New Year's Eve in Riccione

On December 31st, Riccione transforms. The Christmas lights are still shining, the seafront smells like winter, and the city enters its most electric moment of the year. If you're planning to celebrate New Year's Eve on the Riviera, here’s everything you need to organize your trip: what’s happening in the square, where to dance, where to dine, and how to get around.

Every year, the municipality puts together a program that starts as early as December 30th and continues until the afternoon of January 1st. The best part is that almost everything is free and outdoors, concentrated between Piazzale Ceccarini and the seafront. To give you a clear idea of what to expect, here’s what happened during New Year’s Eve 2026.

The "Viva Riccione, Your Christmas by the Sea" project

From November 29th to January 6th, Riccione becomes a large open-air stage with the project "Viva Riccione, Your Christmas by the Sea". The entire city lights up with the Riccione Ice Carpet, a route of illuminations, installations, and scenic designs created by Aldo Drudi (MotoGP helmet designer), transforming Viale Ceccarini, the seafront, and the harbor into a unique visual experience.

December 30th: The Kolors concert in the square

The New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations kicked off on December 30th at 6:00 PM in Piazzale Ceccarini with a free concert by The Kolors. An energetic live performance that filled the square well before the start time, with thousands of people singing under the open sky. Every year, Riccione selects a major act to open the celebrations, and the December 30th concert has become a fixed tradition.

December 31st: "Discoteca Romantica", New Year’s Eve in the square

On New Year’s Eve night, Piazzale Ceccarini turned into the largest dance floor on the Riviera with "Discoteca Romantica", the format that kept the entire square dancing late into the night.

The evening program:

From 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM, the stage hosted Nostalgia 90, a show featuring the biggest hits of the 1990s with music, choreography, and visuals. At midnight, a collective toast and a fireworks display over the sea visible along the entire seafront.

From 1:00 AM to 3:00 AM, the night continued with "Beyond Nostalgia, the evolution of sound", a DJ set by Max Monti and Claudio Coveri.

The event was hosted by Rudy Zerbi, Alex Farolfi, and Chicco Giuliani, with live performances by Ghemon and Shade.

January 1st: The New Year’s Dive and family show

On the morning of January 1st, at 11:30 AM in Piazzale Roma, the tradition of the New Year’s Dive into the Adriatic Sea took place again, organized by the municipality and Polisportiva Riccione. A few extra degrees of courage, a few less in the water, and the satisfaction of starting the year in a different way. You can also just watch from the shore.

In the afternoon, in Piazzale Ceccarini, "Once Upon a Turn" was staged, a musical show for the whole family that closed the official holiday program.

The Christmas Village and holiday attractions

Throughout the holiday season (from December 6th to January 6th), Riccione hosts the Riccione Christmas Village, a path of small stalls featuring crafts and food stretching from Viale Ceccarini to the harbor. Entrance is free.

Main attractions during the period:

Ice skating rink, located on Viale Dante between Viale Ceccarini and the Palazzo del Turismo. Open daily with extended hours during the holidays.

Ferris wheel in Piazzale Roma, offering views of the illuminated coastline. Perfect at sunset.

Santa Claus House, designed for children, with entertainment and workshops.

Lungomare Ice Park, a light installation route along the seafront from the canal harbor to Piazzale San Martino.

The Black Carpet on Viale Gramsci, a "dark" themed area with a club atmosphere, dance floor, and music, contrasting with the lights of the Christmas Village.

Concerts in churches and cultural spaces, a calendar of Christmas-themed music from December 6th to January 18th.

💡 Pro Tips for a stress-free visit

New Year’s Eve in Riccione attracts thousands of people. Here are some tips to enjoy it at its best:

1. Book your hotel before November. Not many hotels stay open for New Year’s, and the best ones fill up quickly. If you want a dinner package included, plan well in advance.

2. The square concert is free, but arrive early. On December 30th and 31st, the square fills up quickly. If you want a good spot near the stage, get there at least an hour early.

3. Dress in layers. The afternoon events are outdoors, and temperatures drop significantly in the evening. A warm jacket is essential, and a lighter change of clothes helps if you go indoors later.

4. Getting around. On New Year’s Eve night, bus services are increased, but taxis are limited compared to demand. If you’re in a group, consider a private driver or a transfer arranged by your hotel.

5. Parking. The city center fills up early on December 31st. Use peripheral parking areas and reach Piazzale Ceccarini on foot or by shuttle.

6. Fireworks are visible from the entire seafront. You don’t have to stay in the square: the stretch between Piazzale Roma and the harbor offers a perfect view with less crowding.