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.
Experience the Vatican’s Christmas spirit through solemn Masses and moving choral performances. Wander St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums, where art and faith come together in a deeply spiritual celebration.
Recommended ticket:
The Piazza Navona Christmas Market, running from early December until January 6, is the city’s most iconic, filled with artisan crafts, sweet treats, and carousels. A perfect spot for last-minute gifts and Italian Christmas cheer.
Find Rome's best Christmas markets at:
Some of the most awe-inspiring Christmas trees can be found standing tall in the middle of popular public spaces, with glittering lights and decorations abound. After all, there’s nothing like seeing a majestic Christmas tree to get you in the Christmas spirit!
Locate the best Christmas trees in Rome at:
As Christmas anywhere is incomplete without a hearty meal to fill you up, don’t forget to sample the season’s offerings in Rome by heading to eateries frequented by locals and Christmas markets!
Know about Roman Christmas food and where you can find it:
Rome’s December calendar features sacred music and classical concerts across venues like Auditorium Parco della Musica and ancient basilicas. It’s a wonderful way to experience the season’s spirit through Italy’s deep musical heritage.
The best Christmas concerts in Rome are:
A festive activity that warms you up in the midst of the chill of the Roman winter, ice skating in one of the city’s many rinks has recently become a tourist favorite, especially on Christmas. So strap your skates in and prepare for some graceful festive gliding!
The best ice rinks on Christmas are:
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel before crowds build up. Grab a cappuccino and pastry at a local café near Borgo Pio.
Afternoon: Head to Piazza Navona’s Christmas Market for artisanal gifts and festive street food. Stop by the Pantheon and admire the city’s decorations en-route.
Evening: Attend or view the Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica (book early for entry). Alternatively, enjoy a candlelit dinner at a traditional trattoria in Trastevere.
Recommended tickets
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast of panettone and espresso, then stroll through the quiet streets to see Rome at its most peaceful.
Afternoon: Visit Santa Maria Maggiore to see the city’s oldest Nativity scene, then take a walk along the Tiber or visit the Spanish Steps.
Evening: Indulge in a festive dinner with roast lamb, pasta al forno, and a glass of Italian wine. End your night with a walk around the illuminated Colosseum or Trevi Fountain.
Recommended tickets
Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore Tickets with Terrace & Museum Access
Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Access
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.
