Where to celebrate New Year's Eve on Lake Garda: unmissable ideas and events
Lake Garda is not only a wonderful summer destination: even in winter, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including the charming Christmas markets. On New Year’s Eve in particular, the lakeside towns turn into the perfect mix of romance, celebration, stunning scenery and options for every taste.
Towns like Salò, Desenzano, Sirmione, Riva del Garda, Bardolino, Malcesine and many others offer a tailor-made New Year’s Eve for those looking for fun, fireworks, a romantic night or a party with friends.
What to Do on New Year’s Eve at Lake Garda?
Depending on what you’re looking for—party, romance, family time or relaxation—Lake Garda offers plenty of flexible options. Here are some ideas.
New Year’s Eve Dinner on Lake Garda
One of the most popular options is combining a New Year’s Eve dinner on Lake Garda with a party lasting until dawn.
Several restaurants, hotels, lakeside villas and nightclubs offer special menus accompanied by live music or DJ sets that continue into the early hours of 2026.
A couple of options include Justme Garda Lake in Lonato del Garda, which hosts a large “Casino Royale”-style party, and Sestino Beach on the lakefront in Desenzano del Garda.
New Year’s Eve in the Square
Those who prefer a lively, popular atmosphere will love the open-air celebrations: many towns around Lake Garda host concerts, shows, communal toasts and the classic countdown together on the lakeside promenade, often crowned by enchanting fireworks reflected on the water.
In Riva del Garda, a famous New Year’s Eve party takes place in Piazza 3 Novembre, while in Salò, the fairytale setting for the last night of the year is the Lungolago Zanardelli.
Romantic New Year’s Eve at Lake Garda
For those dreaming of a romantic night, Lake Garda offers idyllic settings: boutique hotels, relais and historic mansions on the western shore between Salò and Gargnano feature all-inclusive New Year’s Eve packages that combine dinner, overnight stay and even spa access to start the new year in total relaxation.
New Year’s Eve with Children at Lake Garda
No worries for families with children: many places cater to them too, offering quieter evenings, entertainment for kids and more relaxed schedules, allowing everyone to enjoy the celebration without stress.
We particularly highlight the themed evening “The Great Gatsby” at Hotel Parchi del Garda in Lazise, which includes an elegant dinner, live music, kids’ entertainment and a complete stay with breakfast and late check-out.
Where to Spend New Year’s Eve at Lake Garda?
Here are some concrete ideas for anyone planning to spend New Year’s Eve at Lake Garda and looking for the perfect place to enjoy this magical night.
The Towns of the Western Shore
On the western shore of Lake Garda, you’ll find towns perfect for those seeking a peaceful yet atmospheric New Year’s Eve. Gargnano, for example, is ideal for those who appreciate discreet elegance: historic hotels, gourmet restaurants and a romantic lakeside promenade for a walk after dinner. Here, New Year’s Eve often means relaxation and quality—perfect for couples or groups wanting to avoid the chaos.
Salò offers an interesting compromise: not as large and lively as the bigger Lombardy cities, but with a warm, vibrant atmosphere suitable for couples, groups of friends or families.
Gardone Riviera, home of the Vittoriale degli Italiani, is also a refined destination: many hotels and restaurants offer elegant dinners, often accompanied by live music or themed events, perfect for those seeking a more sophisticated New Year’s Eve.
A little further north is Toscolano Maderno, ideal for those wanting a “soft” celebration, perhaps combined with a boat tour the next day.
Continuing north, you reach Limone sul Garda, one of the most scenic towns on the lake: on New Year’s Eve, many restaurants offer lake-view dinners and hotel events, often with live music and a midnight toast on the terrace. The panorama, with the mountains plunging into the water, makes midnight particularly magical.
Other Locations to Consider
On the Trentino side, Riva del Garda offers a lively New Year’s Eve with the main square celebration, Christmas market, live music and DJ sets, allowing visitors to enjoy midnight in the town centre, stroll along the lakeside or join events that continue until dawn.
For something quieter and more intimate, spending New Year’s Eve in Sirmione is a perfect idea for those seeking relaxation and romance—perhaps at a traditional restaurant or a hotel offering a New Year’s Eve dinner on Lake Garda. You can also enjoy a day at the thermal baths or visit the Grottoes of Catullus in the following days.
New Year’s Eve in Bardolino is all about diving into the water: at 10:00 a.m. on January 1st, the bravest can sign up at Lungolago Mirabello for the traditional New Year’s Dive, now in its 10th edition, followed by a hearty minestrone for lunch!
Where Are the Fireworks on New Year’s Eve at Lake Garda?
On the night of December 31st, several locations around Lake Garda host fireworks displays.
Among the most popular towns offering yearly pyrotechnic shows are Salò and Riva del Garda, where you can enjoy the reflections of the fireworks on the lake with a perfect view.
Bardolino and Malcesine also offer lively nights with music, DJ sets or concerts until midnight, followed by fireworks.
Some Final Tips
For those planning to spend a few days or an entire week at Lake Garda during the New Year period, we recommend checking out our article on what to do at Lake Garda in winter to explore hikes, Christmas markets, charming towns and relaxation options beyond the festivities.
Beeboatservice will be back in spring 2026 with its exclusive tours to let you experience Lake Garda from a unique perspective. Get ready to discover the lake like never before, between hidden corners, unique viewpoints and sunsets that will become unforgettable memories.