How to spend your New Year's Eve 2026 in Bologna

Still not sure what to do on New Year's Eve?

Don't worry.

The following guidelines will provide you with an overview of the many possibilities awaiting visitors during the most glittering period of the year in Bologna.

From exhibitions to theatres, from food stands to dance floors, the desire to celebrate is always guaranteed. Have fun!

WAITING FOR MIDNIGHT

Waiting for midnight, experience the magic of Palazzo Pepoli in Via Castiglione 10, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In the heart of Bologna, let yourself be amazed by the grandeur of this recently reopened palace. Inside, in the Piazza Coperta, you can enjoy a moment of relaxation at the refreshment corner and shop for unique souvenirs and gadgets at its bookshop. Don’t forget to purchase your ticket to the Museum of the History of Bologna, housed within the palace, where you'll be literally immersed in the city's history and true identity, on a journey between the ancient and the modern.

An unmissable opportunity to spend the time before midnight in a place where art, history, and modernity blend perfectly.

Buy your ticket here!

AND IF IT'S NOT ENOUGH...

Before celebrating the crazy night of New Year's Eve, choose to book an activity amidst culture, art, food and more, in the city or outside the centre.

Discover the experiences HERE

IN THE SQUARE

We look forward to the traditional New Year's Eve party in Piazza Maggiore to await 2026 with special initiatives and events.

And who says that the Vecchione, an artistic creation made of wood and reused materials representing the past year, will catch fire again this year?

No anticipations!

EXHIBITIONS

Culture never gets a holiday, and even during the festivities the city offers many exhibitions worth discovering.

Check all ongoing exhibitions during the Holidays HERE

AT THE SPA

What could be more pleasant than pampering yourself at the spa?

The Villaggio della Salute Più proposes numerous offers to spend New Year's Eve in an alternative way to the usual: big dinner, buffet and pool party plus access to the spa.

Find out more on the official website

THEATRES AND NEW YEAR'S CONCERTS

Plenty of choice on the 31st December and 1st January in Bologna theatres.

Browse the events on this page and check out the programming on the official websites.

DINNER AND DANCE

Many other involving activities will also be taking place in the city hotels with dinners and musical entertainment at:

many others yet to be scheduled

ARTICLE BEING UPDATED