a widespread superstition that wearing red underwear on New Year's Eve brings good luck, love, and fertility in the coming year.
• Cotechino e Lenticchie: Cotechino (a large pork sausage) and lenticchie (lentils) are the most iconic Italian New Year food, traditionally eaten after midnight. The lentils, resembling small coins, symbolize wealth and prosperity.
• Spumante or Prosecco Toast: No Capodanno is complete without a toast of Spumante or Prosecco at midnight. Many Italians also enjoy a traditional pandoro or panettone with their bubbly.
• Throwing Old Things: In some parts of southern Italy, particularly Naples, there is a tradition of throwing old or unwanted items out the window at midnight. It symbolizes letting go of the past and making room for new things.
• Firecrackers and Fireworks: Apart from public fireworks displays, plenty of private firecrackers and smaller fireworks are hosted in Italy, especially in the south.
• Money Under the Plate: A lesser-known tradition involves placing some money under your plate during the New Year's Eve dinner to bring financial prosperity.
• Savoring Capodanno: Beyond the traditional cotechino e lenticchie, Italian New Year food is full of symbolism and flavor. Eating 12 grapes at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock, is a Spanish tradition that has found its way into some Italian households, symbolizing luck for each month. Other popular dishes enjoyed on this occasion include cotechino or zampone with lentils, fish and seafood, dried fruit and nuts, and regional specialties such as Struffoli in Naples (small fried honey balls) or Frutta Martorana (marzipan fruits) in Sicily.

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Travel Tips for New Year Trip to Italy

• Book accommodation, flights, and popular dinner reservations months in advance
• Layer up and bring a warm coat, hat, and gloves
• Consider purchasing multi-day passes to navigate through heavy NYE crowds
• Learn a few simple phrases like "Buon Anno" (Happy New Year) and "Grazie" (Thank you)
• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas
• Always verify specific event times and locations closer to the date, as they can change
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking and standing
• Stay hydrated, even in the cold weather

As the final seconds of the year tick away, standing amidst the joyous crowds in an Italian piazza, you'll feel an ancient energy connecting you to centuries of revelry. Whether you are a couple seeking romance, a family looking for festive cheer or a group of friends ready to party, Italy offers an unforgettable experience to spend New Year in Italy. So, start planning your adventure with our Italy tour packages and get ready for a New Year's Eve you'll cherish forever. Buon Anno!

FAQ’s - New Year in Italy