Christams in Rome: 7 things to do in the magical season

Christmas in Rome is an extraordinary experience, and there are numerous activities to do and places to explore to fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of this fascinating city. When it comes to deciding what to do and where to go for Christmas in Rome, the options are endless and include something for everyone.

Christmas in Rome, what to do and where to go: one idea is to start your Christmas adventure by exploring the Christmas markets scattered around the city. These markets offer a wide variety of unique gifts, handcrafted Christmas decorations and culinary delights that make the Christmas season even more special.

For a spiritual experience, attend one of the Christmas Masses in one of Rome's many historic churches or impressive cathedrals. The city is rich in religious history, and during Christmas, many of these churches are beautifully decorated and host special services that capture the magic of the season.

Christmas in Rome, what to do and where to go: another must-do is a visit to the city's museums and historical sites. Rome's culture and history are incredibly fascinating, and during the holiday season, these places can offer unique perspectives on Christmas traditions in the Eternal City.

Around the city, the streets are lit up with Christmas lights and Christmas decorations transform Rome into a magical place. The main squares often host towering Christmas trees, creating a wonderful festive atmosphere.

Regardless of where you are in the city, Christmas in Rome offers a variety of special experiences to discover. Whether you are a history buff, art lover, food connoisseur, or simply looking for an enchanting Christmas atmosphere, Rome during Christmas has something special to offer everyone.

Find out with us at Visit Italy what to do and where to go in Rome at Christmas to make your visit even more special! With Rome's Christmas Markets being among the main attractions of the holiday season, they transform some of the city's most iconic squares into true Christmas villages. One of the most famous markets is the one that comes to life in the historic Piazza Navona. The stalls of the Piazza Navona market offer a wide range of Christmas products, from local crafts and tree decorations to toys and culinary delights. It is the ideal place to find unique gifts and Christmas souvenirs. And as you wander among the stalls, don't forget to enjoy culinary delights, such as roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate and traditional sweets.

But Piazza Navona is not the only place to find Christmas markets in Rome. You can also explore the Christmas market at the Circus Maximus, which offers an atmospheric setting overlooking the ancient ruins. Here, stalls offer handcrafted items, Christmas decorations and delicious food.

In addition, the Spanish Steps district often hosts its own Christmas market, making the area even more charming during the holidays. Don't miss the opportunity to stroll through the neighborhood's elegant streets, admiring the windows of extravagantly decorated high-fashion boutiques.

Rome's Christmas markets are not only places to shop, but also meeting points and places to experience the Christmas atmosphere. Christmas music, street performers and living nativity scenes all contribute to an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Without a doubt, these markets are a must for those visiting Rome during the Christmas season, giving an authentic immersion in the soul of the Roman holidays.

Where to go and what to do in Rome at Christmas time if not stroll the romantic streets of Rome and admire the nativity scenes? Nativity scenes hold a special place in the hearts of Romans during the Christmas season. This ancient tradition is deeply rooted in the culture and history of the city, and every year Rome flaunts magnificent and fascinating nativity scenes in various locations.

Nativity scenes hold a special place in the hearts of Romans during the Christmas season. This ancient tradition is deeply rooted in the culture and history of the city, and every year Rome flaunts magnificent and fascinating nativity scenes in various locations. One nativity scene that is definitely worth a visit is the one located in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. This nativity scene is often imposing in size and made with great skill. In addition to the traditional representation of the Nativity, it often includes scenarios that recall Italian daily life and culture. And how can you not take the opportunity to visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, places of great importance and magnificence; you will be enraptured by the beauty that surrounds you. The button located at the end of this paragraph will help you book your guided tour!

The Vatican nativity scene is usually complemented by a huge Christmas tree, donated by a different Italian region each year. The lighting of the tree and the nativity scene is a spectacular event that draws crowds of visitors from all over the world.

But the nativity scene is not just limited to St. Peter's Square. Throughout Rome, many churches and historic sites set up striking nativity scenes that reflect their uniqueness and history. Some nativity scenes are made with handcrafted figurines, often in the "Neapolitan Nativity" style, while others are modern and innovative. 

Nativity scenes can also be seen inside some of Rome's museums, such as the Museo del Presepio at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, which houses an extraordinary collection of nativity scenes from around the world. 

How to feel Rome's Christmas atmosphere even more? By marveling at the downtown streets filled with lights and admiring the city's Christmas trees.

Majestic Christmas trees and spectacular illuminations transform the streets of Rome into a dreamy Christmas scene. A must-see place to admire one of the most iconic Christmas trees is Piazza Venezia. Here, in front of the monument to Victor Emmanuel II, stands a giant Christmas tree, beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The lighting of the tree is an eagerly anticipated event and marks the official start of the Christmas season in Rome.

Another place not to be missed is the famous Via del Corso, Rome's main commercial artery. During the Christmas season, the street is adorned with thousands of Christmas lights, creating a luminous tunnel that enchants visitors. Here, you can shop in elegant boutiques, enjoy Christmas culinary delights and admire the tastefully decorated shop windows.

But it doesn't end there. The Trastevere district is known for its cobblestone streets crowded with quaint stores and cozy restaurants. During the Christmas season, Trastevere is decked out with a central Christmas tree, which becomes the focal point of this charming bohemian area. The atmospheric lights make Trastevere a perfect place for a romantic stroll during the holidays.

In addition, many of Rome's major tourist sites, such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon, are adorned with Christmas illuminations, transforming these iconic sites into even more atmospheric settings. It is a unique experience to admire these ancient wonders harmoniously integrated into the Christmas atmosphere.

And how can we not also think about visiting archaeological sites? Click on the button below to find out what and how you can visit!

During the holiday season, the Capitoline Museums in Rome are transformed into a fascinating cultural oasis, enveloped in a magical and festive atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of the Eternal City, these museums offer visitors an extraordinary journey through history and art, housing a vast collection of works ranging from Roman antiquity to the Renaissance. Dimly lit rooms create an atmospheric atmosphere, while Christmas decorations add a warm and festive touch. Visitors can admire masterpieces such as the statue of Marcus Aurelius and the Capitoline She-Wolf, breathing in the air of a Rome steeped in history and tradition.

The building that houses the Capitoline Museums is itself a work of art, designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti in the 16th century. The square in front, the Piazza del Campidoglio, is an urban masterpiece with its terracotta pavement designed by Michelangelo himself and the statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius in the center.

During the holidays, the Capitoline Museums offer a unique experience, integrating art with the Christmas atmosphere that permeates the city. The majestic scenery of the Imperial Forums and the Capitoline Hill, which surround the museums, is illuminated with lights and decorations, transforming the place into an enchanting treasure chest of beauty. The Roma Pass becomes a valuable companion for visitors eager to explore the museums easily and conveniently, allowing priority access and use of public transportation to easily reach other cultural gems in the city. With the Roma Pass, travelers can fully enjoy a Christmas experience of art and history, having the opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural richness of the Eternal City.

The Christmas scene in Rome is full of events and performances that capture the imagination and bring a special touch to the holidays. During the Christmas season, the city offers a variety of shows, concerts and performances that will delight visitors of all ages.

One of the most anticipated events is the "Christmas Concert" held at Piazza di Spagna. This outdoor show features performances by internationally renowned musicians, and Christmas notes fill the air creating a unique festive atmosphere. The Spanish Steps, already stunning for its stairways and elegant boutiques, becomes an extraordinary stage for this concert.

In addition, many theaters in Rome put on Christmas shows ranging from performances of classics such as Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" to dance performances and Christmas musicals. These events offer an extraordinary opportunity to immerse oneself in art and culture during the Christmas season.

If you are lucky enough to be in Rome on Christmas Eve, don't miss the striking "Midnight Mass" in St. Peter's Basilica, celebrated by the Pope. This is a unique opportunity to experience Christmas in one of the most sacred places of Christianity, surrounded by faithful from all over the world.

For theater lovers, Rome offers performances such as the "Living Nativity", which comes to life in the city's historic streets, with actors playing the characters of the Nativity in traditional settings. This type of show is a touching representation of Rome's religious and cultural roots.

Theaters offer special performances and cultural events to enrich your holiday experience. You can attend traditional plays, Christmas ballets, and concerts at renowned theaters such as the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, Teatro Sistina, Teatro Argentina, and many others. These shows often embrace the magic of Christmas with thematic productions, providing an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in art and culture during the holidays.

At Christmas in Rome, an excursion to the Santa Severa Castle is a fascinating option to immerse yourself in the magic of the holidays. Here, you can participate in special events such as Christmas markets and shows while exploring the castle's ancient walls overlooking the sea. An excursion to Santa Severa Castle offers a unique Christmas experience that combines historical beauty and holiday cheer.

The Christmas concert at the Auditorium della Conciliazione in Rome is a must-see event during the Christmas season. This prestigious show, now in its 31st year, combines music with support for a noble charitable cause. Admission is allowed until 4:45 p.m. in order to prepare for the televised recording of the event. In this context, renowned pop artists perform on stage, giving the audience an unforgettable evening of Christmas melodies and festive songs. The event not only spreads the joy of Christmas but also helps promote a solidarity project, making the concert even more special for those who attend.

In the heart of the Eternal City, the Christmas season brings with it an enchanting atmosphere and a myriad of ways to explore Rome in a whole new light. Christmas sightseeing tours and walks offer an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's festive atmosphere and discover its unique Christmas-related traditions. From twinkling illuminations to living nativity scenes and tasty Christmas treats, Rome dresses up for the holidays and offers engaging experiences for visitors of all ages and tastes. In this section, we will explore some of the most fascinating options for discovering the magic of Christmas in Rome through sightseeing tours and themed walks.

Decorated Churches Tours: During the Christmas season, many churches in Rome are spectacularly decorated. Some tours focus on these churches, offering visitors the opportunity to admire the frescoes, illuminations and nativity scenes inside these sacred structures. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the most decorated and famous churches during Christmas.

Walks in the Jewish Quarter: Rome's Jewish Quarter is a fascinating place for a walk during the Christmas season. Here you can admire the candle lighting of Judaism during the Hanukkah holiday and discover the cultural traditions of this community.

Vatican Museum Tour: The Vatican Museums are known to hold special events during the Christmas season, including exhibitions of artistic nativity scenes and Christmas art displays. In addition, the Sistine Chapel hosts the famous representation of the Nativity.

Christmas walk in the historic center: Rome is wonderful to explore on foot, and during the Christmas season, the historic center is especially charming with its twinkling lights and festive decorations. You can arrange an independent walk to admire the Christmas trees, boutique windows, nativity scenes, and illuminations in the squares and on the main streets.

Christmas Carriage Tour: For a truly romantic experience, consider a Christmas carriage tour through the illuminated streets of Rome. This is a charming way to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.

During the Christmas season, the Borghese Gallery and the Villa Borghese in Rome are transformed into enchanting settings, immersing visitors in a festive and magical atmosphere. The gallery is famous for its exceptional collection of artworks, ranging from the Renaissance to the Baroque, including masterpieces by the likes of Caravaggio, Bernini, Raphael and Titian. Among the most famous works on display are Caravaggio's "Deposition," Raphael's "Lady with Unicorn," and Bernini's sculptures, including the famous "Apollo and Daphne" and "David." The villa itself, with its vast gardens, offers visitors a serene and relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, creating a striking contrast to the vibrant energy of the holidays.

The Villa Borghese is strategically located near Via del Corso, one of Rome's most famous streets, known for its upscale shopping and lively atmosphere. During the Christmas season, Via del Corso is lit up with spectacular illuminations, creating a glittering corridor that connects the Borghese Gallery and the Villa Borghese to the effervescence of the historic center. Strolling along Via del Corso thus becomes an extraordinary experience, amid the luxury of boutiques, the magic of Christmas lights and the prospect of immersing oneself in the works of art of the Borghese Gallery.

To reach the Borghese Gallery, we recommend taking the subway and getting off at the Spagna stop (Line A). From there, you can take a pleasant walk through the gardens of Villa Borghese, enjoying the greenery and tranquility of the park before immersing yourself in the art of the gallery. You can also opt for the streetcar, the nearest stop being Piazzale Flaminio. It should be noted that a visit to the Borghese Gallery requires advance reservation, as the number of visitors is limited to preserve the quality and experience of the visit.

Architecturally, the Borghese Gallery is housed in a 17th-century building designed by architect Flaminio Ponzio. The building, known as the Casino Borghese, was commissioned by Scipione Borghese, the cardinal who amassed the extraordinary art collection. The building has a symmetrical structure, with an elegant facade and harmonious proportions. The interior features frescoes, stuccoes, and Baroque decorations that contribute to a sumptuous and evocative environment.

Want to stress-free visit Galleria Borghese and other attractions in Rome during the Christmas season? This attraction is included in the Visit Rome Pass, which gives you priority access to museums and sites of cultural interest, making your life easier (remember that public transportation for 2 or and days is also included).