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.
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 DecemberYou 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.
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.
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.
Know moreAt 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 €27The 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
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
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
Know MoreThis 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
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 TicketsOn 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)
Dinner (Price for 2 People)
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
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.
Watch the fireworks atop a hill, go for a music concert or attend St Peter’s Basilica for the Papal Vespers.
Yes, December is a good time to visit Rome and the ideal place to celebrate New Year's Eve at.
Aroma Restaurant, Baja, Retrobottega are some of the best places to dine at 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.
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.
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.
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.
Baccano and Retrobottega are great places to have dinner in Rome and ring in the New Year.
There are multiple Airport transfers services available to connect from city center, like Rome airport transfers.