Your guide to spending a magical Christmas in Rome

Picture Rome’s cityscape in December: twinkling Christmas trees, elaborate Nativity scenes, and vibrant markets tempting you with the sweetest treats. From its historical landmarks and lively piazzas to Baroque-style churches, Rome at Christmas is merry and bright.

The festive season typically begins from December and lasts through New Year’s. Besides April and October, December is one of the busiest times in Rome. Since stores have extended opening hours during this period, shopping takes on a new urgency—whether you’re bargain-hunting or blowing your budget on holiday gifts.

If you’re planning a trip to Rome during this time of year, bundle up and remember to bring an umbrella. The weather in December is usually chilly, with sporadic rain.

Ready to start exploring? Here are our recommendations on the top things to do in Rome during Christmas.

Soak in the festive vibe at these charming Christmas markets in Rome. Can you smell that nutty aroma of roasted chestnuts? You’ll also find handmade gifts, delicious desserts and vin brulé—a locally-produced hot mulled wine.

When: December 1, 2023–January 6, 2024

The Christmas market at Piazza Navona, known for its three fountains, is a hive of activity this time of year. The Christmas market offers knick-knacks, unique gifts (befana witch dolls, anyone?) and antiques. The whimsical carousel, carnival games and roving street performers amp up the festive vibe. Go there in the evening when everything is beautifully illuminated.

When: December 2, 2023–January 6, 2024

The Auditorium is a modern-day version of the legendary Colosseum. Open from noon until 8 p.m., this Christmas market has over 20 food booths and stalls brimming with local artisanal products. Keep your eyes peeled for authentic Italian cakes and sweet treats. One of Rome’s popular ice-skating rinks is also nearby, so you can glide your afternoon away while live Christmas concerts play on in the background.

When: December 8, 2023–December 24, 2023

If you’re looking for festive vibes without the crowds, swing by Piazza Mazzini. It runs as a flea market all year round but transforms into a bustling festive market during the holidays. Spanning around 89 stalls, this Christmas market in Rome sells toys, arts and crafts, lavish decorations and antique collectibles. If you have a sweet tooth, their delightful (read: sinful) Italian candy is one of the most sought-after in town. Start your day when the market opens at 9 a.m. and embrace a more traditional version of Rome at Christmas.

In line with Christmas traditions in Rome, what’s a festival without a feast? This is your chance to eat like a Roman at Christmas.

Meat is not usually part of the Christmas Eve spread but there’s plenty of seafood. Visit Ristorante Tema and enjoy heaping plates of fish and shellfish. Pro-tip: try the famous baccalà, a classic Italian salted cod. Or check out La Torricella, a long-standing trattoria known for its fish specials.

On Christmas Day, start with a celebratory spread of antipasti and tortellini soup. Then, tuck into abbacchio (lamb cooked with garlic and served with potatoes) and stufato di coniglio (rabbit stew). Of course, pasta is a staple here. Savor Christmas specialties like gnocchi alla Romana, lasagne bolognese and ravioli.

Many restaurants in Rome are not open on Christmas Day, so check restaurant websites before you head out. Flavio Velavevodetto, in the Testaccio neighborhood, keeps their doors open throughout the festive period, so head there to sample their traditional holiday menu (booking required). For something a little special, splurge on a fine dining experience at Pipero Roma or Michelin-starred Metamorfosi Restaurant.

Italians love their desserts so take this chance to sample all-time favorites like Italian cookies, pangiallo (yellow bread) and torrone (nut-filled nougat). Don’t leave Rome without trying the classic Italian Christmas panettone (cake-filled candied fruit) and bombardino (Italian eggnog). You’ll find them at many supermarkets but if you want the gourmet versions, pop by Scutellà Pastry Shop or Giuliani. Rome at Christmas is pretty sweet.

Rome at Christmas is a family affair and all about Christmas traditions. The streets empty out on Christmas Day as many locals gather at home with their loved ones.

If the plan was to museum-hop, avoid doing it on Christmas Day. Major tourist attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Borghese Galleries, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum are shut on December 25. The majority of shops and malls are also shut. But if your trip extends until January, expect some solid winter sales to justify your spending.

Public transportation operates on a reduced timetable on Christmas Day. It’s best to remain within walking distance of places you wish to see.

Here are some things to do in Rome on Christmas Day:

The Trevi Fountain is an iconic landmark and one of the most celebrated fountains in the world. The Baroque-style marble sculptures and tumbling pools are the perfect backdrops for your next Instagram shot. Do the ritual coin toss to ensure a return to Rome. No admission fee.

Specializing in handmade artisanal ornaments, Sempre Natale (which means “Christmas Always”) is open all year round. The store is just a stone’s throw away from The Pantheon. If you’re looking for a souvenir or meaningful gift to take home, there’s a whole range to choose from: gorgeous tree toppers, hand-painted glass orbs and even those resembling desserts like the cannoli.

There’s no better way to take in the holiday feels than to be right next to the Vatican Christmas Tree in St Peter’s Square. Aglow with hundreds of fairy lights, this 28-meter-high spectacle will leave you in awe. Stroll around the square and soak in the magical views of Rome at Christmas.

Wander through Rome—from your starting point at the Spanish Steps—with a local guide on a Christmas walking tour and spot some of the city’s best holiday displays.

With over 900 churches dotting the city, you’ll have to pick a handful to get a sampling of the majestic domes, glittering mosaics, splendid artwork and maybe even Christmas mass. Our recommendations? Santa Prassede for the best mosaics, Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo for masterpieces by the likes of Caravaggio and Bernini, and Santa Maria della Vittoria for its stunning “Ecstasy of St Teresa”.

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