Greeting 2016 from a crowded square, from the silence of a forest high above the mountains or from a medieval salon? This is only the embarrassment of choice for those who decide to celebrate New Year's Eve in the Dolomites of Belluno, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
New Year's Eve in the Dolomites
In the town of Belluno, as by now tradition, the last of the year will be spent in Piazza dei Martiri, with music, hot mulled wine at hand and the elegant profile of the palaces next to the liston that are illuminated by fireworks at midnight.
New Year's Eve at Zumelle Castle
Not far from Belluno, in the municipality of Mel, there is Zumelle Castle. An ancient stronghold that continues to watch over the beautiful hills of the Piave Valley, illuminated by the moon (full moon at Christmas: on New Year's Eve there will be something to savor). In Zumelle you will be able to take part in an ancient New Year's Eve in full medieval style.
For some time the castle has been managed by the association Sestiere Castellare Toscana, which deals with historical re-enactments. The medieval New Year's Eve in Zumelle will be celebrated with a dinner based on typical local dishes and various shows (guitars, bagpipes and drums, oriental dances). At midnight, a toast with cider, a buffet of old sweets and a night of wild dancing - in 2016 the music will return to be modern, not to force guests to improvise professionals of the carola on New Year's Eve.
For those who have children, there will be an entertainment service for children during the evening. If desired, you will also be able to rent a medieval costume to enter even more into the atmosphere.
New Year's Eve in Cortina
For those who feel little in the vein of the Middle Ages, but still want an old-fashioned party, Cortina will be staged a New Year's Eighties at the Olympic Ice Stadium. Directly since 1983, the Jerry Calà of the original "Christmas Holiday" will entertain guests with the show "A New Year's Eve from libidine". The dinner will be served at two excellent restaurants in Cortina, Tivoli by starred chef Graziano Prest and Al Camin. After dinner, the Stadio delle Olimpiadi del' 56, for the occasion transformed into a pretty Christmas village, will be filled with music and entertainment by Jerry Calà, his band, the musical selections of DJs Christian Lena and Nicola Zucchi. Ideal for those who want to celebrate a carefree New Year's Eve in one of the most beautiful corners of Italy.
Also in Cortina d' Ampezzo, you can choose to take part in another exclusive New Year's Eve - the one organized by Prince Cortina Golf House with the theme "Oscar Night", or run away crazy and confused to climb even higher, among the mountains.
New Year's Eve in the Dolomites in refuge is one of the most beautiful experiences that can be done if you decide to spend the night of San Silvestro in the Dolomites. The snow softens the noise and the moon illuminates the spectacular profile of the crudes crowning the Queen of the Dolomites. The pungent cold at the end of December makes you appreciate even more than usual the welcoming atmosphere of the refuge, the dinner (generally quite simple, made of classic dishes of the mountain tradition) and the grappas of the house.
At the Faloria refuge, according to tradition, you will celebrate with live music and fireworks at midnight. All this at 2123 metres above sea level (it climbs by cable car from Cortina station), with a breathtaking view.
But try to search, Cortina is full of beautiful shelters where you can stay to greet 2016 in the midst of nature, surrounded by the most dear friends: From the Squirrels refuge (after dinner guests will be accompanied downstream by snowmobile), to Col Drusciè (New Year's Eve in music, on the Tofane), from Lagazuoi to Croda da Lago, all that remains is to choose its first spectacular panorama of 2016.