The Circo Massimo concert
The heart of the evening is the free concert at the Circo Massimo, organised by the City of Rome. For 31 December 2025, access opened at 9pm and the stage brought together Alessandra Amoroso, Fabri Fibra and Tananai, with radio hosts and a DJ set; the capacity of the area was limited to about 40,000 people, with security checks at the entrance. Arrive early rather than at the last minute, and travel light: the access rules (bags, banned items) are set each year by the city.
Metro line B serves the Circo Massimo and Colosseo stations directly. The hours for the night of 31 December and any station closures to manage the crowd are announced by the operator ATAC: check them before you leave.
The midnight fireworks
At midnight, fireworks are fired above the city. Among the best viewpoints are the Pincio terrace, above piazza del Popolo, and the Janiculum, above Trastevere. Both viewpoints are free and very busy: arrive well before midnight. Private fireworks and firecrackers are common in the streets at midnight; stay careful in narrow alleys.
The squares and the historic centre
Piazza Navona and the neighbouring squares are lively all evening, with street musicians and crowds. On 1 January the city offers a programme of cultural events across town: in 2026, more than a hundred events (the "Capodarte" initiative). Museums and major sites have special hours on 1 January: the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, for example, are closed that day; always check before planning.
An evening at the opera or a concert
For a quieter New Year's Eve, the Rome Opera House and the Auditorium Parco della Musica sometimes programme an end-of-year or New Year concert; the programme is announced in autumn, and seats go fast. Our guide to concerts, opera and shows in Rome helps you choose.
New Year's Eve dinner
Most restaurants offer a set menu (cenone) on 31 December, often with lentils at midnight, which bring luck according to Italian tradition. Book several weeks ahead, and ask the price of the menu and what it includes (wine, water, cover charge). For the rest, our guide what to eat in Rome presents the typical dishes, and Rome in winter covers the season's other ideas.
Getting around and getting back
- On foot: the centre is compact; walk, as many streets are closed to traffic.
- Taxi: they are in high demand after midnight; book by app or at a taxi rank, and expect a wait.
- Night buses: see our Rome at night guide.
- Hotel: choose a central district, as explained in where to stay in Rome.
