Even at a glance, you can already tell that Venice is undoubtedly a romantic city. From the gondolas on the canals to the narrow alleys that are perfect for a
tête-à-tête, the place oozes romance and love from every corner. What more when it's New Year's Eve? Apart from Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve is practically regarded as the second-most romantic holiday of the year. There's nothing quite like ending the year with that special someone, isn't there? And if you're celebrating it in Venice, here are a few things you'll want to do that night!
UPDATE: Due to the Omicron variant of Covid-19, many of the events listed in this article have been canceled. Please be advised.
Ride a Gondola
Admit it: you expected
riding a gondola would be part of this list, didn't you? It's only natural considering that it's these unique flat-bottomed boats that make Venice such a romantic destination to begin with. But you're probably expecting that since New Year's Eve is all about waiting until midnight, there are probably a lot of gondoliers who won't be available at this time. Wrong. This holiday is, of course, a special occasion. On this night, there are a ton of gondolas that will still be available for couples until the wee hours of the night. Watching the fireworks while riding one is the pinnacle of romance here!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Go on a Midnight Stroll
If you're not up for riding a gondola, why not take a midnight stroll instead. You may think that the canals of Venice traveling around the city, especially in terms of
public transport, that much more challenging. After all, not everyone enjoys or even has the constitution to withstand traveling by boat regularly. Be that as it may, thanks to them, the limited and narrower streets and alleyways of Venice make for great spots for a romantic rendezvous. Even more so during New Year's Eve since most other people would probably be at St. Mark's Square, dining in a restaurant, partying at hotspots, or staying in at home.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Enjoy Dinner Theater
There's just something about experiencing, or in this case, watching, somethings spectacular with your special someone that just feels romantic. The fact that you're together as you make this new memory will likely help strengthen your relationship even further. And if you're up for it, you can do just that by going to
Ristorante Avanspettacolo in Venice for your New Year's Eve dinner. An amazing show with live music, beautiful dancing, sparkling costumes, cool acrobatics, and fun magic tricks accompany your
Venetian feast for the holiday. What's not to love?
Source: Avanspettacolo Venezia
Listen to Classical Music Together
Remember how sharing the same interest in music got you closer to your significant other? Well, listening to classical music in Venice during New Year's Eve practically has the same vibe. If you and your special someone are both into classical music, you'll want to head to
Teatro la Fenice and watch their annual New Year's Eve concert, '
Concerto di Capodanno' on either December 31st or January 1st of the following year. The event itself consists of two parts: the first is an orchestral performance and the second is all about opera. Your music-loving hearts won't want to miss this!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Steal a Kiss on Midnight at Piazza San Marco
Venice's annual citywide New Year's Eve celebration commonly takes place at Piazza San Marco, or more commonly known as St Mark's Square. It's here where you can party with the locals, dance to live music, and watch the city's amazing fireworks display when the clock strikes twelve. But seeing the fireworks go off isn't the only thing you'll be doing when that special moment arrives! If you're here with your significant other, you ought to be kissing each other as well. You'll even find that other couples will be smooching around you too come midnight. Why? It's simply the tradition here!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Wear Red Underwear
Now for something a little sexier that you can enjoy once the parties and celebrations are over and you've returned to your room. Just like
the Romans, Venetians—as well as the rest of Italy for that matter—traditionally wear red underwear on New Year's Eve. More than just a sartorial choice, Italian superstitions dictate that doing so guarantees good luck and fortune the year ahead. Of course, your bedside fellow probably wouldn't complain about it either! You're sure to score big time if you go for a naughty pair, preferably one that's easy to take off!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you thought Venice was already a romantic city, wait until you celebrate New Year's eve here! With your special someone, you'll find that there's a lot you can do in this gorgeous historic utopia that will let you fall further in love with each other during the holiday!
Don't forget that your own
luxury home in Venice also counts as a romantic hotspot for New Year's Eve!
