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, starting from Piazza di Spagna.
Rome at Christmas is at its best after dark. The shopping streets of the historic centre are decorated with lights, the big squares get their Christmas trees and nativity scenes, and Piazza Navona hosts its traditional Christmas market. This guide shows where to see the Christmas lights in Rome and how to see the best of them in one evening.
Quick answer
- When: the lights in the historic centre are usually switched on at the end of November or in early December
- Where: Via del Corso and the streets of the Tridente around Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Venezia, St Peter’s Square and Piazza Navona
- Best time: in the evening, after sunset
- Easiest option: a guided evening walk that links the highlights on foot
When are the Christmas lights switched on in Rome?
In recent years the lights in Rome’s historic centre have been switched on at the end of November or at the beginning of December, and they stay up through the holiday season until Epiphany on 6 January. Exact dates change every year, so check the city’s announcements before your trip.
Where to see the Christmas lights in Rome
| Place | What you see |
|---|---|
| Via del Corso and the Tridente | The main shopping streets between Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Venezia, decorated with light installations |
| Piazza di Spagna | The Spanish Steps and the elegant streets around them, the starting point of our Christmas walk |
| Piazza Venezia | One of Rome’s big Christmas trees, set up every year in front of the Vittoriano |
| Piazza Navona | The traditional Christmas market around the Fountain of the Four Rivers |
| St Peter’s Square | The Vatican Christmas tree and nativity scene, usually unveiled in the first days of December |
Piazza Navona Christmas market
Piazza Navona’s Christmas market is one of Rome’s oldest holiday traditions: stalls with sweets, decorations and nativity figures are set up around the square’s Baroque fountains. In 2025 it ran from 1 December to 6 January. For more ideas, read our guide to Christmas in Rome: markets, nativities and what is open.
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, starting from Piazza di Spagna.
How to see the lights in one evening
The historic centre is compact, so you can walk between the main lights in a couple of hours. A good route starts at Piazza di Spagna, follows the decorated streets of the Tridente and Via del Corso, and continues towards the squares of the centre.
On our Christmas walking tour in Rome a licensed local guide takes you on a 3-hour evening walk through the lights and decorations of the historic centre, in a small group, with stories about Roman Christmas traditions. The tour starts at 6:30 PM in Piazza di Spagna, next to the Fontana della Barcaccia. Families are welcome: just remember it is a 3-hour walk.
Christmas walking tour in Rome
A 3-hour evening walk through Rome’s Christmas lights with a licensed local guide, in a small group. Starts at 6:30 PM in Piazza di Spagna. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Practical tips
- Go after sunset: in December it gets dark early in the afternoon.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly, evenings can be chilly.
- Weekends before Christmas are crowded on Via del Corso: weekday evenings are calmer.
- Many churches have nativity scenes: cover shoulders and knees if you go in.
More to do in Rome this winter
Rome in winter is also perfect for walking tours that are not about the weather: follow the real places of Dan Brown’s novel on our Angels and Demons tour. Arriving on a cruise? See our private transfer from Civitavecchia to Rome. Want to see Venice too? Read our guide to the Venice day trip from Rome by train.
FAQ
When do the Christmas lights go on in Rome?
In recent years the lights in the historic centre have been switched on at the end of November or in early December, and they stay up until Epiphany on 6 January. Exact dates change every year.
Where are the best Christmas lights in Rome?
Via del Corso and the streets of the Tridente around Piazza di Spagna, the Christmas tree in Piazza Venezia, the tree and nativity scene in St Peter’s Square and the Christmas market in Piazza Navona.
When is the Piazza Navona Christmas market?
It usually runs from early December to Epiphany on 6 January. In 2025 it ran from 1 December to 6 January.
Is there a guided Christmas lights tour in Rome?
Yes. Our Christmas walking tour is a 3-hour evening walk through the lights and decorations of the historic centre with a licensed local guide, starting at 6:30 PM in Piazza di Spagna.
Is the Christmas tour suitable for children?
Yes, families are welcome. Keep in mind that it is a 3-hour walking tour, so comfortable shoes are recommended.