Our Newsletter

Rome’s Christmas Markets | 2022 Dates, Locations

Posted on November 22nd, 2022

by Expat Living in Rome


Christmas markets, called Mercatini di Natale in Italian, tend to be more common in northern European countries.

Rome's Christmas Markets | 2022 Dates, Locations 38

Beginning in the Late Middle Ages in European areas primarily speaking German and what was once the Holy Roman Empire. Nowadays, you won’t find many Christmas markets in Rome as elaborate as the ones in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and France, but there are still many compelling reasons to visit the famed Italian capital during Christmas time.

Rome is one of the most incredible cities in the world. In my opinion, coming to Rome during the winter means less crowds compared to summer. Of all the cities I have been to in the world, nothing is comparable to the Christmas programming that the “Ancient City” offers. Around nearly every corner you can find festive themed pop-up markets, Christmas villages, ice skating rinks, and shop after shop decorated in lights and Christmas theme. 

Rome Christmas Market Locations

For 2022 Christmas season you can find  Mercatini di Natale at the following locations:

• Piazza Navona – The most famous market in Rome. You’ll find local sellers, toys, street musicians and artists, several nativity scenes and amusement rides. All of this is in front of Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. The Christmas market’s stalls at Piazza Navona are open from the 8th of December until the 6th of January. During the week you can shop here from 10 am until 1am, on the weekends the market is open until 2 am.

• Piazza Mazzini – Famous for its stalls selling Italian candy, toys and typical Christmas decoration and Christmas lights. The Christmas market opens on the 8th of December and ends with Christmas Eve, the 24th of December.

• Auditorium Parco Della Musica – Here you will find fair trade products and products of local artists. You can also go ice skating. Next to the ice rink you can find a nice bar. More food stands and shops are inside the gallery of the Auditorium. The Auditorium is some kind of concert hall with several events taking place throughout the year. Opening December 3rd until January 8th. 

• Cinecittà WorldFrom November 12th to January 8th the main street of the Christmas Village of Cinecittà World will be decorated with the wooden houses of the Christmas Market where artisans, shows, music and designer lights will be the protagonists of the most beautiful time of the year. 

For Christmas in Rome as elsewhere in Italy, it is tradition to decorate the Christmas tree with the whole family. The day which is dedicated to decorate the Christmas tree is the 8th of December. On the 8th of December, Christmas season officially starts! On this day the streets in Rome are being decorated, the first Christmas trees will be put up in front of monuments and attractions and the first hot wines will be available on Christmas markets.

Contrary to popular belief, advent wreaths, calendars and counting the Sundays of Advent is not common in Rome during Christmas. Neither do the Romans know about Saint Nicholas (or as he is referred to, Babbo Natale) who visits children in other European countries on the 6th of December. Instead, they’ll have a different visitor on the 6th of January, the witch Befana. This is why children in Italy used to receive their Christmas gifts on the 6th of January, and not, as common in other European countries, on Christmas Eve or the 25th of December. This is also the reason why you can find witches on Christmas markets. Babbo Natale doesn’t look back on a long tradition in Italy.

Nativity scenes in Rome

Unfortunately, another tradition that has almost been lost over the years is installing the crib and adding the statuette of baby Jesus after midnight on the 24th of December. Romans love to visit the many nativity scenes scattered throughout the city. An absolute must is a visit to the International Exhibition ‘100 Presepi’ in Rome. Since 1976, hundreds of cribs created by international artists from all over the world, have been hosted here. 2018 was the first year in which the exhibition took place in Via di Conciliazione 5 near the Vatican. This exhibition is open from the 8th of December until the 8th of January from 10 am until 8 pm. Admission is free.

Please share with us your pictures and experiences, we want to hear all about your Christmas experience in Rome!

 


How to Taxi in Italy's Major Cities: Rome, Milan, Florence, Turin, Bologna, Genoa, Naples, and Verona 1

How to Taxi in Italy’s Major Cities: Rome, Milan, Florence, Turin, Bologna, Genoa, Naples, and Verona

Navigating the taxi services in Italy’s major cities can be a bit tricky, but with the right information, you can get around smoothly. Here’s a guide to help you with taxi services, prices, useful apps, and whether Uber is available in each city. Rome Prices: ∙ Weekdays: €3.50 base fare, €1.10/km* ∙ Public Holidays: €5 […]

0 comments
Exploring The Ancient Ruins Of Veio Regional Park 2

Exploring The Ancient Ruins Of Veio Regional Park

Guest Article written by Sal from Nature of Sal November is a great time for expats to explore the historical and natural beauty of Veio Regional Park. Located just north of Rome, this park offers a fascinating blend of ancient ruins, scenic trails, and autumn colors. Discovering Veio Regional Park Veio Regional Park covers a […]

0 comments
Small Italian Towns with 7% Tax Benefits for Retirees 6

Small Italian Towns with 7% Tax Benefits for Retirees

For retirees dreaming of a picturesque life in Italy, there are regions offering not only stunning landscapes, warm communities, and a slower pace of life, but also many towns with populations under 20,000 that qualify for Italy’s special 7% tax rate for foreign pensioners. This article will guide you through some charming small towns in […]

0 comments
The Aperitivo Culture in Italy 32

The Aperitivo Culture in Italy

Italy’s aperitivo culture is one of the most cherished traditions in the country, and like so many things in Italy, it varies significantly from region to region. The aperitivo is more than just a drink – it’s a moment to unwind, socialize, and nibble on an assortment of local snacks. Here’s an exploration of the […]

0 comments
Preparing For Winter Hiking: Tips And Gear For Expats 36

Preparing For Winter Hiking: Tips And Gear For Expats

Guest Article written by Sal from Nature of Sal As October gives way to November, it’s the perfect time for expat hikers in Rome to begin preparing for winter hiking, especially if you’re planning to tackle the cooler, higher-altitude mountains or venture into Northern Italy. With the right gear and thoughtful preparation, winter hikes can […]

0 comments


Contact info

Roma Italy