A Christmas evening in Rome with the family?
See the lights and decorations of the historic centre with a licensed local guide, on a 3-hour evening walk in a small group from Piazza di Spagna.
Rome in December is a great trip for families: the streets are decorated, the squares have their Christmas trees and nativity scenes, and the crowds are smaller than in spring and summer. The days are short and a few places close on holidays, so a little planning helps. Here are practical tips for visiting Rome in December with children.
Quick answer
- Weather: average highs about 12–14°C (54–57°F), lows about 3–6°C (38–42°F)
- Sunset: around 4:40–4:50 PM, so the lights are on early
- Holidays to plan around: 8 December, 25–26 December, 1 and 6 January
- Best family evening: a walk through the Christmas lights of the historic centre
What the weather is like
December in Rome is mild compared with northern Europe, but it is cool, especially in the evening. Average highs are about 12–14°C (54–57°F) and lows about 3–6°C (38–42°F), and some days are rainy. Pack warm layers, hats and gloves for the evenings, and a rain jacket.
Short days: plan your time
The sun sets around 4:40–4:50 PM in December. Use the morning and early afternoon for museums and monuments, and keep the late afternoon and evening for the Christmas lights, when children can enjoy the decorations at their best.
Dates and closures to know
| Date | What to know |
|---|---|
| 8 December | Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a public holiday in Italy. The Vatican Museums are closed. |
| 24 December | Christmas Eve: many shops and restaurants close earlier. |
| 25–26 December | Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day, public holidays. The Vatican Museums are closed. |
| 1 January | New Year’s Day, a public holiday. The Vatican Museums are closed. |
| 6 January | Epiphany, a public holiday and the last day of the Christmas season. The Vatican Museums are closed. |
The Vatican Museums are also closed on most Sundays: always check the official calendar before you book.
What families enjoy most in December
- The Christmas lights along Via del Corso and the streets around Piazza di Spagna. See our guide on where to see the Christmas lights in Rome.
- The Christmas market in Piazza Navona, with stalls of sweets and decorations around the fountains.
- Christmas trees and nativity scenes, such as the tree in Piazza Venezia and the tree and nativity scene in St Peter’s Square.
- Nativity scenes in churches, a Roman tradition: many churches set up a crib for the season.
For more ideas, read our guide to Christmas in Rome: markets, nativities and what is open.
A Christmas evening in Rome with the family?
See the lights and decorations of the historic centre with a licensed local guide, on a 3-hour evening walk in a small group from Piazza di Spagna.
A family evening with a guide
Our Christmas walking tour in Rome is a 3-hour evening walk through the lights and decorations of the historic centre with a licensed local guide, in a small group, with stories about Roman Christmas traditions. It 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, so it suits children who are happy to 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 for families
- Comfortable shoes are a must: the historic centre has cobbled streets.
- Dress in layers: churches and museums are warm, evenings outside are chilly.
- Weekends before Christmas are busy on Via del Corso: weekday evenings are calmer.
- Cover shoulders and knees when you visit churches and nativity scenes.
- Book popular sights in advance, especially around the holidays.
More family ideas in Rome
Older children who like mysteries love our Angels and Demons tour, following the real places of Dan Brown’s novel. Arriving or leaving on a cruise? See our private transfer from Civitavecchia to Rome. Want to add Venice to your trip? Read our guide to the Venice day trip from Rome by train.
FAQ
Is Rome good to visit in December with children?
Yes. The city is decorated for Christmas, the historic centre is compact and walkable, and there are Christmas markets, trees and nativity scenes to see. Plan around the short days and a few holiday closures.
What is the weather like in Rome in December?
Mild but cool: average highs are about 12–14°C (54–57°F) and lows about 3–6°C (38–42°F). Bring warm layers and a rain jacket.
What time does it get dark in Rome in December?
Early: sunset is around 4:40–4:50 PM, so the Christmas lights are on by late afternoon, which is handy with children.
Are the Vatican Museums open at Christmas?
The Vatican Museums are closed on 8, 25 and 26 December and on 1 and 6 January, as well as on most Sundays. Check the official calendar before you plan your day.
Is the Christmas walking tour suitable for families?
Yes, families are welcome. It is a 3-hour evening walk through the Christmas lights of the historic centre, so comfortable shoes are recommended.