New Year's Eve in Rome: what to do in 2025

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 organised 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.

The scenery you find in Rome is irresistible, celebrating New Year's Eve in Rome will be unforgettable.

The centrepiece of the public celebrations for this New Year's Eve 2025 in Rome will be the big free concert at the Circus Maximus. Starting at 21:30, artists such as Blanco, Lazza and Francesca Michielin will perform on stage, accompanied by RDS presenters. After midnight, the party will continue with a DJ set by Dimensione Suono Roma. This event is perfect if you want to celebrate immersed in the historical atmosphere of Rome, with live music and spectacular light shows.

Moreover, between the Circus Maximus and the Colosseum, the ‘Feast of Rome’ will include art installations, shows and touring performances, creating an evocative path among the illuminated monuments of the thousand-year-old city. The event combines culture and fun, offering activities for everyone, even and especially if you have decided to spend New Year's Eve in Rome with the whole family.

Are you thinking about the classic New Year's Eve party in Rome? You just have to choose the location you prefer! In a disco you can dance to the point of exhaustion, but if you are looking for something more chic, you have to move to a villa, a castle or a historic residence, among the many proposals the capital offers.

Nearby there are historical locations that are used for events and ceremonies. On New Year's Eve they will be the ideal place for a romantic or stylish evening. 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...

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 fireworks at midnight are always appreciated by all participants.

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...

Theatre and music performances are an alternative for a cultural New Year's Eve in Rome 2025. Once again this year there are programmes for adults and families and you will be accompanied until midnight by artists in a festive atmosphere.

In particular, we would like to point out, among the main ones, the Quirino and the Sistina, which will organise shows of great value. The former will see a performance of ‘The Nutcracker’, while the latter will celebrate with actor Enrico Brignano with his special show.

Again, you can consider Johann Strauss Jr.'s “The Bat” at the Opera House, which offers this famous operetta with the charm of the Viennese tradition, or Edoardo Leo - New Year's Eve Special at the Auditorium Parco della Musica: the actor and director will offer a unique event to greet the New Year.

In general, performances often include midnight toasts with the artists. We recommend booking well in advance, as these evenings tend to sell out quickly.

Another possibility is Cinecittà World. The film and television theme park offers a special evening with attractions open until late at night, live shows and music for all ages. Usually, the evening culminates with a big fireworks show that lights up the sky above the film sets, creating a magical atmosphere.

During the night, dedicated dance areas with DJ sets are available, as well as themed dinners in film-inspired restaurants. Cinecittà World also offers activities for children, making it an ideal choice for families. As always, we recommend that you book in advance, both park admission and any additional experiences, to secure your place in this exclusive New Year's Eve celebration.

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 gathers St Peter's Basilica.

Spending midnight on New Year's Eve 2025 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.

Knowing the transport timetables 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).

While if you want some more details about the ZTL limits, we remind you that the Limited Traffic Zones in the historic centre and the Trident will be active from 6:30 am to 8:00 pm, even on Saturdays and holidays. The only exception will be on 25 December, when the ZTLs will be off and therefore access will be free.