What to do in Rome on New Year’s Eve 2017/2018

With New Year’s Eve 2017/2018 right around the corner, why not ring in the New Year in Rome?
“La Festa di San Silvestro,” as the locals call it, offers many ways to celebrate, ranging from private parties to public events, and, of course, fireworks!
To help you decide what to do, we’ve compiled a list of the best ways to live it up below.

Celebrate Outdoors

Rome’s largest party takes place in the capital city’s historic center!
Begin 2018 with a bang by attending “La Festa di Roma” in the heart of Ancient Rome.

The free event happens at The Circus Maximus and includes Rome’s most famous bridges, like the Bridge of Angels near Castle Sant’Angelo.

All the fun starts at 9:00 PM on December 31st, 2017, and ends at 2:00 AM on January 1st, 2018.
The program includes musical, theatrical, and dance performances.

We will provide you with updates on the night’s line-up as the details become available, but rest assured, there will be fireworks!

Your New Year’s Eve would not be complete without a fireworks display, so be sure to secure a spot in one of Rome’s piazzas with the locals by midnight and enjoy the show.

Enjoy the Fireworks from Rome’s Rooftops

If you want to take in the fireworks and avoid the crowds, reserve a table at one of Rome’s amazing panoramic restaurants.

With a view set high above the hustle and bustle in the capital city’s streets and squares, the sky-high spectacle will be yours and yours alone to enjoy!

Here are our suggestions:

Michelin-starred “Aroma” is located on the top floor of the 17th century Palazzo Manfredi, and looks out directly onto the Colosseum.
Aroma, Palazzo Manfredi, Via Labicana 125, Rome, Italy, +39 06 9761509

“La Pergola” has the honor of being Rome’s only three Michelin star restaurant. Located on the outskirts of the city, the terrace offers a breathtaking view of the Eternal City’s skyline.
La Pergola, Rome Cavalieri Hotel, Via Alberto Cadlolo 101, Rome, Italy, +39 06 35091

Rome’s first panoramic restaurant, “Imàgo”, has a history as rich as the city itself. Situated in the heart of downtown atop Hotel Hassler, the terrace overlooks the Church of Trinità dei Monti and the Spanish Steps.
Imàgo, Hotel Hassler, Piazza Trinità dei Monti 6, Rome,Italy, +39 06 699340

Rome Concerts and Private Parties

End 2017 on a high note with a show at the Auditorium!

The “Roma Auditorium Parco della Musica” is hosting the Roma Gospel Festival, an international gospel music festival.
The Harlem Gospel Choir, America’s oldest and most famous gospel choir, will take the stage December 31st to sing in the New Year.

Tickets are available here, and for more musical and private events, visit this website.

Be sure to buy your tickets in advance.

Get on the Good Foot in 2018

A New Year means it’s time to get started on those New Year’s resolutions (or “buoni propositi”).

If you’ve resolved to exercise more in 2018, get off on the right foot by running a race!
The “We Run Rome” running event sprints into its 7th year on December 31st, offering both a 5 and a 10k race.

Runners will gather at midnight on New Year’s Eve at the Terme di Caracalla Stadium “Nando Martinelli”, then will take their marks for the 10k at 2:00 PM.

The 5k will start 15 minutes later.
You can sign up for the race at www.werunrome.com until December 30th.

How Locals Celebrate New Year’s Eve

Before going out, family and friends gather for a big dinner, called “cenone”, either in a private home or at a restaurant.

Restaurants tend to offer fixed dinner menus for the night.
The typical New Year’s Eve menu consists of “cotechino” (a product similar to salami), “zampone” (stuffed pig’s feet), and lentils.

Lentils are an important part of Italian New Year’s tradition: it is believed that eating them after midnight will bring good fortune in the coming year.

Once the fireworks displays begin, locals like to drink in the sights with a glass of “spumante,” or sparkling wine.

Some Final Tips

It won’t be easy to find a taxi on New Year’s Eve, so make sure you arrange your transportation plans before you head out. If you decide for a cab, make sure to take a licensed one. You can read more about Taxis in Rome in our related post!

Metro Lines A and B will run from 5:30 AM on December 31st until 2:30 AM on January 1st.

If you decide to celebrate outdoors, be prepared for colder temperatures and wear warm clothes.
Check out “Rome in December 2017, Weather & Temperature” for an idea of what you can expect weather-wise on New Year’s Eve.