New Year’s Eve Rome 2025 | Best Things to do

Q: Is December a good time to visit Rome?

Yes, <link linkType="custom" newTab="true" url="https://www.tickets-rome.com/travel-guide/best-time-to-visit-rome/rome-in-december/" id="kpSqPpjn" shortCodeType="link" text="December" /> is a good time to visit Rome and the ideal place to celebrate New Year's Eve at.

Italian traditions for New Year's Eve in Rome

In Rome, New Year's Eve, known as La Festa di San Silvestro, is celebrated with a blend of festive traditions and culinary delights that reflect the city's rich culture. Here are some key aspects of how Italians celebrate this special occasion:

Festivities and Celebrations

Fireworks and Parties: The night is marked by vibrant fireworks displays, particularly in city centers where people gather for concerts and festivities. Popular locations include Piazza del Popolo and Circo Massimo, where large crowds come together to welcome the New Year with music, dancing, and celebrations.
La Festa di San Silvestro: This celebration honors Saint Sylvester, who died on December 31, 335 C.E. The evening combines the religious significance of the feast day with the revelry of New Year's Eve, making it a unique cultural event in Italy.

Traditional foods

Cotechino e Lenticchie: A traditional dish served on New Year's Eve is cotechino (a type of pork sausage) accompanied by lenticchie (lentils). Eating lentils is believed to bring prosperity in the coming year, as their shape resembles coins. This dish symbolizes wealth and abundance, making it a staple at many Italian tables during the celebration.
Grapes and Dried Fruit: It is customary to have grapes on the table during the New Year’s meal. According to tradition, consuming grapes ensures wise spending in the upcoming year. Additionally, dried fruits are often enjoyed as part of the festivities.

Superstitions and customs

Red underwear: A quirky tradition involves wearing red underwear on New Year's Eve, believed to bring good luck and love in the coming year. Many Italians purchase new red lingerie specifically for this occasion
Throwing out old items: In some regions of Italy, it is customary to throw old belongings out of windows as a way to symbolize letting go of the past and welcoming new beginnings
Smashing plates: Another fun tradition involves smashing plates or pottery to ward off bad luck and negative energy from the previous year, symbolizing a fresh start for the New Year.

Weather in Rome on New Year’s Eve

The weather in Rome on New Year’s Eve 2024 is expected to be mild and pleasant.
Highest temp: 12°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.

Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot.

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

Tip: 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.

Tip: Ensure you have a plan for getting back after the event, as public transport may have altered schedules on New Year’s Eve.

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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

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
Tip: Join locals in celebrating with traditional foods and drinks, like spumante or prosecco.

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 21th anniversary of this festival has many stages featuring 100 DJs and VJs. This festival is a great option for those who enjoy techno, house, trap, electro, industrial, and disco music. It promises an exciting atmosphere to ring in the New Year with fellow music enthusiasts.

What to expect: Vibrant electronic music scene and will feature various DJs, including Blawan, Shlomo, and Anetha, among others.
Tip: Given the popularity of the festival we recommend buying your tickets in advance.

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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.
Tip: 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

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[object Object]: 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

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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.

How do I connect from Rome airport to the city center?

There are multiple Airport transfers services available to connect from city center, like Rome airport transfers.