Category: Places

As one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world, Florence, unsurprisingly, puts on a great spectacle for New Year’s Eve. Surrounded by historical and architectural beauty, you can enjoy a wonderfully festive atmosphere in Florence, with plenty of activities to undertake on the last night of the year. From great food and drink to top-class entertainment, you will be spoilt for choice!

NEW YEAR’S OPERA GALA

If for your New Year’s Eve you wish to attend a gala in a unique artistic location, the Church of Santa Monaca in Florence is the right idea for you. You will spend a pleasant evening, listening to arias and duets sung by professionals, accompanied on the piano by Maestro David Boldrini. At midnight a choral toast will complete this classy event.

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NEW YEAR’S EVE: LOVE DUETS FROM ITALIAN OPERA

Two soloists in the enchanting Anglican Church of St. Mark in Florence, will join their voices to make you dream on pieces from the greatest operas and Neapolitan songs.

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ORT – NEW YEAR’S CONCERT 2023

The Orchestra della Toscana inaugurates the 2023 season at the Teatro Verdi in Florence. On Sunday, 1 January, at 5 p.m, ORT | New Year’s Concert is scheduled, with arias and dances from Verdi to Puccini. An unmissable appointment for classical music lovers, it will feature music by Verdi, Ponchielli and Puccini with the voices of Viktorija Miškūnaitė (soprano) and Leonardo Caimi (tenor).

Buy your ticket on Ticketone!

ENJOYING A “CENONE” AT ONE OF FLORENCE’S GREAT RESTAURANTS

The central part of everyone’s New Year’s Eve is dinner, preparing you for a wonderful night ahead. Every restaurant in Italy, and indeed Florence, offers a ‘cenone di Capodanno’ (a ‘big NYE dinner’ in English). This is a package that includes multiple courses (entree, first and second mains, dessert) and drinks altogether. If you don’t want to miss out, make sure you book well in advance!

While there are beautiful restaurants all over Florence, booking one on the Arno river may just be extra special. If you want to know why, and about some other restaurant tips, read on to the next section!

FIREWORKS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The fireworks in Florence are organized by restaurants, bars and hotels and are best enjoyed along the river Arno, where the view of the city is more comprehensive. As these spots get very crowded towards midnight, it’s best to head there ahead of time.

They can also be enjoyed from roof-top bars and restaurants. One key pick is “Se:sto on Arno”, the roof-top restaurant of the 5-star Hotel Westin Excelsior, where they organize a New Year’s Eve dinner. For more info on the events at Hotel Westin Excelsior, you can visit their official Facebook page.

You may also enjoy the annual event at the Hard Rock Café in Florence. The famous chain of rock and roll restaurants and bars organizes an event every December 31, namely a dinner and live music acts (exclusively rock, obviously!). For more information on the New Year’s Eve event, see the official website.

OUTDOOR NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERTS IN FLORENCE

Apart from 2020, Florence has in recent years outdone itself by expanding the New Year’s Eve concert to different squares throughout the city on the same night, each concert dedicated to a different musical genre. So, Florence obviously wants you to have plenty of choice!

The public squares in which the concerts are generally held are Piazza della Signoria, known for its classical music performances, Piazza Santissima Annunziata, Piazza San Lorenzo, Piazza del Carmine, and, of course, the famous Piazzale Michelangelo, where pop music has been the dominant genre in recent years.

If you plan to attend the concert in Piazzale Michelangelo, our suggestion is to go there before dinner as there is a limit to the number of people admitted to the square. In recent years, the maximum was 14,00 people. Naturally, this number may be further reduced in line with post-pandemic restrictions. All of these concerts are organized by the city and free to attend.

On the map below you can find an overview of the NYE outdoor concerts in Florence (music note icons). Note that the concert locations might vary slightly year over year.

CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT AT TEATRO DEL MAGGIO

If you are looking to enjoy some indoor entertainment – and especially for admirers of classical music – look no further than the Teatro del Maggio, where a traditional classical music concert is held every year on December 31. For more information about this year’s concert, visit the official website.

NYE PARTIES

Just like in every other major tourist destination in Italy, there are many parties to attend in Florence on December 31. There is no specific information about the main parties yet but we will add the details of them as New Year’s Eve gets closer.

THE ‘DIVE INTO THE ARNO’

You could watch the ‘Dive into the Arno’ on New Year’s Day around 12 pm from the Canottieri platform, situated between the bridges Ponte Vecchio and Ponte delle Grazie. This is a New Year’s tradition based on ‘Mr. OK’, a man who dives into the Tiber river in Rome every January 1. The ‘Dive into the Arno’ is a wonderfully wacky way to celebrate the start of the new year and adds to the fun that Florence has to offer. The president of Tuscany, Eugenio Giani, usually participates in this particular pastime!

As you can see, Florence is a fine place to be on the last day of the year. You have the opportunity to close out the year in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, whether it is having a grand dinner at a restaurant, attending one of the concerts in the city, marveling at the fireworks, or anything else!

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The original capital of Italy, Turin hosts a great beauty with its elegant archways and its beautiful baroque architecture. A romantic, Christmas atmosphere still hangs over Turin between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, so it is a great place to close out the year!

There are many light displays and installations to be enjoyed in Turin on December 31, and they change location every year. Perhaps the most famous of these shows is “Luci d’Artista“, where the light decorations are made by national and international artists and are spread all across town, both in the historic center and in the outskirts. Keep your eyes peeled and be sure not to miss them!

You can also book a bus tour to see them all. For more information and tickets visit Viator’s website.

NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS IN TURIN’S HISTORICAL CENTER

The main event in Turin on New Year’s Eve takes place at Piazza Castello, one of the main squares of the historic center. Here, a concert with renowned Italian artists is organized every year.

If you are still in the Christmas spirit, you can find a giant Christmas tree in Piazza San Carlo.

Christmas Tree in Piazza San Carlo

In general, the historic center is a great place to be, filled with life thanks to the bars, restaurants, and clubs which stay open until late at night.

BALLET “ROBERTO BOLLE AND FRIENDS” AT TEATRO REGIO

Roberto Bolle, the world-famous ballet dancer, returns to the stage of the Teatro Regio for New Year’s Eve with the unforgettable ‘Roberto Bolle & Friends’. This is a show entirely conceived and designed by Roberto Bolle, who will be accompanied by other ballet stars of impeccable style and technique.

Book your ticket for Roberto Bolle and Friends!

PARTIES IN TURIN ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

There is a generous selection of parties if you are looking to bring in the new year in a lively, festive atmosphere. Our top selections are the New Year’s Eve Parties hosted by ExtraNight, a renowned event organizer that operates in main Italian cities and specializes in New Year’s Eve events. To find out more details on these events, visit the official Facebook page of the party organizers.

These parties take place outside the city center, so you’ll need a car to get there. They comprise a full-course dinner (aperitif, first and second mains, dessert, and of course, beverages) and a massive party afterwards. Reserving a ticket well in advance to these parties is advised, as tickets can sometimes be sold out by mid-December. You may want to stay at the hotel that night to make things easier!

OUR HIGHLIGHT PICKS

If you’re staying in town a little longer, check out our top picks of things to do in town!

• Mole Antonelliana, a famous museum of cinema housed in one of Turin’s most breathtaking buildings (you can also go to the top of the dome to get a panoramic view of Turin and the Alps)
• A walk in the beautiful Valentino Park, by the Po River. Inside the park, you can even find a cool reconstruction of a medieval village with houses, workshops, and gardens.
• A walking tour of Magic Turin. Many people don’t know that Turin is associated with magic and the occult. This tour lets you discover the spooky side of town…that you don’t want to miss! 
• The Egyptian Museum (the largest in the world after the one in Alexandria, Egypt!). If you don’t feel like waiting in line you can purchase a skip-the-line ticket on Viator.

For lovers of good food and wine – you can easily reach Langhe and Monferrato, two of the most famous wine regions in Italy, where famous wines such as “Asti Spumante”, “Barolo” and “Barbera” are produced.

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What better way could you spend New Year’s Eve than in Rome, one of the most historically rich cities on the planet? Nowhere else will you have a wider selection of things to do on the last night of the year. You could indulge in culture, history and tradition or enjoy the nightlife and modernity that Italy’s capital boasts as well. Simply put, you really can’t go wrong in Rome on December 31.

NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERTS IN ROME

OPEN-AIR CONCERT

The biggest New Year’s Eve events in Rome take place at either the Fori Imperiali (the imperial fora) and at Circo Massimo. All of these events are free to attend.

The Fori Imperiali are a series of public squares that were constructed between 46 BC and 113 AD, a symbol of the power of the Roman empire. Thousands of people congregate on the street ‘Via dei Fori Imperiali’, along the stretch running from Piazza Venezia (Venice Square) to the Colosseum, enjoying concerts, street performances and other types of entertainment. This area is truly enchanting as the Roman ruins are still visible and literally all around you!

Via dei Fori Imperiali, where the NYE show takes place

The Circo Massimo hosts the biggest open-air concert in Rome on New Year’s Eve. Many well-known artists perform here each year.

Concerts are also held in other squares around Rome, one being Piazza del Popolo. To keep things fresh for the public, the programs for these events change each year. The program for New Year’s Eve 2023 will be published here as soon as it has been finalized.

DON QUIXOTE: OPERA HOUSE IN ROME

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the ‘Teatro dell’Opera’ in Rome with a dance classic: ‘Don Quixote’. Based on Miguel de Cervantes’ novel ‘Don Quixote de la Mancha’, the ballet is split into three acts and is choreographed by Laurent Hilaire, with music by Ludwig Minkus.

Buy your ticket on Classictic!

NEW YEAR’S OPERA GALA

If you love opera music, this is the New Year’s Eve idea for you. The Church of Ponte Sant’Angelo in Rome hosts a spectacular concert where you will hear pieces from Traviata, Rigoletto, Tosca, Carmen and Boheme. At midnight everyone kicks up their heels, courtesy of the production: to toast the New Year!

Book your ticket on Classictic!

CHAMBER OPERA IN ROME: OPERA ARIAS AND NEAPOLITAN SONGS

Fancy a New Year’s Eve with arias and melodies by the great Italian composers? This year, at the Evangelical Church in Rome, you will be delighted by a grand piano accompanying sopranos and tenors to start the New Year to the sound of music, including opera arias and Neapolitan songs.

Book your ticket on Classictic!

BAROQUE NEW YEAR’S CONCERT AT PALAZZO PAMPHILJ

In Rome, Palazzo Doria Pamphilj will be the location for a baroque New Year’s Eve concert. The princess’s secret flat will be filled with the sounds of the 17th century, offering a true plunge into the past. Music will be played on the original instruments of the time, making for the most refined New Year’s Eve in the capital.

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VIVA VIVALDI: THE FOUR SEASONS IN PIAZZA NAVONA

Vivaldi’s masterpiece is an unmissable performance, arranged for piano quintet in the evocative Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, in the extraordinary wonder of one of the most beautiful squares in the world: Piazza Navona. Start the New Year with pieces by one of the most famous composers in a jewel of Baroque art.

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NEW YEAR’S CONCERT: THE THREE TENORS

Do you love good music and atmospheric locations? Spend New Year’s Eve at the Oratorio del Caravita amidst Christmas songs and opera arias. Giancarlo Polizzi, Vincenzo Tremante and Emil Alekperov, three outstanding tenors, will make your passage into the New Year special. The Strauss waltzes are inevitable, to complete every self-respecting New Year’s concert and elevate the magic and mysticism of the setting.

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FIREWORKS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The best place to enjoy the brilliant firework displays Rome has to offer is the Colosseum. Please note that even if they have been banned in recent years, there are still many illegal firecrackers to be seen and heard. This can be dangerous if you are too close, so please pay attention and stay safe.

DINNER IN TRASTEVERE

If you are looking for a lively neighborhood to spend New Year’s Eve, look no further than Trastevere, which literally means ‘on the other side of Tevere’ (Tevere is Rome’s central river). Perfectly placed in downtown Rome, you can find plenty of bars and restaurants here which stay open until late into the new year. If you want to book a table at a restaurant, reserving well in advance is a must.

PARTY AT MARRIOTT PARK HOTEL, ITALY’S BIGGEST HOTEL

One of our best recommendations for a great party in Rome is the party held at the Marriott Park Hotel, Italy’s biggest hotel, ideal for 20–35-year-olds. This party entails a full-course dinner followed by a big party to bring in the new year. Fireworks, music, and various animation displays combine for a festive atmosphere that you will not forget. You can also book a room at the hotel so that you don’t have to find your way home! This event is run by ExtraNight, which has specialized in New Year’s Eve parties in the biggest Italian cities for over a decade now. Visit the official Facebook page of the event organizers.

WE RUN ROME

Want to stay fit before the big night? Our suggestion is to check out ‘We Run Rome’, a race that takes place every year on the afternoon of December 31st in the streets of Rome’s historic center. This event is perfect for those who want to be physically active on the last day of the year and also see Rome from a different perspective.

There are 2 different races to choose from – 5km and 10km. Both of these can be either competitive or non-competitive depending on your goals. Registration costs €15-20. For more information on the event and the registration process, visit the official website.

TEVERE RIVER DIVE

At 12pm on January 1, 1946, Italian-Belgian Rick De Sonay jumped into the Tevere River in Rome from Ponte Cavour (Cavour Bridge) to celebrate his birthday, which coincidentally fell on January 1. This man was given the nickname ‘Mr. OK’ because, after diving into the Tevere (obviously much less polluted back then), he turned towards the crowd making the ‘OK’ sign to assure them everything had gone well.

Unbelievably, he upheld this tradition until the late 1980s and became an institution in Rome every New Year’s Day. He handed over the baton to Maurizio Palmulli in the late 1980s, who became the new ‘Mr. OK’. At age 69, he continues to dive headfirst into the river as per tradition, exactly at midday as Rick De Sonay once did. This is simply unmissable if you are in Rome on New Year’s Eve!

Here is a video of Rick De Sonay jumping into the Tevere:

ROME NEW YEAR’S EVE PARADE (1 JANUARY)

Each afternoon on January 1, the large New Year’s Parade takes place through the streets of the historic center. This parade is organized by the same company which hosts New Year’s Parade in London, Destination Events, and takes roughly 2 hours. The starting point is Piazza del Popolo and the entrance to the parade is free for everyone. You can expect a beautifully colorful experience filled with majorettes, flag-waves, dancers, various types of artists, and so on. Want to see what the parade looks like? Check out the video below!

As you can see, Rome has a wealth of things to do and experience on the final evening of the year. However you choose to shape your New Year’s Eve, it promises to be filled with excitement, wonder, and enchantment and one not to be forgotten!

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On New Year’s Eve, Venice provides an atmosphere ideal for couples looking to spend a romantic evening. As one of Italy’s top tourist destinations, Venice has plenty to offer tourists wanting to welcome the New Year in a joyful and fun way. Whether you are wanting to dine out and enjoy the numerous restaurants and bars Venice has on show, to experience the lights and fireworks among a festive crowd, to get your fix of culture and entertainment, or simply party the night away, Venice is a great place to be.

NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERTS IN VENICE

CONCERT AT LA FENICE OPERA HOUSE WITH ENJOYLIVE TRAVEL

If you are a music lover, be sure not to miss Venice’s finest traditional New Year’s Eve concert at Teatro La Fenice. With Enjoylive Travel, an Italian tour operator specialized in tailor-made travel since 1997, you can customize your travel package by choosing among 4 different concert dates. Upon request, you can get the New Year’s Eve dinner included in your package.

TRAVEL PACKAGES AVAILABLE:

CONCERT ON DECEMBER 31, 2023

• Ticket to the concert at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice
• 3 nights in a double room with bed and breakfast (December 30, 2023, to January 02, 2024, stay dates can be modified upon request)
• Phone assistance

Book your trip with Enjoylive Travel!

CONCERT ON JANUARY 1, 2024

• Ticket to the concert at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice
• 3 nights in a double room with bed and breakfast (December 30, 2023, to January 02, 2024, stay dates can be modified upon request)
• Phone assistance

Book your trip with Enjoylive Travel!

ABOUT ENJOYLIVE TRAVEL

Enjoylive Travel is a tour operator based in Pesaro, Italy, specialized, since 1997, in the creation of tailor-made travel related to the emotions of the most important live events in Italy and Europe. Their original and curated solutions are made for experts and enthusiasts of opera, music, culture and sport. They offer packages combining the best seating, even for sold-out events, with the best services, thematic tours and exclusive experiences. With professionalism and passion they pursue memorable experiences to make every trip unique through endless offerings and solutions.

Go to Enjoylive Travel official website

NEW YEAR’S EVE 2024 CONCERT AT TEATRO LA FENICE

Fabio Luisi will be the conductor of the concert taking place on December 29-30-31, 2023, and January 1, 2024.

The Fenice New Year’s Concert is a tradition that offers an extraordinary musical experience in two parts: an initial purely orchestral section and a second part dedicated to opera, featuring arias, duets, and choruses performed by internationally renowned soloists and the Chorus of Teatro La Fenice. The concert concludes with the famous compositions by Giuseppe Verdi: the chorus “Va’ pensiero sull’ali dorate” from Nabucco and the joyful toast “Libiam ne’ lieti calici” from La Traviata. A unique experience to start the year with the beauty of classical music.

Teatro La Fenice Orchestra and Chorus
Conductor: Fabio Luisi
Chorus Master: Alfonso Caiani
Soloists: Eleonora Buratto (soprano) and Fabio Sartori (tenor).

You can discover all the events at Teatro La Fenice by visiting the official page of the theater.

The Teatro La Fenice New Year’s Concert in Venice will be broadcast live on RAI1 on Saturday, January 1, 2024, at 12:20 PM.

BRIEF HISTORY OF ‘LA FENICE’

One of the most important theatres in Italy, the storied and beloved La Fenice has remarkably been rebuilt twice, after being burnt down in 1836 and severely fire damaged in 1996. It has also gone through several restorations, the latest of which was finished in 2004. If you are an admirer of great architecture and high culture, you cannot miss it!

• CONCERT AT SCUOLA GRANDE DI SAN TEODORO

Another beautiful, ornate building to check out is the Scuola Grande di San Teodoro, which will this year host a concert of an acclaimed ensemble of Venice’s finest musicians on New Year’s Eve and on New Year’s Day. To add to an extra charm to it all, the musicians dress up in 18th-century clothing!

You can see the details of the event & book the tickets here.

THE VENETIAN MUSICIANS: NEW YEAR’S CONCERT

What does the combination of Venice and classical music create? An unforgettable New Year’s Eve! Songs from Verdi, Strauss, Mozart and Pergolesi, performed by great opera singers and Venetian Musicians, will transport you to the past. Their baroque costumes will intensify this sensual experience. You won’t know whether you are celebrating a New Year’s Eve in the 17th century or 2023.

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AN IRRESISTABLE DINNER AND THEATRE SHOW AT ‘TEATRO RISTORANTE AVANSPETTACOLO’

Plan yourself a wonderful New Year’s Eve 2023 – aperitif, dinner and a theatre show at the wondrous atmosphere of the Avanspettacolo Theatre Restaurant in Venice. If you want to celebrate New Year’s Eve surrounded by the magical beauty of Venice, then this is just the party for you.

Proceedings begin at 7.30pm with a welcome cocktail and delicious entrees in the atrium of the theatre, accompanied by a live pianist. At around 8.30pm, the grand, multi-course fish gala dinner commences, during which you will be treated to Grand Show Magic, where professional international artists, singers, dancers, musicians and acrobats will dazzle the audience.

The menu is comprised of appetizer, first course, second course, dessert and fresh fruit, coffee, water, a bottle of wine every two persons and sparkling wine for the midnight toast.

The price of the evening at the Avanspettacolo Theatre Restaurant is € 275 per person and includes:

• Welcome cocktail with entrees (in buffet form)
• Gala dinner
• Grand Show
• Post-show entertainment
• Cloakroom service
• Free parking

This a unique opportunity to take home a beautiful memory of New Year’s Eve as a family (yes, even with the little ones!), as a couple or simply with friends.

Book your evening at the Avanspettacolo now

DINING OUT

Restaurants are generally open until around 2am on New Year’s Eve, bars possibly later, creating a festive and jovial atmosphere in which to wave in the new year. Reserving a table at these places well in advance is advised as they are so highly sought after.

As Venice is located within a system of canals, the various locales receive their goods by hand from boats. This logistical undertaking is one reason why prices are a little higher here.

FIREWORK DISPLAY AT “RIVA DEGLI SCHIAVONI” AND “ARSENALE”

Until a few years ago, various types of entertainment, shows and, of course, fireworks were a feature of New Year’s Eve in Venice. Most of this took place at Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square). For a few years following, the square became the setting for the famous event ‘Love’, in which those present exchange a kiss at the turn of the new year.

Now, however, the firework spectacular has been reinstalled in place of the ‘Love’ event. The best viewing spots for the fireworks are La Riva degli Schiavoni – just ten minutes’ walk east of Piazza San Marco along the canal – and L’Arsenale, just a few minutes’ walk from there. You can’t view the fireworks from Piazza San Marco.

If you would like to view the fireworks from the water instead of in the middle of a crowd, consider a lagoon cruise. This is a wonderful way of making the evening even more memorable, even if it may be that tiny bit chillier! There are numerous mini-cruises available which include a full-course dinner (an aperitif, first and second course, dessert, and beverages) and a midnight toast to cap it all off. See the options here.

PARTIES ON NEW YEAR’S EVE IN VENICE

The best party in town may just be at Hotel NH Laguna Palace, a 4-star hotel which boasts 376 rooms of modern design and is situated directly on the canal waterfront. The special New Year’s Eve event will take place in this modern yet elegant atmosphere and includes a full-course dinner and a party to follow. 

The event is organized by ExtraNight, a well-established agency specialized in organizing New Year’s Eve parties in the main Italian cities.

The hotel is located just 5 minutes from Mestre train station and can be reached by car or bus from the town center in approximately 10 minutes. For more details on the event, you can visit the official Facebook page of ExtraNight.

Whatever you choose to do, the options are plenty. We can guarantee you will have a memorable night in one of Italy’s most unique cities!

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Located on the north-western coast of Italy, the port city of Genoa is a little messier and more chaotic than some other major Italian cities. This is not to say that it does not have its own wonders that make it well worth the visit. 

Characteristic of downtown Genoa are the picturesque alleys of its historic center, known as the ‘Caruggi’. These are sloped alleyways married with the tall and narrow pastel-coloured buildings, giving Genoa its own distinct charm. For New Year’s Eve as well, Genoa is a lively place to be!

The municipality of Genoa is very active in organizing New Year’s events. There are usually concerts both in the historic center and in the Old Port (where the Aquarium is located). In 2019, the events in the square continued for 3 days in a row until New Year’s Eve!

Most of the events for New Year’s Eve 2023 in Genoa haven’t been released yet, but we’ll make sure to add them here as soon as they do. However, the events at the Genoa Aquarium and at Palazzo Ducale below take place every year, so you can count on them when planning your trip in town to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

NEW YEAR’S EVE 2023 AT GENOA’S AQUARIUM

Undoubtedly the coolest and most well-known event in Genoa is the huge New Year’s Eve dinner event at the Genoa aquarium, which amazingly has the largest range of marine biodiversity of any aquarium in Europe!

At 8 pm on New Year’s Eve, you are welcomed with a cocktail in the famous Cetacean and Biodiversity Pavilions, after which you enjoy a multi-course dinner  – and of course midnight toast – in four of the main halls of the aquarium. Each of these halls has a different theme, namely “Dolphin Coast,” “Shark Bay,” “Mermaid Lagoon,” and “Moray Eel Cave”. And guess what? You can visit the aquarium for free before dinner!

This is an incredibly unique way to spend the last evening of the year – so why not join your marine friends on this special occasion?

This special evening begins at 8pm and includes:

• an exclusive visit to the aquarium to spend time among your marine friends
• starters and entrees in the gorgeous Cetacean and Biodiversity Pavilions
• a mouth-watering, multi-course New Year’s Eve dinner with drinks
• a toast at midnight to continue the celebrations
• a luxurious stay in the accompanying hotel for one or two nights

NYE CELEBRATIONS AT PALAZZO DUCALE WITH DINNER AND CULTURAL EVENTS

The other main event in the city of Genoa on New Year’s Eve takes place at Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), which doubles as a museum and a center for cultural events and art exhibitions. Like at the aquarium, you can buy a package for a full-course dinner but then also enjoy the current exhibitions in place as the night goes on. You can buy several different kinds of packages depending on your preferred format. See here for more details.

FOOD YOU SHOULDN’T MISS

While passing through Genoa, be sure not to miss some of its unique delicacies. Typical of this region are focaccia ligure (Ligurian focaccia), especially crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, pansoti, stuffed pasta similar to ravioli, and, of course, pasta with pesto.

Genoa is a quirky city that is well worth seeing, especially on New Year’s Eve. It is also geographically well-positioned; you can easily continue your trip to Turin, Florence, and Cinque Terre from this vantage point, especially in low-season when there are not as many tourists!

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Bologna is a youthful and exuberant city, full to the brim with nightlife and hosting the famous University of Bologna. On New Year’s Eve, bars and restaurants are open until late and thanks to the famous network of archways throughout the city, you can walk comfortably through the city in cold and rainy weather. These archways span a total of 38km in the historic center.

ROGO DEL VECCHIONE: A NYE TRADITION DATING BACK TO THE 19TH CENTURY

The main spectacle in Bologna on New Year’s Eve centres around Rogo del Vecchione in Piazza Maggiore, a tradition in the city dating back to the nineteenth century.

Rogo del Vecchione is a huge puppet of straw and rags, filled with firecrackers and set on fire every December 31. For the last twenty years, the creation of ‘the Vecchione’ has been entrusted to local artists, who choose a different theme to represent the year that has just passed.

There are some special rules in place, however! ‘The Vecchione’ must not be shorter than 12 metres and the crafting of the puppet must be made entirely with non-polluting materials such as wood, paper, cardboard and natural fabrics.

For New Year’s Eve 2020, going into 2021, Rogo del Vecchione was transmitted digitally by illustrator Chiara Rapaccini as a short film. It was accompanied by two big names in Italian song as protagonists, both born in Emilia: Vasco Rossi and Gianni Morandi.

Here’s what the Vecchione looked like on a past New Year’s Eve:

THINGS TO SEE IN BOLOGNA

There are many things you don’t want to miss in Bologna. Located under the Salaborsa Library in the main square, Piazza Maggiore, you can go to see some ancient Roman ruins. Just across from the library is the majestic Palazzo d’Accursio, an ornate building that serves today as the town hall, but also has a series of chapels inside and a fine art museum!

On the western side of this square, you can enter one of Bologna’s most dynamic spots, a labyrinth of small alleyways with restaurants and bars. It is also home to the Mercato di Mezzo, an indoor food market selling food made from fresh and organic food of the highest quality. You can get anything here – aperitifs, all kinds of fresh pasta, tasty sandwiches, local beer and wine – the list goes on! You can also buy fresh meat, fish, fruit and vegetables.

We can also recommend a venture out to the Basilica of San Luca, a beautiful chapel located approximately 4km outside of the city centre to the south-west. The unique thing about it is that you can walk the whole way there under archways! It is an outstanding building with a panoramic view of the city and valley below, so this is an absolute must to tick off the list.

You’ll have your schedule full in Bologna, the vibrant city that it is. Also possessing a youthful and energetic atmosphere, it is hard not to be impressed by all it has to offer. Bologna is also well-situated if you want to extend your trip before or after New Year’s Eve – either into northern Italy or to either of the coasts. Florence, Cinque Terre, San Marino, Rimini, Venice, Verona and are all relatively closeby!

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Sicily is beautiful at all times of year – however, a trip to the famous island on New Year’s Eve is a strategic way to avoid its scorching summer heat. What’s more, the swarms of tourists from the summer are not to be found in the period over Christmas and New Year’s Eve, providing a calmer and more relaxed atmosphere to celebrate the arrival of a new year and visit the beautiful cities on offer, such as Catania, Syracuse, Palermo, and many others.

CATANIA: NYE CELEBRATIONS IN PIAZZA DUOMO

Let’s start with Catania, situated on the east coast of Sicily. It is also the closest big city to the famous Mount Etna volcano, which is clearly visible from lots of areas of the city facing north-west. Piazza Duomo (Dome Square) is where the biggest concert normally takes place on New Year’s Eve, with artists of national fame performing and followed by a DJ set continuing into the early hours.

If you would like to soak up some rich classical music, you could visit Teatro Bellini, which hosts a concert each year on December 31. Opened in 1890, Teatro Bellini was constructed in neo-baroque style, boasts frescoed ceilings and is a key piece of architecture in Catania. You can also go on a guided tour of the building – see the official website.

SYRACUSE: FESTIVE NYE ATMOSPHERE IN A BAROQUE SETTING

Just south of Catania is the richly historic Syracuse, which also hosts celebrations in the historic centre. The annual New Year’s Eve is generally held in the splendid baroque setting of Piazza Duomo (Dome Square), offering several DJ sets that kick on until late at night. Important to note – the Piazza Duomo is located in the neighbourhood of Ortigia. We would highly recommend a visit down to Ortigia – it is an island full of historical buildings, bars and restaurants. It’s a must-see for tourists in town!

PALERMO: NYE CELEBRATIONS IN SICILY’S CULTURAL MELTING POT

There are always outdoor concerts on December 31 in the historic centre of Palermo, located on the north-west coast of the island. The exact square at which it takes place can change – last year’s concert took place in Piazza Giulio Cesare (Piazza Julius Caesar). We will update the information for the upcoming New Year’s Eve when it becomes available.

Like Catania, Palermo has a beautiful theatre, Teatro Massimo, in which to indulge in a classical music performance of the highest order. Sometimes there is a concert on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, sometimes just on New Year’s Eve. For more information, you can visit the official website.

TAORMINA: NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH A VIEW

Taormina is one of the most picturesque places in all of Sicily, with its view of the volcano Mount Etna and the stunning ancient Greek theatre looking over the sea.

As far as New Year’s Eve goes, the main celebrations are to be found in the gorgeous Piazza IX Aprile, located south of the historic centre and laid down with checkered tiles. From the square, you can admire the beautiful Baia di Naxos (Bay of Naxos) below and the majestic Mount Etna, which is usually covered in snow at this time of the year. There is normally a DJ set performed in this square on December 31.

Quite often there are also Christmas decorations still up around the city – the massive Christmas tree in the middle of Piazza IX Aprile and, oddly, specially decorated orange trees!

From the terrace of the square, you can also observe the fireworks set off in the Bay of Naxos below and in the villages on the slopes of Mount Etna.

Before or after New Year’s Eve, we also recommend a visit to the nearby village of Castelmola, situated on a mountain about 20 minutes’ drive up from Taormina (it is best to go there by car). From here, you can enjoy an even more breathtaking view and a little more tranquillity as it gets less crowded than Taormina itself.

NEW YEAR’S EVE 2022 AT TAORMINA’S ‘VILLA DIODORO’

Hotel Villa Diodoro holds much in store for you for New Year’s Eve 2022! Treat yourself to a delicious 7-course menu dinner, excellent live music and two nights in this marvellous hotel with ancient heart and a beautifully elegant atmosphere. Perhaps most importantly, your stay will be accompanied by a breathtaking view of the shimmering bay of Naxos with Mount Etna in the background to remind you of the rugged yet poignant beauty of the land.

Prices for a New Year’s Eve experience at Hotel Villa Diodoro starts from € 360.00 for two nights per person. Visit the official website of the hotel and celebrate the arrival of the new year in Taormina.

MOUNT ETNA: STARTING THE YEAR ON EUROPE’S HIGHEST VOLCANO

If you are all about nature and the glorious Mount Etna is your number one destination in Sicily, you can spend it at the Sapienza Refuge, a hotel located at 1910 metres, offering the best and closest view of Mount Etna. The hotel has a bar and restaurant and several treks organised by tour operators and local guides that leave from the hotel and go around Mount Etna.

MESSINA: A NYE CONCERT IN PIAZZA DUOMO AND BREATHTAKING FIREWORK DISPLAY

Messina offers another unique viewpoint to reign in the New Year – the Strait of Messina allows you to see both Sicily and, on the mainland, Calabria. From certain vantage points, you can see both sets of fireworks! The New Year’s Eve celebrations in Messina are held in Piazza Duomo (Dome Square). We recommend a visit to Piazza Duomo also at 12 pm midday to see the performance of the ‘the rooster and the lion’ – statues in the bell tower of the cathedral. Many people gather around the cathedral, looking up to watch the rooster sing and the lion roar above them – it’s a really cool spectacle and a must-do in Messina!

GOOD TO KNOW

WALKING TOURS IN SICILY

In recent years, there have been increasingly more organised walking tours in many of Sicily’s cities, even some of the smaller ones. It’s important to note the tours are in Italian and English in the big cities.

Here are some recommended tours in English:

• Palermo: Guruwalk 
• Catania: Free Tour Catania 
• Siracusa: Hermes Sicily
• Messina: Discover Messina (this walking tour is not free)

The small cities may only offer tours in Italian.

We also ask you to be careful over New Year’s Eve as some people set off their own fireworks illegally – do your best to avoid these areas and stick to the area where there are official NYE events organised by the city.

TRANSPORT IN SICILY

To travel between cities in Sicily, you can take trains or coaches. Coaches are perhaps the ideal option as they reach inland as well as coastal locations, whereas not all trains do. They are also more punctual, inexpensive and quite comfortable.

Here is a link to coaches in Sicily:

• Sais Autolinee (site only in Italian)
  Main routes: Catania-Messina, Catania-Palermo, Palermo-Messina, also offering connections with mainland cities in Italy.
• Interbus (site only in Italian)
  Main routes: Catania-Siracusa, Catania-Taormina, Catania-Noto, Catania-Ragusa.
• Autoservizi Salemi  (site in English) – This service also covers the western and southern parts of Sicily. It all offers connections to mainland cities in Italy.

Here is a link to Trenitalia, the official train service in Italy.

You may feel adventurous enough to rent a car. Note that driving a car in Sicily can be a bit more unpredictable than what you are used to, especially in Palermo.

Sicily is a wonderfully diverse place with a lot to offer. A tour of the island is always a good idea and wherever you end up on New Year’s Eve, we can guarantee it will be a memorable experience. With its own culture and customs, you will get to know a whole other side of Italy!

OUR SELECTION OF TOURS IN SICILY

ACCOMMODATION IN SICILY OVER NEW YEAR

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Naples, or ‘Napoli’ in Italian, is a city famous for its rich folklore and traditions that are known across the entire planet – such as the birth of pizza! Naples enjoys an excellent temperate climate throughout the year and is located at the foot of the Vesuvius volcano, which can be admired from the many viewpoints in the city. It is also one of the Italian cities where the New Year is most strongly felt – its arrival is always welcomed in grand style.

FIREWORKS AND ENTERTAINMENT ON NEW YEAR’S EVE IN NAPLES

One of the key attractions in Naples on December 31 is, of course, the brilliant fireworks show. The official fireworks are held in public areas, generally close to where shows and concerts are taking place (see next section for details on those concerts). The most famous fire show can be seen at 1:30 am at Castel dell’Ovo (literally ‘Egg Castle’ in English), located on a small peninsula close to the shore. This is not to be missed, the show always rising to spectacular heights.

It is important to be aware that there are also many illegal fireworks set off by individuals at midnight in Naples. The unpredictable nature of the illegal firecrackers can be potentially dangerous. For this reason, we recommend staying away from buildings and narrow lanes and alleyways and sticking to open areas where official fireworks are held, such as at Piazza Plebiscito and along the Lungomare. These areas are safe and controlled and you can enjoy NYE entertainment with many others similarly in a festive mood.

To help plan your movements on New Year’s Eve in Naples, here is a map of the panoramic points around Naples from which you can admire the fireworks (source: Napoli Fanpage):

OUTDOOR NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERTS

The city of Naples organizes a traditional concert in Piazza Plebiscito, taking place before the strike of midnight on New Year’s Eve. After midnight, the festivities move to the waterfront where the famous fireworks display at Castel dell’Ovo is held. All along the waterfront in fact – along the street ‘via Caricciolo’ – there are several shows set up on stages to be enjoyed throughout the night. This Naples New Year’s Eve experience is a must-see as the waterfront transforms into an open-air disco over the span of at least 3 kilometers.

There are different types of music played and stages set up all around this area, including nearby places such as the dock complex Borgo Marinari, the street ‘via Partenope’, Piazza Vittoria (Victory Square), and at the beachfront open area la Rotonda Diaz.

OR DO YOU FEEL LIKE SPENDING NEW YEAR’S EVE ON THE WATER?

You could see all the action and festivities from Veliero Tortuga, a large sailing ship that sails along Naples’s coastline on New Year’s Eve. Tickets are not exactly cheap (about 200€) but include a wonderful full-course dinner and drinks and a relaxing alternative in which you can marvel at the fireworks and excitement away from the epicenter of the action. You can visit the official website here (only in Italian).

WHAT THE NEAPOLITANS USED TO DO ON NYE…

For many years until quite recently, the residents of Naples would throw their old and unwanted belongings – even household appliances – out of their windows to signal a fresh start to the new year. As this was clearly deemed to be dangerous, the tradition has slowly died out. You can watch an amusing video of this custom here:

You can still get into the spirit and throw away the old things you don’t need anymore – just not out the window!

All in all, Naples is one of the most dynamic and authentic cities in all of Italy, steeped in rich history and tradition. The city also rises to the occasion on New Year’s Eve, adding its own distinct flavor to this special night.

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ACCOMMODATION IN NAPLES OVER NEW YEAR

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Known all over the world for its fashion, Milan is perhaps Italy’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan city. Certainly, it is a place where you simply cannot go wrong on New Year’s Eve. Milan is on average more expensive than other Italian cities but is easy to reach from other places in Italy and Europe. This could just be a great starting point for a journey through the “Bel Paese”.

NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT IN PIAZZA DUOMO

The main New Year’s Eve concert takes place at Piazza Duomo (Dome Square), free to attend and with a host of artists known nationally and internationally. This event normally attracts thousands of people.

Just who will be performing on New Year’s Eve 2024 is yet to be determined, but all details of the event will be published well in advance. Last year, as the pandemic continued to grip the country, the regular event was replaced with a ‘festival of lights’ of sorts, a series of videos and images projected onto the historic buildings of the public squares and the Duomo (dome).

NEW YEAR’S CONCERT AT “TEATRO ALLA SCALA” WITH ENJOYLIVE TRAVEL

Want to escape the cold and go to the theatre? Teatro alla Scala (La Scala) is the most famous opera house in Italy, built in 1778. Every year on December 7th, the opera world congregates, either live or virtually, for the unmissable ‘Prima’ event, the opening evening of the opera season. Events do also take place on New Year’s Eve too, though.

With Enjoylive Travel, an Italian tour operator specialized in tailor-made travel since 1997, you can customize your travel package by choosing among 3 different concert dates. Upon request, you can get the New Year’s Eve dinner included in your package.

ENJOYLIVE TRAVEL’S TRAVEL PACKAGES

DECEMBER 30

• Ticket for “Don Carlo” and “Coppelia” at Teatro Alla Scala on December 30 and 31, 2023
• Ticket for Beethoven’s concert at the Auditorium Fondazione Cariplo on January 1, 2024
• 3 nights in a double room with breakfast
• 1 Welcome drink at the hotel
• 1 Milan card 72h

Book your New Year’s package in Milan with Enjoylive Travel!

DECEMBER 31

• Ticket for the ballet “Coppelia” at Teatro Alla Scala on December 31, 2023
• Ticket for Beethoven’s concert at the Auditorium Fondazione Cariplo on January 1, 2024
• 3 nights in a double room with breakfast
• 1 Welcome drink at the hotel
• 1 Milan card 72h

Book your New Year’s package in Milan with Enjoylive Travel!

Packages are customizable. You can add extra hotel nights or choose from various ticket categories for the shows.

ENJOYLIVE TRAVEL: THE TOUR OPERATOR FOR CULTURE LOVERS

Enjoylive Travel is a Tour Operator based in Pesaro, active since 1997 in creating tailor-made trips related to the emotions of the most important live events in Italy and Europe. Their original and well-curated solutions are aimed at a clientele of experts and enthusiasts of Opera, Music, Culture, and Sports.

They offer packages that combine the best seats, even for sold-out shows, with top-notch services, thematic tours, and exclusive experiences. With professionalism and passion, they pursue memorable experiences to make every journey unique, just like dreams.

Book your New Year’s package in Milan with Enjoylive Travel!

A NIGHT AT NAVIGLI

A neighborhood to be sure to check out is the picturesque Navigli. This area boasts the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese, a system of canals designed by Leonardo da Vinci in the 1400s to enable passage from Lake Maggiore to Milan.

Navigli is full of bars and restaurants and is one of the liveliest in terms of nightlife in Milan. It’s the perfect place to go for an early evening aperitif or for New Year’s Eve dinner. Our recommendation is to book these places as early as you can in advance!

You can reach Navigli by taking metro line 2 and getting off at the stop ‘P.ta Genova’ or with the tram 9 or 10.

GETTING AROUND MILAN

Milan’s public transport service is called ‘ATM’ and has longer operating hours than usual on New Year’s Eve. For more information, visit their official website.

Milan is one of the best places to be on New Year’s Eve, truly amongst the action. Arguably Italy’s most international city, it is sure to give you an unforgettable experience as you bring in the New Year. Eat well, drink well, experience the culture, and let yourself be dazzled by the fireworks and entertainment available all around the city.

OUR SELECTION OF TOURS IN MILAN

ACCOMMODATION IN MILAN OVER NEW YEAR

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It’s that time of the year again! New Year’s Eve is right around the corner. While many of you have already made plans, others are still looking for inspiration. To help narrow the field, we selected the 8 best New Year’s Eve parties in Italy for 2022. Here is a roundup of events, all across the peninsula.

1. NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER AT THE GENOA AQUARIUM

One of the most popular New Year’s Eve events in Italy is the New Year’s Eve Dinner at the Genoa Aquarium. Well-known for being the largest aquarium in Europe, Acquario hosts the most extensive range of marine biodiversity in the continent.

The evening kicks off at 8:00 p.m. with a welcome cocktail in the Cetacean and Biodiversity Pavilions, followed by a dinner and toast in four separate halls of the aquarium, each with a different theme: “Dolphin Coast,” “Shark Bay,” “Mermaid Lagoon,” and “Moray Eel Cave.” Before dinner, guests are able to visit the aquarium free of charge.

This special evening begins at 8pm and includes:

• an exclusive visit to the aquarium to spend time among your marine friends
• starters and entrees in the gorgeous Cetacean and Biodiversity Pavilions
• a mouth-watering, multi-course New Year’s Eve dinner with drinks
• a toast at midnight to continue the celebrations
• a luxurious stay in the accompanying hotel for one or two nights

Although sharing a glass of champagne with your favorite sea creatures is unfortunately not possible, this is a magical experience you will remember for years to come!

2. FIRE OF THE ESTE CASTLE IN FERRARA

A must-see for Ferrara residents and tourists alike, this event is a historical reenactment of the Este Castle fire of 1554. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the castle dates back to the Middle Ages and was once the residence of the Italian noble Este family. The show lasts approximately 15 minutes, featuring concerts by international musicians,  illuminating waterfalls, cascades of color, whirlpools of light, and pyrotechnics for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve 2022!

This stunning display of color and light is one of the most mesmerizing spectacles you will ever experience and the undisputed protagonist of New Year’s Eve in Ferrara. But don’t take our word for it – see for yourself in this video!

3. CONCERT ON THE PROMENADE AND CELEBRATIONS IN DOWNTOWN RIMINI

Our next destination is Rimini, a bustling resort town on the Adriatic Riviera. New Year’s Eve celebrations usually begin at around 10:00 p.m. on the promenade, at Piazzale Fellini, with a concert by a well-known Italian singer. When the clock strikes twelve, the party moves to Piazza Cavour where they will host a DJ set into the early hours of the morning. 

The celebrations, allegedly the longest ones in the world, roll on towards Castel Sismondo, in Piazza Malatesta, a short walk from Piazza Cavour. This exciting array of events is what makes Rimini one of the best places in Italy for New Year’s Eve. 

4. PROCESSION OF THE PASSING YEAR IN APPIGNANO DEL TRONTO

The Procession of the Passing Year is a recurring event that takes place in the village of Appignano del Tronto, located in the central region of Le Marche. It is a peculiar funeral procession of strange and grotesque characters representing the months of the year. 

Carrying drab memorial wreaths, the participants march down the city streets to the sound of a bizarre funeral march played by a goofy band of trumpeting musicians. The procession symbolizes the end of the outgoing year and the birth of the new one.

Very popular among locals, the event begins with the traditional “Dinner for the Close Relatives of the Deceased” for all those who wish to mourn the loss of the passing year. After dinner the guests join the parade, reciting archaic lines, as the hearse is brought to the village piazza, where the coffin containing the passing year will be set aflame. At the stroke of midnight, the New Year is ushered in by a wonderful display of fireworks. 

The celebrations continue till the wee hours of the morning, but fear not! This event is not as macabre as it seems and the fun is guaranteed. For a sneak peek, take a look at the video below.

5. THE WORLD’S LARGEST CHRISTMAS TREE AND NEW YEAR’S EVE IN GUBBIO

Gubbio, a splendid medieval town in the province of Perugia, in central Italy, welcomes the new year with a concert in Piazza Grande at 11:00 p.m. The performers are yet to be confirmed, but one thing is for sure: thousands of tourists from all over the globe swarm in to enjoy the town’s unique festive atmosphere.

Lighting up Mount Ingino, a mountain overlooking the entire city, is the largest Christmas tree in the world. Not exactly a real tree, this monumental attraction is an arrangement of colorful lights built by volunteers each year in honor of Saint Ubaldo, the patron saint of Gubbio. The tree remains lit until mid-January, for the delight of everyone. After the concert, get ready to be dazzled by a spectacular display of fireworks visible from the piazza. If you are curious to see the world’s largest Christmas tree, watch this video: 

6. PARTY AT ROME’S MARRIOTT PARK HOTEL

Bring in the new year at the Marriott Park Hotel in Rome, the largest one in all of Italy. Every year, ExtraNight organizes explosive and exciting New Year’s Eve parties in different Italian cities. The evening starts with a cocktail reception, followed by a delicious dinner and accompanied by a selection of fine wines. After dinner, put your dancing shoes on and party to the beat of some of the most popular DJs in Northern Italy. Adding to the entertainment will be fireworks, live performances, and unlimited drinks.

After the celebrations, guests can choose to spend the night in one of the elegant rooms of the hotel and enjoy a wonderful breakfast in the morning. Several different packages are offered and quality is guaranteed by ExtraNight, which has more than 15 years of experience as a New Year’s Eve party organizer. To learn more about the event, visit the official Facebook page. Target age: 25-35.

7. THE FIRST SUNRISE OF ITALY AT THE PUNTA PALASCIA LIGHTHOUSE

If you want to be the first one to see the sun rise in Italy on January 1, look no further than Punta Palascia near Otranto. A breathtaking coastal town in the region of Apulia, this charming village is located on the easternmost tip of the peninsula.

Spending the last day of the year in this beautiful setting, surrounded by crystal blue waters and centuries-old architecture, is an experience you don’t want to miss. To make your evening even more enjoyable, the night will be packed with theatrical performances, video projections, and live music.

8. THE VECCHIONE BONFIRE

The magnificent Piazza Maggiore in Bologna hosts one of the most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations in Italy. At midnight, a giant puppet called Vecchione, “the old one,” is thrown into a bonfire to symbolize the end of the year. This tradition dates back to the 19th century, although this ritual was initially performed during the Carnival festivities in the 1800s and took place in the main city square on New Year’s Eve only in the 1920s. Vecchione is a huge puppet made of straw and rags, stuffed with firecrackers. Designed by local artists, the effigy has a different theme each year. Every four years, it represents the figure of a woman. Read our blog post on New Year’s Eve in Bologna to learn about the other events taking place in town on the last night of the year. To see what the Vecchione bonfire looks like, check out the video below of an event from a few years ago.

OUR SELECTION OF NEW YEAR’S EVE ACTIVITIES IN ITALY