New Year's Eve Dinner: Italians Cut Spending by 32% in 2025

The countdown to the New Year in Italy invariably involves a lavish dinner. While the New Year's Eve feast remains a central event for Italians, the 2025 edition is marked by greater austerity. Overall spending will exceed €2 billion, but the average budget has decreased to €49 per person, a 32% drop compared to 2024. These findings come from a survey commissioned by Facile.it and conducted by the research institute EMG Different.

Participation and Regional Trends

Over 28.5 million people, representing 73% of Italians aged 18 to 74, are expected to participate in the New Year's Eve dinner. Participation rates are even higher in Southern Italy and the Islands, reaching 86%, highlighting the strong social and familial importance of this tradition.

Significant disparities exist beneath the national average. Those aged 55-64 and residents of Southern Italy and the Islands anticipate the highest spending, with budgets reaching €59 per person. In contrast, younger individuals and those in northern regions plan to spend less. The 25-34 age group expects to spend €42, while residents of the Northeast and Northwest regions plan to spend €40 and €41, respectively. These figures reflect differing consumption habits and the varying impact of the economic climate across different regions.

Spending by Age Group

Here's a breakdown of the average New Year's Eve dinner budget by age group:

Reasons for Reduced Spending

For a significant portion of the population, the 2025 New Year's Eve dinner will be characterized by thriftiness. Approximately 14% of those surveyed, about 2.2 million people, stated they would spend less than the previous year. The primary reasons are economic. Increased expenses in other areas are driving 58% of respondents to reduce their dining budget, while 41% admit to experiencing financial difficulties.

The rising cost of living also plays a role, with food prices increasing by an average of 25% over the past five years.

Alongside those cutting back, a considerable number of Italians are choosing to indulge a bit more. One in four respondents, equivalent to about 4 million people, plan to increase their spending on the New Year's Eve dinner. The highest percentages are in Central Italy, where it reaches 30.7%, and among those aged 35-54, where the proportion rises to 32.5%.

Regional Budget Variations

The average budget for the New Year's Eve dinner varies significantly across different regions of Italy. This reflects not only differing economic conditions but also diverse culinary traditions and spending habits. The table below provides a detailed comparison:

The Impact of Inflation

The rising cost of groceries has had a significant impact on household budgets, influencing decisions about New Year's Eve spending. The table below illustrates the average increase in food costs over the last five years:

Austerity Measures

Here's an overview of the austerity measures being adopted by some households for the New Year's Eve dinner:

Increased Spending in Central Italy

Central Italy shows a notable increase in New Year's Eve dinner spending:

Age Group Spending Increase

The 35-54 age group demonstrates a notable increase in New Year's Eve dinner spending:

Conclusion: A Measured Celebration

The New Year's Eve dinner remains a near-obligatory tradition for most Italians, but it is being approached with greater caution and moderation. There will be no splurging or excesses; the celebration and toast will still occur, but with closer attention to costs. This year, even the wallet gets to celebrate.