Versilia in TascaNew Year's Eve in Viareggio and Versilia 2026/2027: square party, dip and ideas
New Year's Eve in Versilia has an advantage few cities can match: you toast in front of the sea. Between a party in the square, historic clubs, restaurant dinners and the New Year's Day dip, there's an idea for every kind of night. But be aware: as of 4 November 2026 many public programmes for 31 December haven't been released yet. Here we tell you what's already confirmed, how it went last year and where to check for updates.
Viareggio: New Year's Eve in Piazza Mazzini
In recent years Viareggio council has organised "San Silvestro Vista Mare" ("New Year's Eve with a sea view") in Piazza Mazzini, on the Belvedere delle Maschere, with free entry. For 2025/2026, for example, the party ran from 10pm to 2am with '80s and '90s music, entertainment, fireworks at midnight and then a DJ set.
For New Year 2026/2027 the programme has not been announced yet. The council usually publishes it in December, together with the Christmas events, on its website and social channels. The Christmas lights project was already approved in October: a good sign that the town's festivities are being prepared.
A midnight toast in front of the sea and a dip at noon: Viareggio's New Year in two acts.
The New Year's Day dip on 1 January
For many locals the year begins in the water. The Tuffo di Capodanno traditionally takes place at noon on 1 January in front of Piazza Mazzini: in 2026 it reached its twelfth edition, with gathering at 10.30am and the dip at noon, themed costumes and a charitable spirit. The date and details of the 2027 edition should be checked in December on the organisers' and council channels. If you take part: only go in if the sea is calm, never alone, and keep a bathrobe and a hot drink at hand.
If you'd rather stay dry, there's the New Year's Concert: on 1 January 2026 the Puccini Festival Orchestra played at noon at the Auditorium Caruso in Torre del Lago. Here too there's no confirmation for 2027 yet.
Forte dei Marmi: party in Piazza Garibaldi (confirmed)
Forte dei Marmi is the only Versilia town to have already published its full 2026/2027 holiday programme. On 31 December 2026 at 9.30pm there's the end-of-year party in Piazza Garibaldi, on 30 December a gospel concert in the same square and on 1 January 2027 at noon the New Year's concert, again in Piazza Garibaldi. The ice rink in the Tarabella pine wood stays open until 15 January. Also read our Forte dei Marmi guide.
Clubs and New Year's dinners
On the night of the 31st Versilia is also the land of big clubs, some of them historic like La Capannina. Many clubs between Viareggio, Lido di Camaiore, Forte dei Marmi and Cinquale offer dinner-and-party packages, and programmes come out from November. Prices and formats vary a lot: always ask what's included (drinks, table, cloakroom) and whether there's a minimum age. To find your way around areas and venues, see our Versilia nightlife guide.
If you prefer a restaurant dinner, book early: the most popular places on the seafront and in the Darsena fill up weeks ahead. A fish menu is the coastal classic, and cacciucco on New Year's Eve is no heresy (how to choose it).
New Year with children
With little ones, midnight in the square can be a lot. A confirmed alternative is Forte dei Marmi's programme of Christmas workshops for children, which continues between Christmas and New Year: a New Year dreamcatcher on 27 December, party hats for the dinner on the 28th, lucky charms for the new year on the 29th, a countdown clock on the 30th and a wish board on 1 January. That way the kids arrive at the 31st with their own handmade "kit". For a quieter toast, many families choose sunset on the 31st on Viareggio's pier and dinner at home or in a trattoria.
Nearby alternatives
- Pisa: for 2026 the council celebrated in Piazza dei Cavalieri with a free concert and fireworks over the Arno. The 2027 programme isn't out yet.
- Lucca: with the Lucca Magico Natale markets (until 6 January) and the Walls, it's perfect for the day after (trip to Lucca).
Tips for the night of the 31st
- Where to stay: at New Year rooms on the Passeggiata go fast. If you want to walk back from the party, look near Piazza Mazzini (see where to stay in Versilia).
- Getting around: on New Year's Eve taxis and parking are hard to find. Plan ahead, and if you drink, don't drive.
- Fireworks: many towns issue bylaws restricting private firecrackers and fireworks. Check the one for your town.
- After the holidays: the Viareggio Carnival starts on 30 January 2027. Here are the dates and tickets.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a New Year's Eve party in the square in Viareggio for 2026/2027?
In recent years yes, in Piazza Mazzini with free entry and fireworks at midnight. The programme for 31 December 2026 hasn't been announced yet: it usually comes out in December on the council website.
When is the New Year's Day dip in Viareggio?
Traditionally on 1 January at noon in front of Piazza Mazzini and the Belvedere delle Maschere. Check in December that the 2027 edition is confirmed.
Where can I celebrate New Year in Versilia with a confirmed programme?
In Forte dei Marmi: end-of-year party in Piazza Garibaldi on 31 December 2026 from 9.30pm and New Year's concert on 1 January 2027 at noon.
Should I book a hotel for New Year in Versilia?
Yes, as early as possible: rooms near the Passeggiata and the clubs go fast. Choose rates with free cancellation.
Sources: Comune di Viareggio – San Silvestro Vista Mare 2025, Comune di Viareggio – Viareggio on Ice 2025/2026, LaVersilia.it – Natale a Viareggio 2025, CapodannoVersilia.net – Tuffo di Capodanno, VisitForte – programma 2026/2027, Comune di Pisa – Capodanno 2026, Fondazione Carnevale di Viareggio. General information: opening times, prices and dates change, so always check the official websites.
