Come November the inevitable question pops up in conversation almost on a daily basis: what are you doing on New Year’s Eve? Finding new and unique things to do to ring in the New Year can be sometimes challenging and a bit overwhelming, especially if we want to do something more than just the usual overpriced dinner and dance. So here are six original ideas for saying goodbye to 2015 in style, six different kinds of parties taking place this year around Italy.
New Year’s Eve on the slopes: Ringing in the New Year with the beautiful backdrop of the Dolomites can be a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Several ski huts on the slopes of Val Gardena are throwing New Year’s Eve Parties that are all about traditional food and drinks and fun on the snow; don’t miss the several “fiaccolatas” taking place on most major slopes during the night: ski instructors will descend from the summits holding flaming torches – a great show and great way to start off the night. And after midnight the party goes on, both in Ortisei’s main square and on the slopes, where party goers can sleigh back down in the moonlight.
A cultural New Year’s Eve: This year the beautiful seaside town of Genoa has a lot to offer to those who want to enjoy a varied and culturally stimulating night. At the Porto Antico – the town’s beautiful old harbor– buskers will animate the night along with the chance to ice skate by the sea. In the town main square, Piazza Matteotti, the New Year’s Eve concert will include all kinds of music, from classical pieces from the 1600s to the grunge sounds of Nirvana and Pearl Jam, while Palazzo Ducale will keep its door open to let visitors enjoy an incredible art exhibit with masterpieces from the Impressionist masters to Picasso. And all along the streets and alleys of the old town center partygoers will of course find stalls selling food, drinks and local artifacts.
Great Gatsby Party: Travel back in time and swing the night away for a New Year’s Eve that you will never forget. The Pietrablu Resort & Spa in Polignano a Mare (province of Bari) is throwing a roaring 20s style party sure to be fun filled and definitely worth the trip to stunning Apulia. Make sure you dress the part though: the couple who takes the best selfie during the night wins a free stay at the beautiful resort.
New Year’s Eve in a fortress: Lazise, a picture perfect town on the shores of Lake Garda, is famous for its imposing and beautiful fortress, a historical building built in the 1300s during the rule of the Republic of Venice. Today the fortress has become a state of the art hotel, perfect to celebrate the beginning of 2016 in style: ring in the new year under the beautiful vaulted ceiling and enjoy a truly exceptional menu and great DJ sets in an even more exceptional setting.
A one-week long New Year’s: Riccione, on the Adriatic coast, is famous mainly for being one of the best party destinations during the summer, but don’t be fooled: in Riccione the party goes on year round, especially around New Year’s Eve. The party starts on December 30th with special DJ sets, then goes on the 31st with a grand ball, and never stops on the following days with an amazing array of concerts, sure to make everyone happy – from Beatles fans to techno enthusiasts. The party ends on January 6th, when the Befana arrives in town with her sweet treats for those who have been good.
A foodie New Year’s Eve: If you love food, don’t miss out the chance to say goodbye to 2015 with a five star menu created by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey together with chef Nello Cassese, Executive Chef at Castel Monastero. The castle itself, surrounded by acres of woods and the hills of Tuscany, is worth the trip as much as the food: make sure you book in advance, as the restaurant doesn’t have many seats. For more information: http://www. castelmonastero.com/en/gourmet-dining.
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