New Year's Eve in Tuscany: how to celebrate it

Escape the gloom and celebrate New Year's Eve in Tuscany with Gruppo UNA.

20 Dec 2018

New Year is a great time to go. As we'll see, Tuscany has plenty going on over the New Year holidays. If you want to party, there are opportunities to do so, but you can take it easy, too.

Wherever you go, and whatever you do, Gruppo UNA wants to make your stay extra-special. We operate a couple of luxury hotels in Florence, as well as secluded locations in the Tuscan hills, any of which will be a great base for New Year's activities. So let's discover what you could experience during your stay.

Spend the evening at outdoor parties in Florence.

Once the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence (or Firenze) is one of Europe's greatest cultural centres. Achingly beautiful, it's a magical destination at any time, but especially as the year concludes.

The city authorities organise a free party in the Piazzale Michelangelo every year, where locals countdown to midnight, and bands play until late. But don't limit yourself to the main event, there are many others happening elsewhere.

In historic Oltrarno, afro-samba bands snake through the streets, creating a lively party vibe. Choral groups perform in front of chapels and churches across the city, while the Piazza della Signoria hosts a free classical music concert.

Ask at the desk at your Gruppo UNA hotel for details about where the major concerts will be performed, and grab a map as well. That way, you can visit every location and take in the atmosphere.

Book your place at indoor events.

If you're worried about the weather or just want to take the weight off your feet, there's no shortage of indoor options where you can pass New Year's Eve in Tuscany in style.

For example, Florence's Teatro dell'Opera will be hosting a sublime program of Beethoven's music, with fireworks after the show and Champagne on hand for all attendees. Or for something totally unique, why not join a lavish medieval celebration at the l'Antico Spedale del Bigallo?

Explore what Siena has to offer on New Year's Eve in Tuscany.

But Florence might seem too busy or distant to suit your New Year's Eve plans. In that case, don't worry. Other Tuscan cities make NYE one of the most important days on their calendar.

In Siena, celebrations begin at 11:00 pm in the Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, and won't wind down until early in the morning. If you want to make the most of your evening, it might also be a good idea to book a spot at upscale local nightspots like Un Tubo. Again, your concierge will be happy to make the necessary reservations.

There's just as much fun to be had in Pisa. See in the New Year underneath the iconic "leaning tower" at the Piazza dei Miracoli. If you do, get to the city early and make a visit to the Christmas Market at the Piazza XX Settembre, where you can pick up delicious treats to enjoy as the evening progresses.

Wherever you are in Tuscany, there will be events to enjoy. Our teams will know everything in your local area, so don't be afraid to ask.

Dine out on some distinctive Tuscan delicacies.

It doesn't matter where you intend to see in the New Year, you simply have to sample some of the region's finest food and drink. Tuscany has a variety of specialities, including healthy bean stews (ribollita), Cacciucco fish stews, or thick, grilled T-bone beef steaks (Bistecca alla Fiorentina).

The region also has its own culinary traditions for New Year, featuring foods intended to promote health and good fortune over the coming year. So expect to see Tuscan cotechino sausage on the menu, and desserts which includes grapes and pomegranate.

Above all, if you love wine, Tuscany is the ideal place to be for New Year's Eve. The province gave birth to world famous varieties like Chianti, Sangiovese, and Montepulciano, along with the Vin Santo dessert wine. Match up regional foods with the perfect wine, and watch the fireworks arc over Florence for an unforgettable New Year experience.

Take some time to see the Tuscan countryside.

Finally, if you're visiting Tuscany for a New Year break, it's not all about parties and fine food. You should also find some time to discover the beauty of this Italian region. In the winter, many attractions may be closed, but there will hardly be any crowds. And the hilltop villages and churches are as beautiful as ever.

Highlights are everywhere, but just to pick a few spots you won't want to miss: Cortona is a gorgeous hilltop town in the Arezzo region, San Gimignano cathedral offers breath-taking frescoes, while the Casentino valley is studded with dramatic castles. You can reach them all fairly easily from Gruppo UNA hotels. Just ask for directions and suggestions at the desk.

Whatever you choose to do during your New Year's Eve break in Tuscany, we're sure you'll have a great time. So find a Gruppo UNA hotel which suits your needs and make a booking today. We can't wait to see you.

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