Experience the Eternal City dressed in festive splendor. From glittering piazzas and centuries-old Nativity scenes to midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, Christmas in Rome is a soulful blend of faith, art, and timeless Italian charm.
Not really! Rome has mild winters, with temperatures around 8–15°C, cool enough for festive charm, but still comfortable for sightseeing.
Surprisingly, Rome is not as crowded with tourists as you would expect during Christmas. This makes it a great time to go sightseeing!
Piazza Navona is, hands down, the most popular Christmas market in Rome - and also the biggest. Some other popular Christmas markets are the ones in Auditorium Parco della Musica and Piazza Mazzini.
Most restaurants in Rome close on Christmas Day, but a few offer special festive menus. You can enjoy a traditional holiday lunch at Hosteria Grappolo D’Oro near Campo de’ Fiori or at Cesare al Casaletto, known for its hearty Roman classics. Be sure to book ahead, as spots fill up quickly for the holiday.
Hotel Hassler and Bucavino are Roman favorites for a Christmas meal, as their delectable Christmas menu offers both gourmet and authentic flavors to your tastebuds.
Yes! Piazza Navona becomes a lively Christmas village filled with market stalls, twinkling lights, music, and delicious seasonal treats.
Apart from merrymaking by gorging on Christmassy desserts, Romans celebrate their Christmas by attending Midnight Mass at the Vatican, consuming seafood instead of meat, and often displaying a ceppo in their households.
Every corner of Rome, from Via del Corso to Piazza Venezia, comes alive with dazzling lights, festive trees, and twinkling garlands. The city glows with unmistakable holiday warmth.
Rome’s Christmas markets bring the Eternal City to life with festive lights, music, and the aroma of seasonal treats. Across squares and historic streets, you’ll find vendors selling handmade gifts, traditional Italian holiday foods, and unique keepsakes.
On Christmas Eve, St. Peter’s Basilica hosts the Pope’s Midnight Mass, held around 9:30pm and open only to those with advance tickets. You can also witness the ceremony broadcast live in St. Peter’s Square, surrounded by candlelight and carols, an unforgettable spiritual experience.
Rome’s “Presepi” (Nativity scenes) are renowned worldwide. Visit the 100 Presepi exhibition at St. Peter’s Square or explore intricate cribs in churches across the city.
Taste panettone, torrone, and roasted chestnuts as you wander through Rome’s Christmas-lit streets, or enjoy a classic holiday dinner at a trattoria serving traditional Roman dishes.
Christmas brings a quieter side of Rome, fewer crowds, slower pace, and a magical winter calm perfect for immersive exploration, without long waiting lines.
