Christmas in Rome with a local guide
Walk the lights, markets and nativity scenes of the historic centre.
Christmas in Rome is special: the streets of the historic centre fill with lights, nativity scenes appear in churches and squares, and the city follows traditions that go back centuries. Here is what to see, what is open and how to enjoy the festive season in Rome.
Quick answer: the Christmas season in Rome runs from 8 December to 6 January. Don’t miss the market in Piazza Navona, the tree and nativity scene in St Peter’s Square, the nativities in Rome’s churches and the Pope’s Urbi et Orbi blessing on Christmas Day. Remember that many museums close on 25 and 26 December.
Key dates of Christmas in Rome
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 8 December | Feast of the Immaculate Conception (public holiday). The Pope traditionally pays homage to the statue of the Virgin Mary near Piazza di Spagna. |
| Early December | The Christmas tree and nativity scene are unveiled in St Peter’s Square; lights go up across the centre. |
| 24 December | Christmas Eve Mass celebrated by the Pope in St Peter’s Basilica. |
| 25 December | Christmas Day: Urbi et Orbi blessing at noon in St Peter’s Square. Most shops and museums are closed. |
| 26 December | Santo Stefano, another public holiday in Italy. |
| 31 December | New Year’s Eve, with celebrations and fireworks around the city. |
| 6 January | Epiphany (public holiday) and the Befana, the end of the Christmas season. |
Christmas markets and lights
The most famous Christmas market in Rome is the traditional one in Piazza Navona, with stalls, sweets and decorations around Bernini’s fountains, usually from early December to the Epiphany. In the evening, walk along Via del Corso, Via Condotti and the streets around Piazza di Spagna to see the lights, and stop at the giant tree in Piazza Venezia.
See festive Rome with a local guide
Our Christmas Walking Tour takes you through the lights, markets and decorated streets of the historic centre, with the stories behind Roman Christmas traditions.
See Rome’s Christmas lights with a local guide
A 3-hour evening walk through the lights and decorations of the historic centre, in a small group, from Piazza di Spagna at 6:30 PM. Families welcome.
Nativity scenes (presepi) in Rome
Nativity scenes are at the heart of Italian Christmas. Every December a large nativity scene is set up in St Peter’s Square, and many churches display their own, from historic Baroque scenes to modern ones. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore keeps the relic of the Holy Crib, and the church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli on the Capitoline Hill is famous for the Santo Bambino. Discover some of the most beautiful ones on our Christmas Nativities and Angels Tour, available from 8 December to 6 January.
Christmas at the Vatican
- Christmas Eve Mass: celebrated by the Pope in St Peter’s Basilica. Free tickets must be requested in advance from the Prefecture of the Papal Household.
- Urbi et Orbi: on Christmas Day at noon the Pope blesses the city and the world from the central balcony of St Peter’s. No ticket is needed for the square, but arrive early.
- Vatican Museums: closed on 25 and 26 December.
What is open at Christmas?
On 25 December most shops, museums and many restaurants are closed, and public transport runs a reduced service. The Colosseum is closed on 25 December. On 26 December and 1 January some sites are closed or have reduced hours. Always check opening times before you go, and book restaurants for Christmas lunch well in advance.
Getting to Rome for the holidays
Flying in for Christmas or New Year? Avoid queues for taxis on busy holiday days with a private transfer from Fiumicino Airport. Starting a winter cruise in Civitavecchia? Book a private transfer from your Rome hotel to Civitavecchia port, with drop-off in front of your ship. Ending one? Take a private transfer from Civitavecchia back to Rome, or see all our cruise port transfers.
Celebrate Christmas in Rome with us
Small groups, licensed local guides and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Frequently asked questions
When does Christmas start in Rome?
The season traditionally starts on 8 December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a public holiday. Lights, trees and nativity scenes appear across the city in early December and stay until 6 January, the Epiphany.
Is there a Christmas market in Rome?
Yes. The best-known is the traditional market in Piazza Navona, usually open from early December to 6 January. Check the exact dates each year, as they can change.
Are museums open on Christmas Day in Rome?
Most are closed on 25 December. The Vatican Museums are closed on 25 and 26 December and the Colosseum is closed on 25 December, so plan your visits for the other days.
Can I attend the Pope’s Christmas Mass?
Yes, the Pope celebrates Mass in St Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve. Tickets are free but must be requested in advance from the Prefecture of the Papal Household. On Christmas Day at noon the Pope gives the Urbi et Orbi blessing from the central balcony of St Peter’s.
What are the best Christmas tours in Rome?
Our Christmas Walking Tour shows you the lights, markets and festive streets of the historic centre, and the Christmas Nativities and Angels Tour takes you to some of the most beautiful nativity scenes in Rome’s churches.