A Guide to Christmas in Rome
by Adriana ruiz
As the holiday season approaches, Rome transforms into a winter wonderland adorned with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a spirited atmosphere. Christmas in the Eternal City is a magical experience, offering a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern celebrations. Here’s a guide to some enchanting things to do in Rome during the Christmas season.
Stroll Through Christmas Markets:
Rome’s charming Christmas markets pop up throughout the city, offering an array of handcrafted gifts, local treats, and festive decorations. The Piazza Navona Christmas Market is a must-visit—an institution beloved by Romans of all ages for over 200 years.
As always, it offers typical Christmas gastronomic delights, festive decorations, charming nativity scenes, toys, crafts, and books for both adults and children. In keeping with tradition, Santa Claus, the Befana, puppet shows, and street artists await you to celebrate the most beloved holiday of the year. The Piazza Navona Christmas Market will be open from December 1, 2023, to January 6, 2024. Additionally, explore the Christmas markets featuring artisanal products in Rome.
Admire the Nativity Scenes:
Known as “presepi,” intricately crafted nativity scenes are a cherished Italian Christmas tradition. Visit the Vatican City to witness the stunning nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square or explore churches around Rome to discover unique and artistic representations of the Holy Family.
Admire the Christmas trees:
The Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square will be a 28-meter-tall red fir tree that comes from the town of Macra in the Piedmont region, province of Cuneo. Its wood will be used to create toys to be delivered to Caritas. On Saturday, December 9, at 5 p.m., the inauguration ceremony of the nativity scene and the lighting of the tree will be presided over by Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga.
The tradition of erecting a Christmas tree in Piazza Venezia is a cherished and festive ritual in the heart of Rome; however, this year, due to construction sites of Metro C and the new road layout, this year’s Roman Christmas tree will be set up in Piazza del Popolo. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri will take part in the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 6:00 PM on December 8th in Piazza del Popolo.
Join a Xmas Eve Social Dinner
For those seeking a warm and sociable atmosphere, Expats Living in Rome has a special treat in store. We are hosting a Christmas Eve Social Dinner at Trastevere, providing an excellent opportunity for expats and tourists alike to come together, forge new connections, and celebrate the joy of the season in a friendly and casual setting.
Attend Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica:
For a truly memorable Christmas Eve, consider attending Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Here’s the calendar of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations for the Christmas Season:
December 24
Christmas of the Lord, solemnity
St. Peter’s Basilica, 7:30 PM
PAPAL CHAPEL
Holy Mass at Night
December 25
Christmas of the Lord, solemnity
Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Midnight
“Blessing ‘Urbi et Orbi'”
Click the link to request your tickets.
Indulge in Festive Treats:
Savor the flavors of the season by indulging in traditional Italian Christmas treats such as Panettone and pandoro. These festive delights, paired with rich Italian hot chocolate, are abundant during this time of year.
Enjoy the Festive Illumination:
Marvel at the city’s iconic landmarks, quaint cobblestone streets, and historic piazzas transformed by dazzling Christmas lights. One of the most breathtaking displays is at Piazza di Spagna, where the renowned Spanish Steps twinkle with thousands of sparkling lights, extending to Via del Corso, Rome’s main shopping street.
Explore the Enchanting Trastevere District:
Wander through the narrow cobbled streets of Trastevere, adorned with festive lights and decorations. This charming neighborhood comes alive during Christmas, offering a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Stop by local cafes and trattorias to enjoy traditional Roman cuisine and soak in the holiday spirit.
Attend a New Year’s Eve Rooftop Celebration
New Year’s Eve Rooftop Celebration hosted by Expats Living in Rome, guarantees a lively and sociable atmosphere for expats and tourists alike. The celebration includes a complimentary drink, providing an ideal setting to enjoy the breathtaking New Year’s fireworks from the rooftop of Hotel La Griffe. Dance the night away until 2:30 am as you cheer for the start of the new year, surrounded by the enchanting views of Rome.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Circus Maximus:
Join the lively crowd at Circus Maximus for Rome’s spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations. Enjoy live music, fireworks, and a festive atmosphere as you welcome the new year in the heart of the city’s ancient ruins.
Attend the ‘Rome Parade 2004’
Rome Parade 2024 is a grand celebration on New Year’s Day, featuring Italian and American performers. The diverse lineup includes bands from San Angelo, Texas, San Francisco, California, and other locations, along with Italian acts like Stilt Artifacts and the Folk Group ‘La Frustica’. The procession also showcases Vespa Side Car Tours and Megaflatable Balloons, introducing new characters. Get more information here.
Extra Christmas Attractions in Rome this year
– The Fantastic Castle of Santa Claus within Lunghezza Castle:
Embark on a enchanting Christmas journey at the fantastic Castle of Santa Claus! With the purchase of an entrance ticket, you gain access to the hidden chambers of Santa Claus within Lunghezza Castle. The park offers complimentary performances that vary under the artistic direction’s discretion, ensuring a magical experience at the Castle of Santa Claus. Delight in grand shows, special events, encounters, magic, acrobatics, and more. The castle’s events include the Throne Room with Santa Claus in Person, the Cheerful Post Office, the Toy Factory, the Snow Fairy, the Elf Village, Santa Claus’s Apartments, Santa Claus’s Art Gallery, Spot the Grinch, and Santa Claus’s Grand Sleigh. Meanwhile, park events feature captivating elements such as “Atmo…Spheres,” A Christmas in the Kingdom of Frozen, Dances with Elves, and the Cheerful Polar Bears, among others. Kids can send their letters to Santa Claus via email, with the anticipation of finding them on the wish board in the Toy Factory when they visit the castle. Don’t miss this captivating opportunity at the Fantastic Castle!
– The Christmas Village at Santa Severa Castle
Embark on a magical journey at the Santa Severa Castle’s Christmas Village near Rome, Italy, from December 8th to January 7th. This festive celebration transforms the castle into a captivating space, offering enchanting experiences for visitors of all ages. With luminous installations, creative workshops, a Christmas market, and captivating performances, the castle becomes a refuge of holiday emotions. This event provides continuous, high-quality entertainment for families during the holiday season. Discover artisan markets, Santa’s House, the Befana’s House, an Innovation Lab, an Enchanted Forest, and a Fantastic Theater, all contributing to the festive atmosphere. Accessible by train from Rome to ‘Santa Severa’ station, the castle awaits with varied ticket prices, including free entry for kids under 6, €3 for ages 7 to 12, and €6 for 13 years and above. Special discounts are available, and a combined museum and village ticket offers a great family deal. Explore this magical Christmas outing, complete with ample parking, designated refreshment areas, and open daily from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm, with special hours on select days. In case of bad weather, performances move indoors.
– Christmas World at Villa Borghese:
It celebrates the enchanting Christmas atmospheres, immersing the audience in a journey through the iconic views of different cities around the world, masterfully reproduced by Italian set designers and artists. This year, the event will unfold over an area of over 60,000 square meters, and each city will have its own dedicated food district. This event will take place from December 1, 2023, to January 7, 2024.
– Christmas Village at Cinecittà World:
Cinecittà World in Rome transforms into a festive Christmas Village from November 11, 2023, to January 7, 2024. The event features Christmas markets on Christmas Street, reminiscent of 1920s New York, offering typical Christmas treats amid cinematic scenographies. The day begins with the Christmas Show at 11 am, leading to evening attractions, including the Christmas Musical at Theater 4. The Festival of Lights, Stardust, offers a captivating path through Christmas lights, decorations, and cinematic scenes, accompanied by the Cinema Drops display on a water maxi-screen. Visitors can experience traditional activities such as meeting Santa Claus, exploring his house, and witnessing the Cinema Nativity Scene. The Kingdom of Ice provides a unique indoor snow park experience, featuring activities like traditional ice skating, thrilling slides, and a winter playground. The immersive Digital Circus in Wonderland takes place on weekends, offering a blend of colors, lights, and projections. On December 25, the park opens with Christmas Mass, Lunch, Shows, and Attractions for all ages, including the debut of Christmas On Ice with 51 performers showcasing festive choreographies and music. The grand finale occurs on December 31 with the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in Italy at Cinecittà World, featuring themed dinners, attractions, concerts, live performances, and midnight fireworks, open from 6 pm to 6 am. The season concludes with a Befana weekend full of surprises.
– Threads of Light (Trame di Luce) at Rome Botanical Garden:
“Trame di Luce” transforms the Botanical Garden in Rome into a captivating stage for the dazzling event of the Italian winter featuring installations and luminous artworks by national and international artists, creating a unique experience for visitors starting from November 16 in Rome and lasting until January 7, 2024. It offers an enchanting winter walk through historic outdoor locations in Rome highlighting beauty and fairytale scenarios. An immersive experience from illuminated woods to magical caves and light tunnels, the event captivates both young and old. After the visit, the delightful “Luci di Gusto” area awaits visitors who want to enjoy a post-visit gastronomic experience.
Christmas in Rome is a time of joy, tradition, and enchantment. Whether you’re sipping hot chocolate in a bustling Christmas market, admiring the beauty of a centuries-old nativity scene, or skating beneath the Colosseum, the Eternal City offers a festive experience like no other. Embrace the holiday spirit and create lasting memories in Rome this Christmas season.
Read more about:
Italy’s Most Famous Christmas Markets
Free entry to museums and archaeological sites in Italy on the first Sunday of each month
15 Must-Visit Museums, Galleries, and Cultural Sites in Italy
Christmas markets featuring artisanal products in Rome
Famous Christmas Markets in Italy
Enjoy the holiday season with a visit to Rome’s ice skating rinks
Visit the exhibition of ‘100 Nativity Scenes in the Vatican’ for FREE
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