New Year’s Eve in Rome 2026: events, parties and must-see spots

Celebrating New Year's Eve in Rome is an experience to try at least once in a lifetime! You don't know what to choose between vigils, parties in the square or a sweet romantic evening? Among the events organised for New Year's Eve in Rome 2026, there is definitely what you are looking for!

The capital city offers cultural, sporting and entertainment events all year round, but New Year's Eve offers even more excitement and makes you start the New Year with an extra gear.

Even a simple stroll in the city center can amaze and rejuvenate you... a night of celebration is the perfect opportunity for a long and revitalizing weekend, during which you can enjoy all the attractions and the most iconic and charming places throughout the entire city. A smart and convenient way to enjoy these attractions is undoubtedly the Visit Rome Pass, the tourist pass of the city that offers a multitude of advantages and offers to visit Rome's tourist spots. But enough talk, let's discover what to do in Rome for New Year's Eve.

Every tourist visiting the capital is fascinated by the atmosphere. Every tourist who spends New Year's Eve in Rome looks forward to returning to the city at another time of year. The events that are organized do not disappoint those who want to have fun and get crazy, but the historical sites, such as monuments and museums, enrich and complete an exciting trip to a place loved the world over.

But before discovering the initiatives we'd like to suggest, discover the 10 superstitious rituals Italians practice for New Year's Eve. The sights you'll find in Rome are irresistible; celebrating New Year's Eve in Rome will be unforgettable. For New Year's Eve in Rome 2026, you can:

• Attend the great free concert at the Circus Maximus

• Have fun at Cinecittà World, ideal if you have children

• Enjoy a show at the Teatro dell'Opera

• Laugh with Edoardo Leo at the Auditorium Parco della Musica

• Revel in an unforgettable performance at the Auditorium Conciliazione

• Savor a delicious dinner at one of the many venues

• Dance until the early hours

The centrepiece of the public celebrations for this New Year's Eve 2026 in Rome will be the big free concert at the Circus Maximus. The event runs from 9:30 PM until 2 AM. Big names in Italian and international music will take the stage, alternating with DJ sets. The stars' names will be announced at the last minute to ensure they're a surprise. You won't be disappointed, but if you want to know more, keep an eye on the City of Rome website.

Be ready! At the stroke of midnight for the superb and romantic fireworks display that will illuminate the capital with color. This is one of the city's most popular events, so plan to arrive early to secure a good spot. This event is perfect if you want to celebrate immersed in Rome's historic atmosphere, with live music and spectacular light displays.

Are you thinking about the classic New Year's Eve party in Rome? All you have to do is choose your favorite location! At the nightclub, you can dance until you drop, but if you're looking for something more chic or intimate, here are the many options the capital has to offer.

Restaurants and agriturismi are ready, book with your sweetheart or your preferred company. A charming alternative is a terrace party. The romantic view of monuments or Rome from above will amaze you.

Themed and masked parties are very popular in the capital, ideal for letting your imagination run wild. If you prefer to relax, you can opt for an evening in a spa, with dinner and a toast by the pool. But if you want to start the New Year like a VIP, you have to hire a limousine and drive around town. It's all a matter of prospects for the future. These ideas are perfect for those who want to spend New Year's Eve 2026 with one or more special people and want something different.

What to do on New Year's Eve in Rome if you have children? There are locations such as restaurants and hotels that provide dedicated menus and services that allow parents to relax and enjoy themselves. Entertainment for the little ones and baby sitting make everything more enjoyable.

A popular alternative for all ages is the Cinecittà World park. The attractions are designed to satisfy all needs, and the little ones in particular will find activities suitable for them. The evening culminates with a grate fireworks display that lights up the sky above the film sets, creating a magical atmosphere.

If you have chosen a rented location that only provides overnight accommodation, but you don't want to cook, remember that there are plenty of solutions to book a catering service suitable for your New Year's Eve event in Rome. Menus for all tastes and all prices, to make your New Year's Eve evening effortless! Even a chef cooking in your home can make the night unique and unforgettable with a fairytale New Year's Eve dinner.

Cinecittà World, a catering event at your rental location, or even just cooking for your family are perfect options for those spending New Year's Eve 2026 with their children.

Theatre and music performances are an alternative for a cultural New Year's Eve in Rome 2026. Once again this year there are programmes for adults and families and you will be accompanied until midnight by artists in a festive atmosphere.

Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker is on stage at the Teatro dell'Opera, while at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, Edoardo Leo presents "Ti racconto una storia," a reading-performance that brings together laughter, inspiration, readings, and thoughts from the Roman actor and director. At the Auditorium Conciliazione, actor and comedian Francesco Cicchella will make his last public appearance, performing "Tante belle cose," an explosive mix of hilarious sketches, unforgettable performances, and emotional moments, all characterized by his unmistakable comedic talent.

We recommend booking well in advance, as these evenings tend to sell out quickly. These tips are perfect for you if you're looking for a New Year's Eve celebration that ends with laughter or a cultural experience.

One of the most fascinating places in Rome is surely St Peter's. Imagine being able to admire it at night, how fascinating it can be to immerse oneself in history as darkness embraces St Peter's Basilica.

Spending midnight on New Year's Eve 2026 in St. Peter's Square is a unique experience, full of spirituality and suggestion. While many squares in Rome resound with music and lively celebrations, St Peter's offers a more intimate atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a moment of reflection and peace to welcome in the New Year.

Often, St. Peter's Basilica hosts a special end-of-year mass, celebrated by the Pope or high prelates, followed by the traditional blessing. At midnight, the lights of the square, with its iconic Christmas tree and monumental nativity scene, create a magical atmosphere, inviting one to rejoice and think spiritually. The experience is also suitable for families and groups of friends who want to start the New Year in a place that symbolises faith and history.

Find out the timetables of public transport in Rome on New Year's Eve is essential. The first piece of advice we give you if you want to fully enjoy the evening is not to use your car. Traffic jams and congestion are already very intense during the weekdays of the year. Moreover, on 31 December, many areas of the city, especially those in the historic centre, will be closed to traffic with the ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato - Limited Traffic Zone); therefore, it will be better to rely on public transport!

In detail, the metro will run until 2:30 a.m., while night buses will run until 8:00 a.m. There will also be an increase in rides in central areas of the city and near major events, such as the concert at the Circus Maximus.

For any other doubts, we also advise you to consult the official website of Rome's public transport system (ATAC). Once again, we recommend taking advantage of the Visit Rome Pass, which includes unlimited access to all public transport in Rome.