New Year’s Eve events in Florence
As the New Year approaches, Florence is preparing to celebrate New Year’s Eve with numerous events organized throughout the city.
Let’s take a look at the main events in the program.
As the New Year approaches, Florence is preparing to celebrate New Year’s Eve with numerous events organized throughout the city.
Let’s take a look at the main events in the program.
Among the most widely anticipated events are the free concerts that will take place in no fewer than six city squares. Each piazza will offer a different genre of music, ensuring entertainment for everyone. This year, Piazza San Giovanni will be echoing with the sounds of gospel choirs, while Piazza Santissima Annunziata will feature the soft and sensual sounds of jazz. Piazza Santa Croce will come alive with the sounds of a live orchestra and energetic dance performances by local schools and associations. If, however, you prefer pop music, head over to Piazza del Carmine, whereas if you’re looking for something more lively, you can follow the marching bands that will be playing on the streets of the Oltrarno, ending up in Piazza Santo Spirito for the countdown to midnight.
If you prefer a more classic New Year’s Eve, Florence’s theaters offer an unforgettable experience.
The Verdi Theater, as per tradition, will be hosting a musical. This year, the audience will be transported back in time to 1930s Berlin with a performance of “CABARET - THE MUSICAL”. It promises to be a fun-filled evening of music, dance and lots of laughter.
The Church of Santa Monaca will also host a classical music event with professional singers performing arias and duets from famous operas such as “La Traviata” and “La Bohème”. The artists will be accompanied on the piano by David Boldrini.
Another wonderful gala concert will be held at the Anglican Church of St. Mark at 9 pm. The audience will be spellbound by three soloists who will bring Italian Opera and Viennese Operetta to life, accompanied by the likes of Alvaro Lozano, Roberta Ceccotti, Dalai Chen Hai and Franz Moser. It will be an unforgettable experience for anyone who wants to celebrate the New Year in style.
Besides music, the New Year will also be welcomed in by some amazing plays in Florence's’ main theaters.
On 31 December, from 10 pm, the Teatro Puccini will present “Piccole donne crescono” (Little Women Grow Up) by Louisa May Alcott. The play deconstructs the original novel to highlight the March sisters’ rebellion against social constraints and reflect on the challenges women face today, just as in the past.
If you are interested in the performing arts, several plays are scheduled for the evening of Dec. 31, including Shen Yun at Teatro del Maggio, Forza Venite Gente at Teatro Orione, Rumori Fuori Scena at Teatro Reims, Cassi Brizzi - New Year’s Eve Show at Teatro Comunale Corsini and Assemblea Comunale at Teatro Le Laudi. Each of these shows promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience, showcasing the best in theater.
Of course, there are many other ways to enjoy New Year's Eve celebrations in Florence.
On the stroke of midnight on December 31, head to Piazzale Michelangelo to watch the classic fireworks display that will light up the entire city.
Or, directly from the rooms on the 4th or 5th floor of our FH55 Hotel Mediterraneo, where you will have a front row seat to watch the fireworks, with a sweeping panoramic view of the Arno River.
Alternatively, FH55 Hotels Group offers you the opportunity to stay at our Hotel Calzaiuoli located in the old city center just minutes from the main events organized in the squares and theaters.
But the celebrations don’t stop here.
If, on the other hand, you'd rather welcome the New Year in the more traditional way, then the FH55 Hotels Group offers you the opportunity to spend New Year’s Eve with a lavish five-course dinner at the three elegantly decorated indoor dining rooms of the Grand Hotel Mediterraneo.
One of Florence’s most popular recurring events is the traditional New Year’s Day dip in the Arno River. This event, held on the platform of the Canoeing Club between the Ponte Vecchio and the Ponte alle Grazie, attracts dozens of brave souls willing to dive into the cold waters of the Arno. It’s a great way to start the New Year with a splash and a sense of adventure.
If you’d like a musical start to the New Year, the Verdi Theater will be presenting "Grazie, Puccini!” in tribute to the centenary of Giacomo Puccini’s death, while the Firenze Academy Ensemble will perform Vivaldi's “Four Seasons” at the Auditorium of Santo Stefano al Ponte Vecchio at 8.30 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity to start the year on a positive note with beautiful music.
Also for the first day of the year, the Grand Hotel Mediterraneo offers you the opportunity to enjoy brunch with a wide selection of choices.
The menu features traditional dishes, reinterpretations of great classics, ideas for vegans, the very best of Tuscan meat options, excellent dairy products from Apulia and Pienza, dishes for the health-conscious, and classic desserts. All paired with wines from our cellar, chosen to enhance each flavor.
We look forward to welcoming you to start the New Year in the best possible way!
