9 Best Italian Cities for New Years Eve in Italy

5. Bologna: Experience Ancient New Year in Italy Traditions at Piazza Maggiore

Picture the scene: At precisely midnight, an effigy of the Old Year, designed each year by a different local artist, is wheeled into the piazza and chucked into a massive bonfire, symbolizing the burning off of all of last year’s bad luck, and welcoming the possibilities of the new. It’s a tradition that dates to pre-Christian times, and unlike anything else you’ll find in Italy.

And you definitely won’t want to miss the Fiera del Bue Grasso, or Fat Ox Fair, where a flower bedecked ox is feted and celebrated and eventually raffled off in a lottery for the lucky winner to take home. New Year’s in Bologna is definitely an event to remember.

Want to truly understand this fascinating city? Our Private Bologna Walking Tour reveals the stories behind the traditions, taking you through hidden porticoes and medieval squares where locals celebrate away from the tourist crowds.

6. Ferrara: Why this Hidden Gem is Among the Best Places in Italy for New Years

Ferrara might not top your Italy destination list, but it’s definitely worth visiting on New Year’s Eve if you’re into unusual, and some might even say “peculiar,” celebrations. Start your evening with the Banquet of the Duke d’Este, a ducal feast that actually takes place inside the castle itself, a meal that faithfully recreates its Renaissance heritage in food and music.

Then while away the hours until midnight at the free outdoor concert at the Piazza Castello, culminating in the dramatic burning of the castle, created with advanced fireworks and pyrotechnics. If a cultural tour of Italy is just your style, you’ll love Ferrara—it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its Renaissance architecture.

7. Orvieto: Where Jazz Makes it One of the Most Unique Places to Go in Italy for New Year's Eve

Orvieto is one of Tuscany’s hidden gems, its eponymous Orvieto wine among the most popular of all the Umbrian varietals. But the city is famous for much more than its lovely wines: During the winter, the entire town takes on a festival atmosphere and comes alive with the boisterous sounds of jazz. Restaurants, shops, public squares, even churches become makeshift jazz stages for life exhibitions throughout the entire month of December.

On New Year’s Eve, the Umbria Jazz Festival concludes with a “Last Supper of Jazz” at the Duomo of Orvieto, an hours-long open-air concert with plenty of Prosecco. It’s the highlight of this sleepy little mountaintop town, and definitely worth a trip if you want to experience something truly one-of-a-kind for your New Year’s celebration.

Extend your Umbrian adventure with our Private Umbria Tour. You'll discover medieval towns and rolling vineyards that make this region truly special - perfect for a more intimate New Year celebration.

8. Naples: the Lungomare Offers the Most Spectacular Fireworks during Italy New Year Holidays

Naples is a bustling, gritty, authentic slice of Italian life, but the Lungomare is an exquisite pedestrian-only seafront strip with fabulous views of Mt. Vesuvius and the island of Capri—a charming and romantic respite from the city itself.

The Lungomare is also the perfect place to enjoy the massive fireworks display at the Castel dell’Ovo. Stroll the waterfront and partake of the New Year’s festivities before heading to Piazza del Plebiscito for the free concert and party atmosphere.

Get insider knowledge of the best firework viewing spots with our Naples Private Tour. A local guide will show you hidden terraces and panoramic points perfect for watching the midnight show over the bay.

9. Capri: Join Celebrities at the Best Place in Italy to Celebrate New Year

If you want to party like a rockstar (or a movie star, for that matter), New Year's celebrations are an unusual thing to do in Capri. Capri is a well-known destination for the international elite, a place to rub elbows with the truly rich and famous.

And its New Year’s celebration lives up to its reputation, with an all-night dance party at the Piazzetta. The CapriHollywood Film Festival takes place over New Year’s, so be sure to bring your camera in case you spot a few film celebrities getting their groove on to the disco music.

Make your island celebration even more memorable with our Private Capri Tour. You'll discover secluded spots where you can toast to the New Year like a true VIP, away from the crowds.

How to Choose the Best Places in Italy for New Years

Choosing where to spend New Year's Eve in Italy depends on your celebration style. For glamorous parties and celebrity spotting, Capri and Venice should top your list. If you're after traditional celebrations, Bologna and Ferrara offer authentic experiences steeped in history. Rome and Florence blend culture with lively festivities, while Naples provides spectacular firework shows. For a more intimate celebration, consider smaller cities like Orvieto with its jazz atmosphere or Rimini's extended holiday season. With so many unique celebrations across Italy, planning the perfect New Year's Eve can feel overwhelming. That's where our expertise comes in - our local guides know these cities inside and out and can help you create an unforgettable celebration tailored to your preferences. Let us handle the details while you focus on counting down to midnight in your perfect Italian destination.

Are you ready to spend New Year’s in Italy this year? Have your heart set on one of these amazing celebrations? Get in touch today to find out how easy it is to plan a holiday tour in Italy—and if you’re not quite ready to have a chat, sign up for our free email course to help you plan your ultimate Italian vacation.