Rome seamlessly blends art, culture, history, and modernity which is why it makes for the perfect place to celebrate New Year's Eve. Rome on New Year's Eve isn't just about partying the night away, it is also about immersing yourself in Roman culture for a very wholesome New Year's Eve experience. As midnight approaches, the streets fill with locals and tourists as they unite to ring in the new year. During New Year’s Eve in Rome, one of the highlights is the fireworks along with many free concerts and delicious food all around. Read on to find out the unique ways you can ring in the New Year while celebrating New Year's Eve in Rome.

Top Attractions in Rome on New Year's Eve

Italian Traditions for New Year's Eve in Rome

Here are some traditional Italian customs that are still carried out today to ring in the New Year in Rome!

Kissing under the mistletoe for the turn of the year: For New Year’s Eve, many Italians kiss under a mistletoe. You are supposed to wait until midnight and kiss the person you love under a mistletoe to bring in the new year.

Wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve: This is a slightly quirky tradition but the color red is a symbol of luck for the Romans. Many women and men enjoy wearing red underwear for New Year’s Eve. This tradition also makes red underwear a frequent gift for New Year’s Eve in Rome.

Weather in Rome on New Year’s Eve

Highest Temp: 15°C

Lowest Temp: 4°C

Chances of Rain: It rains for about 9 days in Rome in December

What to Wear: The weather is cold so pack warm coats, gloves, scarves, and jackets.

Rome in December

Top 9 Things to do in Rome on New Year's Eve

1. Fireworks Display at Circus Maximus

You must attend the festival at Circus Maximus for New Year’s Eve in Rome. The midnight fireworks show is a mind-blowing treat. For a clear, picturesque view of fireworks head to the terrace of the Gianicolo or climb atop the Pincian Hill.

2. Attend a New Year's Concert

One of the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Rome is to attend a live music concert. Dress up to attend the most famous operas offered across multiple venues like Church of St Paul Within the Halls, All Saints Church and others.

What to Expect: Cultural experience, Opera

Tips: Dress in your best for this grand experience.

3. Party at Palazzo Brancaccio

Palazzo Brancaccio is one of the most exclusive places located in the heart of Rome. Spend a glamorous evening with dinner, an open bar, and a DJ set. Party the night away in style at this coveted destination.

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4. Visit St Peter’s Basilica for the Papal Vespers

At St. Peter’s Basilica, the celebration of the Papal Vespers, is a very interesting way to spend New Year’s Eve in Rome. Get a chance to witness Pope Francis offer gratitude for how well Roman residents have worked together to promote the common good of the city.

What to Expect: Somber experience, Religious

from €27

5. Attend the New Year Parade at Piazza del Popolo

The New Year Parade at Piazza del Popolo is an extravagant celebration and features Italian musical folk groups that take part in a family-oriented parade in central Rome. This event takes place on New Year’s Day.

What to Expect: Parade, huge crowds, live performances, dance

6. Celebrate like the locals at Trastevere

For a low-key New Year’s Eve in Rome stay at Trastevere. The locals create a wonderful atmosphere and you can enjoy a traditional dinner made with Silvestro lentils, carrots, and pieces of cotechino (a large spiced sausage). Trastevere is known for traditional and innovative trattorias, craft beer pubs, and artisan shops.

What to Expect: Street party, local stalls, cultural experience

7. Attend the Amore XX NYE Festival

An important New Year's Eve festival in Rome, the 20th anniversary of this festival has 10 stages featuring 100 DJs and VJs, transforming the Nuova Fiera di Roma into site for a musical New Year's celebration.

What to Expect: Lineup includes Jeff Mills, great music, huge crowds

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8. Celebrate at La Festa di Roma

This all-day extravaganza at Circus Maximus is free for all and has a host of activities and events to ring in the new year. You'll experience concerts, fireworks, music and so much entertainment as you party with the locals.

What to Expect: An extravagant affair with music, dance performances, fireworks and lots more

9. Go on a Guided Bus Tour

The best way to take in all the celebrations happening across Rome is to set off on a bus tour that takes you around the city. Get a glimpse of what's happening across the city on New Year's Eve and join the celebrations at a stop of your choice.

What to Expect: A hop-on hop-off experience across the city with an audio guide.

Tips: Figure out the major stops you'd like to get off at in advance so you don't miss out on anything.

Rome Bus Tour Tickets

Plan Your New Year's Eve in Rome

Getting Around

Where to Eat

Where to Stay

On Foot: You can walk around the lively neighborhoods in Rome during New Year’s Eve and join everyone celebrating on the streets.

Metro: The metro is reliable, efficient and convenient. It offers daily service from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. but runs for longer during special events like New Year’s Eve.

Bus: There are several types of buses in Rome like night buses and express buses.Routes generally offer daily service between 5:30 a.m. and midnight, with extended hours on the night buses and during special events like New Year’s Eve.

Taxi and Car: Taxis and cars are available across Rome for you to rent and get around during New Year’s Eve. There could be extra charges given that it is a special occasion.

Brunch (Price for 2 People)

Aroma Restaurant: from €180
Baja: from €80

Dinner (Price for 2 People)

Retrobottega: from €50
Osteria dell’Ingegno: from €30
Baccano: from €40

Prices mentioned are for 2 people

Budget
Villa Monte Mario: from €70
The RomeHello: from €115

Mid-Range
Best Western Hotel: from €160
Warmthotel: from €155
Hotel Diana Roof Garden Rome: from €145

Luxury
Hotel NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento: from €275
Hotel NH Collection Roma Centro: from €176
Rome Cavalieri A Waldorf Astoria Hotel: from €350

Tips for Celebrating New Year's Eve in Rome

Head to the viewpoints on hills if you want to see fireworks without being surrounded by huge crowds
Carry warm clothes because it is chilly in Rome this time of year
Make reservations well in advance because things get booked very quickly during New Year’s Eve in Rome
Carry a set of party outfits if you intend on going all out on partying!
Check public transport schedules in advance to know what mode to take on your way home
Try to book hotels close to the New Year festivities so that you can even walk to your accommodation

Rome Travel Tips

Frequently Asked Questions About Celebrating New Year's Eve in Rome

What are the best things to do in Rome on New Year's Eve?

Watch the fireworks display at Circus Maximus, attend a New Year's Concert Gala, or party at Palazzo Brancaccio. These are some of the best things to in Rome on New Year's Eve.

What is there to do in Rome on New Year's Eve?

Watch the fireworks atop a hill, go for a music concert or attend St Peter’s Basilica for the Papal Vespers.

Is December a good time to visit Rome?

Yes, December is a good time to visit Rome and the ideal place to celebrate New Year's Eve at.

What are the best places to eat in Rome on New Year's Eve?

Aroma Restaurant, Baja, Retrobottega are some of the best places to dine at in Rome on New Year's Eve.

Are there fireworks in Rome on New Year's Eve?

Yes, you can witness a beautiful fireworks display at Circus Maximus in Rome on New Year's Eve.

How can I travel in Rome on New Year's Eve?

You can take the metro, a bus, or hire a taxi/car to get around Rome on New Year's Eve. Remember to check the schedule of public transport to know the specific timings.

What are the best street parties in Rome for New Year's Eve?

La Festa di Roma and the celebrations at Trastevere are incredible street party experiences for you to be a part of in Rome on New Year's Eve.

Are there nightclubs in Rome?

Yes, you can visit a nightclub in Rome on New Year's Eve. Some of the best nightclubs in Rome include Chalet nel bosco, Art Cafè and Shari vari.

What are the best places to have dinner in Rome on New Year's Eve?

Baccano and Retrobottega are great places to have dinner in Rome and ring in the New Year.