New Year's traditions in Italy

New Year’s Eve in Italy is a magical celebration, brimming with unique traditions that make ringing in the new year an unforgettable experience. For this reason, renting a luxury holiday villa for the festive season has become one of the most popular choices for an exclusive Italian vacation to ring in the new year. From North to South, Italians honour the occasion with customs that blend joy, hope, and a sense of renewal. Whether in a gourmet restaurant, their homes, or the enchanting piazzas, families and friends gather to enjoy exquisite meals, sparkling conversation, and the refined pleasures of the evening. Throughout the country, both grand cities and small towns carry a festive atmosphere, where lights, music, and fireworks create a magical backdrop. These traditions, passed down through generations, give the night a unique charm, making the start of the year feel both joyful and full of promise. Here are the best Italian traditions to discover during your exclusive family getaway in Italy:

New Year's celebration

Fireworks
Across Italy, New Year’s Eve skies come alive with fireworks, painting historic squares and canals in brilliant colour. The luminous display reflects on centuries-old architecture, transforming familiar streets into scenes of wonder and celebration. It is truly unmissable to marvel at the fireworks along the coast over the sea, as in the spectacular region of Sicily.

Majestic fireworks

Foods for good luck
Lentils and grapes play a subtle yet meaningful role in Italian festivities. Lentils, with their coin-like shape, are eaten to invite prosperity, while at midnight, twelve grapes are enjoyed, one for each month of the year, to ensure sweetness and good fortune throughout the coming year. This custom is especially appreciated in Tuscany and Umbria, where culinary tradition and symbolism are central to New Year celebrations.

Traditional lentils

Throwing objects out of the window
In certain towns, the streets echo with the clatter of objects tossed from windows, a dramatic farewell to the old year. Broken or worn items are discarded with cheer, offering a tangible way of letting go and welcoming renewal. This expressive custom is most famously associated with Naples and the Amalfi Coast, where old plates are traditionally thrown as a symbolic gesture to leave the past behind.

Kissing at midnight
Sharing a kiss with a loved one at the stroke of midnight is a tender and meaningful gesture, celebrating love, closeness, and shared emotion. The moment feels deeply intimate, wrapped in the romance of the night and the gentle excitement of a new beginning. Surrounded by soft laughter and glowing fireworks, this affectionate exchange captures the beauty of connection and the quiet promise of stepping into the year together.

A couple at New year's eve

Red underwear
Wearing red underwear is a charming tradition that has endured across generations. Originating in Roman times as a symbol of courage, red today represents warmth, vitality, and the joy of celebration. This subtle custom adds a touch of refinement to the evening, quietly reflecting the spirit of optimism and renewal as the new year begins.

Midnight party
The stroke of midnight is celebrated with refined gaiety, where laughter, music, and sparkling wine fill elegant rooms and historic piazzas. Guests gather not only in grand salons but also in Michelin-starred restaurants and exclusive clubs, where gourmet cuisine and curated entertainment elevate the atmosphere.

Midnight party

Se lo fai a Capodanno, lo fai tutto l'anno!
 Whatever you do on New Year’s Day, you’ll do all year long! This tradition makes Italy the perfect New Year’s destination, as everything you do on January 1st is believed to set the rhythm for the entire year. Beginning the year surrounded by beauty, culture, and joy is more than a holiday; it is a promise that those experiences will echo through the months ahead. Vacationing here on New Year’s Day means you are symbolically choosing a year filled with discovery, indulgence, and meaningful moments, with the unforgettable view of fireworks lighting up the skies above Italy’s most beautiful cities.

Villa Machiavelli, Tuscany

For those eager to experience these unique traditions firsthand, consider planning a New Year’s escape and reserving a luxurious villa rental in Italy for an unforgettable celebration. Contact us and let our dedicated concierge service craft every detail of your stay, from private celebrations to bespoke experiences, ensuring a seamless and truly memorable start to the year.