New Year’s Eve in Venice

If you dream of an unforgettable experience to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Venice, here you will find the best options for spending the last night of the year in the lagoon: exclusive cruises, gala dinners on board, live music, and the spectacular fireworks display over St. Mark’s.
This guide provides practical information and useful tips to enjoy a different, engaging, and perfectly organized New Year’s Eve in the heart of the city.

Venice is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, and during New Year’s Eve it becomes even more magical. Holiday lights reflect on the water, the calli are alive with joy, and every corner of the city tells a story.

Celebrating the New Year here means immersing yourself in a night filled with charm and atmosphere: from nighttime sailing in the lagoon to toasts overlooking St. Mark’s, culminating in the fireworks that light up the sky and shimmer on the water. It’s the ideal choice for those seeking more than just a party: an exclusive, emotion-filled event in the lagoon, carefully organized to perfection.

Among the most popular options for New Year’s Eve in Venice, end-of-year lagoon cruises are undoubtedly the most complete and scenic experience. On board elegant, heated motorboats, you’ll slowly navigate between the city’s islands and canals, enjoying a nighttime panorama unlike any other in the world.

The evening begins with a welcome aperitif, followed by a gala dinner inspired by Venetian culinary traditions. The menu, centered on seafood, is paired with fine wines and impeccable service.

During the cruise, the lights of Giudecca, the Church of the Redentore, and San Giorgio Maggiore pass by in an enchanting view, while live music creates the perfect atmosphere to celebrate the end of the year.

Venice offers plenty of opportunities for those who wish to spend time in the city before or after the cruise. The day of December 31st is filled with events, performances, and shared moments that bring together locals and visitors, making the wait for midnight a complete experience.

The beating heart of Venice, Piazza San Marco welcomes thousands of people every year for the New Year’s countdown. The atmosphere is electric, with light projections, live entertainment, and a festive vibe that fills every corner of the square. It’s the perfect spot for those who want a spontaneous, collective celebration surrounded by monumental architecture.

For those seeking a more private setting, Venice also offers concerts and gala dinners in noble palaces and boutique hotels. These refined evenings, with live music and gourmet menus, allow you to experience the city in an elegant and intimate way.

New Year’s Eve is also a chance to discover local traditions: a prosecco toast, typical sweets like pan dei dogi, and strolling through calli and bacari. On January 1st, the city offers cultural events, concerts, and the traditional “first walk of the year” through its quiet, evocative streets.

The St. Mark’s Basin is the best spot to admire the midnight fireworks. Reflected on the water, the show creates a breathtaking spectacle framed by Venice’s skyline.

Guests on board a New Year’s Eve cruise enjoy the privilege of watching from a strategic position, without the crowds.
For those staying on land, the recommended viewing spots are Riva degli Schiavoni, Zattere, and Riva Sette Martiri — but arrive early to secure a place.

Given the high demand and limited availability, booking well in advance is essential, especially for cruises with dinner and live music, which sell out quickly.

The climate is cold and humid. Opt for elegant yet warm clothing: a thermal jacket or coat, waterproof shoes, and winter accessories. Boats are heated, but it’s best to be prepared for outdoor transfers.

The historic center is pedestrian-only. Move around on foot, by vaporetto, or by water taxi. If arriving by car, park at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto.

Book accommodation in advance near embarkation points: San Marco, Giudecca, Zattere, or Fusina. A hotel with a lagoon view can make your stay even more special.

For New Year’s Eve 2025, the tourist access contribution may be active. Check the official website www.cda.ve.it for updated information.

Celebrating the New Year in Venice is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a city floating on water, a refined dinner on board, exclusive views of the fireworks, and a setting unlike any other.

Experience an unforgettable night: toasts under the fireworks, surrounded by the waters of Venice.

Discover all available options and book your evening now.