Rome, the Eternal City, is eternally beautiful, even in the winter. With the onset of winter in December, tourist crowds at Rome are significantly less allowing for a much more intimate experience of the city. Rome is one of the best choices to make when visiting during winter. Spend Valentine's Day with your significant other, celebrate the New Year, visit iconic attractions with much smaller crowds, or just drink hot chocolate. There’s a lot to do in Rome during winter.
A trip to Rome is incomplete without visiting the imposing Colosseum. As you’ll be visiting in the off-season, you can avoid even the smaller crowds with a skip-the-line ticket and visit this wonder of the world to understand Christianity’s journey into how we know and see it today.
Visit Italy’s largest Basilica and admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces on one of the world’s largest domes. December is the perfect time to experience the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing, an ancient ceremony presided over by the Pope from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Winter is an ideal time to visit the Vatican Museums, as lines are significantly shorter compared to peak tourist seasons. You can marvel at the stunning art collections and the Sistine Chapel in relative tranquility. The museum's festive decorations during December add an extra layer of charm to your visit, making it a memorable experience.
The Capitoline Museums are perfect for a winter visit—warm, indoors, and crowd-free. Explore ancient Roman art and Renaissance masterpieces at a relaxed pace, with the added bonus of special exhibitions.
The Pantheon feels even more magical in winter, with sunlight streaming through its oculus, illuminating the interior. Fewer visitors let you take in the grandeur without feeling rushed, though it’s closed on holidays like December 25 and January 1.
The Spanish Steps are peaceful in winter, with fewer crowds and festive holiday lights. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the area’s charm and cozy up in nearby cafes for a warm drink afterward.
Winter transforms Castel Sant'Angelo into a charming spot, often dusted with snow. With fewer tourists, you can explore its rich history at your own pace, enjoy the seasonal ice rink, and take in breathtaking views from the top.
The saying goes, “Eat like a Roman” for a reason. Try out a food tour and visit iconic eat streets like Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto. Don't miss Rome’s famous dishes like Pizza, Pasta Carbonara, Suppli, and many more, where winter’s thinner crowds make for a relaxed, enjoyable experience.
Spend a magical Valentine’s Day in Rome, with its history adding to the romance. Savor the Romeo and Juliet coffee at Sant’Eustachio il Caffè, or enjoy a luxurious winter escape with a massage at QC Terme spa.
Experience Rome’s winter charm with a rich, smooth hot chocolate from Venchi. With a legacy dating back to 1878, Venchi crafts decadent chocolate creations rooted in Italian tradition—an indulgent treat you can’t miss.
Hard Rock Cafe, a global favorite, offers travelers delicious food, great drinks, and an upbeat rock music vibe. It’s the perfect winter stop in Rome for a warm meal, lively ambiance, and spirited atmosphere.
Rome’s winter charm includes festive ice rinks open from December through February. For an unforgettable experience, skate beside Castel Sant'Angelo—adding a magical touch with views of this historic site.
Christmas in Rome is like a fairy tale! Celebrate Hanukkah at Piazza Barberini starting December 21, 2024, and explore the Christmas Market at Piazza Navona with nativity scenes and street food from December 8, 2024, to January 6, 2025. Visit Christmas World at Villa Borghese, a captivating holiday event, running from December 1, 2024, to January 7, 2025. End your festivities with a memorable Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica for an unforgettable holiday experience in Rome.
Regardless of the season, something is going on in Rome all the time, maybe that’s why they call it the Eternal City. Here are several events and festivals that truly personify why Rome is the original melting pot of cultures.
Rome's Carnevale, an 8-day pre-Lenten extravaganza, fills the city with lively celebrations, parades, and masquerade balls. Culminating in a grand procession along Via del Corso, the Carnevale is a joyful escape before the solemnity of Lent begins.
Dates: February 18 to February 25, 2025
New Year's Day is a national holiday celebrated in Rome. The Angelus with the Pope in Peter's Square is a significant event, where the Pope addresses the crowd, symbolizing the beginning of a new year for the Romans.
Date: December 31, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Valentine's Day in Rome is a magical affair. Couples can wander through the lively streets of Trastevere, dine at a Roman trattoria under the stars, and enjoy romantic candlelit dinners. Restaurants and cafes offer special deals during this romantic time.
Date: February 14, 2025
Join Rome’s lively Epiphany celebration at Piazza Navona on January 6th. This 19th-century tradition features lively parades and the arrival of "La Befana," an old woman on a broom who brings gifts to good children and charcoal to the naughty. Amidst the bustling crowds, the event’s joyful atmosphere and cultural charm make it an unforgettable experience, with treats and traditions for everyone.
Date: January 6
This iconic nativity scene is set up in front of St. Peter's Basilica, next to a grand Christmas tree. The display features life-sized figures and is unveiled on Christmas Eve, with the infant Jesus placed in the manger during the midnight mass. The scene remains open to the public until Epiphany, allowing visitors to experience this beautiful representation of the Nativity.
Date: December 24, 2024 - January 6, 2025
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET) is used in Rome which is 2 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+02:00).
Currency: Euros - EUR - €
Country Code: +39
Emergency Numbers: Integrated Emergency System - 112, Ambulance - 118, Fire brigade - 115, Police - 113
