things to do in Rome in new year

Rome is the perfect place to be on New Years Eve. With an assortment of options ranging from large-scale celebrations to more intimate events – it all depends on what mood you find yourself in.

For the large-scale, there’s usually a grandiose firework display along the Via dei Fori Imperiali or you can check out the concerts scheduled at Circus Maximus.

If you’re more of the play-it-by-ear-type (and don’t mind the crowds) a stroll through the popular Campo de Fiori, Piazza Navona, and Piazza del Popolo are guaranteed to be lively.

Or if you’d rather focus your evening on delicious food, there are so many options for dining out.

The New Years Eve “cenone” (also known as the Festa di San Silvestro) is a huge dinner with a set menu and set price. Unlike Christmas, there is no traditional meal in Italy for NYE dinner. However, for New Year’s Day (Capodanno) it is absolutely mandatory to eat lentils. This legume is believed to bring health and wealth in the coming year if eaten. The lentils can be prepared a number of ways, but most often it is served with sausage.

If you’re lucky enough to be invited to a friend’s house for dinner, just make sure to bring some prosecco and you’ll be well-received.