New Year's Eve & New Year's Day 2024-2025 in Rome

Rome has everything you need for a riveting New Year's Eve celebration. The city boasts a variety of excellent restaurants, free outdoor parties, and dozens of firework displays, lasting for a good 15 minutes after midnight. So be assured you'll find no shortage of events to usher in the New Year.

Fireworks in Rome on New Year's Eve

The all-time favorite part of the holiday must be the fireworks displays. The largest pyrotechnic shows take place near Circus Maximus, at the Colosseum on Via dei Fori Imperiali, and also around Piazza del Popolo. These locations typically host live entertainment, starting at around 9-9:30 pm and culminating with the countdown and fireworks at midnight. The Colosseum is also known for its stunning nighttime illumination, which is all the more special on New Year's Eve.

Other popular spots for New Year's Eve include Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Navona, and Piazza Venezia. If you'd rather avoid crowds, consider observing the fireworks from Gianicolo hill, which promises some fabulous panoramic views of the city. Also, a wonderful place to take in New Year's Eve fireworks could be any rooftop restaurant

NYE Celebration at Circus Maximus

One of the biggest New Year's Eve parties in Rome takes place at Circus Maximus, an ancient stadium turned entertainment venue. The celebration usually features a free outdoor concert showcasing the talent of Italian artists and a magnificent fireworks display. Last year's lineup included Blanco, Lazza, and Francesca Michielin. Entry is free, but due to the popularity of the event, it's best to arrive earlier in the day. The festivities usually kick off at 9-9:30 pm.

New Year's Eve Party at Castello Miramare Maccarese

Just 21 miles (34 km) away from Rome, Castello Miramare Maccarese restaurant in the Maccarese hamlet hosts a vibrant New Year's Eve party on the beachfront of the Tyrrhenian Sea. With the open bar, DJ music, dinner, and stunning vistas of the sea, the event is a remarkable way to ring in the New Year. The dinner portion of the evening begins at 8:30 pm, followed by the party at 11 pm and after midnight. Tickets start at €50 for the party and €125 for dinner.

What to Do in Rome for New Year's Eve

In addition to dining and partying, you can explore the city's multiple museums and discover its famous attractions, most of which will be operating on December 31 at standard hours. Yet, some facilities might have reduced opening hours. Malls are usually open till early in the afternoon, but note that due to so many shopping on New Year's Eve, the scene can be quite frenzied.

Rome New Year's Parade (January 1)

On January 1, everybody heads to the annual New Year's Parade, featuring over 100,000 participants. Proudly wearing their signature costumes and attire, march band musicians, auxiliary units, and military and civic bands from all over Italy and beyond participate in the parade. Spectators cheer on the sidewalks, greeting the paradegoers and enjoying the revelry in the streets of the capital. The main goal of the event is to celebrate the New Year and receive the Pope's annual New Year's blessing. Note that practically all businesses are closed on New Year's Day, so plan your itinerary for the day in advance.

Route & Schedule

The march makes its way from Largo Giovanni XXIII square next to Castel Sant’Angelo, continues along the Via della Conciliazione and stops in Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City with the Pope's blessing. The route is noteworthy for several significant historical landmarks, including Castel Sant’Angelo, Basilica di San Pietro, and of course, Saint Peter's Square. The event usually begins at 3:30 pm.