How to Celebrate the New Year in Venice

New Year in Venice is definitely one of the most exciting nights of the year. This is when people forget about their problems and worries and plunge headlong into the festive atmosphere, exchange gifts, and celebrate the New Year with their friends and relatives. But, of course, the whole world celebrates this holiday, so if you decide to change your surroundings and leave for another country, be sure: you will have a wonderful New Year’s Eve there too.

If we talk about travel on the eve of the New Year 2024, it is worth noting that the beautiful Italian city on the water is trendy in winter. And it is not surprising: Venice, which is located on a group of 118 small islands connected by numerous bridges, offers tourists a lot of opportunities for an exciting pastime. Celebrating the New Year will seem interesting and fun not only for couples in love and romantics but also for all guests of the city.

Where to celebrate?

San Marco Square (Piazza San Marco)

The place where the main actions occur in Venice on New Year’s Eve is undoubtedly the world-famous San Marco Square. Thousands of people gather here to count the last seconds of the outgoing year. The new year is symbolically marked by the clock striking on the Campanile di San Marco, a bell tower that is more than 98 meters high.

Sharply at midnight, mass kisses take place on the square – a new tradition that took root in Venice after the competition for the most extended kiss, and the sky above the city lights up with magnificent festive fireworks, giving the Grand Canal a fabulous look.

Keep in mind that at midnight Piazza San Marco is very crowded with people wanting to celebrate the New Year, so if you do not want to be in the middle of a busy crowd, you should look for another place from where you can observe the beautiful city on a magical night. Perhaps such a place will be the building of the Center for Contemporary Art (Punta della Dogana), where not so many people come. Stunning views also open up from the legendary Ponte Rialto, a fantastic piece of Renaissance art.

At the Opera-house

An equally exciting way to celebrate the New Year in Venice is to attend a festive concert at the Teatro La Fenice, which is held every night from 29 December to 1 January. The concert is broadcast live on the Rai Uno channel.

Take a dip in the bay.

Cheerful companies who have come to Venice to celebrate the New Year can take part in a swim in the cold seawater near the island of Lido, which is an unusual New Year’s tradition of the locals.

In a restaurant

You can also celebrate the New Year in Venice in a cozy restaurant enjoying a fine dinner with a glass of the Italian version of sparkling wine – prosecco. However, it is worth considering that this is not the most budgetary option. Still, it’s worth noting that you get a festive atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food for the money spent on New Year’s Eve dinner. If you nevertheless decide to spend New Year’s Eve in a Venetian restaurant, take care of booking a table in advance: the number of visitors during this period is enormous, and the Italians themselves are not averse to throwing a small corporate party in a nice place.

Where to stay?

In addition to making early restaurant reservations, do not forget to book accommodation. Venice is home to many hotels, but the number of tourists arriving in the city on the water on New Year’s Eve is also significant.

Note that New Year’s Eve prices in Venice hotels are slightly different from summer ones. So, for example, most probably that you will be able to find a room that will cost you 15-20 percent less than if you booked it during the hot season.

• Hotel Alcyone is a 3-star hotel with a terrace offering a fantastic view over the Venetian roofs and the bell tower of St. Mark.
• Palace Bonvecchiati is a 4-star hotel with modern rooms just 250 meters from San Marco Square.
• Luna Hotel Baglioni is located in the heart of Venice. This luxurious 5-star hotel has its own pier, which can be reached by boat or gondola.
• Hotels in the city center of Venoice – unique search link.