How to spend Christmas in Rome: Your 2025 Guide

While you won’t find the large-scale markets of northern Europe, Rome’s Christmas markets are a charming tradition all their own. Vendors set up chalets in famous squares, offering handcrafted gifts, festive sweets, and plenty of mulled wine. They’re the perfect place to warm up and find a unique souvenir.

Here are some of the most popular markets you can expect in 2025:

The nativity scene, or presepe, is a cherished Roman tradition that dates back to the 13th century. You’ll find these beautiful displays everywhere, from small, simple scenes in shop windows to elaborate, artistic creations in grand churches. It’s fun to simply wander the city and see how many you can spot. 

For the most impressive displays, check out these spots:

Food is a huge part of the Italian Christmas tradition, and you’ll find that many restaurants stay open to serve up special, multi-course holiday menus. Christmas Eve is all about fish, while Christmas Day is a feast of meat.

Throughout the holiday season, you’ll also want to try local seasonal treats. Don’t miss puntarelle, a delicious chicory salad, or the two great Christmas cakes: panettone and pandoro. Panettone is a sweet bread with candied fruit, while pandoro is a simple, fluffy, star-shaped cake dusted with powdered sugar. Try both and decide which one you love more!

Plan at least one evening that is all about lights. We recommend starting at Piazza Venezia and strolling the full length of Via del Corso toward Piazza del Popolo. Then, detour up Via dei Condotti to the Spanish Steps for glittering shop windows and a festive tree installation.

You’ll also find magnificent Christmas trees in many of the city’s squares, with the ones in Piazza Venezia and St. Peter’s Square being particularly worth your time.

When you need a break from the winter chill, there’s no better place to warm up than in one of Rome’s underrated museums. While the big-name attractions like the Vatican Museums are always popular, there are many smaller, less-crowded galleries that offer a peaceful and beautiful escape.

A few of our favorites include the Galleria Borghese, which is packed with masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio (just remember to book your tickets in advance!), and Palazzo Altemps, an overlooked gem with an incredible collection of ancient sculptures.

When you’ve had your fill of mulled wines and Christmas cakes, the next obvious move is to toss on some skates and hit the ice. Numerous rinks pop up in early December, including the festive rink at Christmas World at Villa Borghese. 

You can also head to the large outdoor rink at the Ice Park at Foro Italico. Or, for a chilly or rainy day, the rink at Galleria Porta di Roma is a great choice as it’s located inside a shopping center.

Book your timed-entry tickets in advance, then aim for late morning after 11 AM or early afternoon so the sun takes the chill off the stone. The softer winter light is lovely for photos, and the amphitheater often feels calmer compared to peak summer months. Dress in layers, bring a scarf, and give yourself time to linger on the upper tiers for those classic skyline views.

Yes, the Vatican Museums in December are going to be crazy crowded, but don’t let that stop you. After all, the Vatican is a must-see, and it’s even more beautiful at Christmas. The massive tree and nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square are truly special, and the atmosphere is something you won’t experience any other time of year.

For a more relaxed experience, we recommend visiting the Square and Basilica in the late afternoon. As for the museums, your best bet for fewer crowds is to go first thing in the morning or just after lunch.

Christmas Mass is a big deal in Rome, and it’s a beautiful experience whether you’re religious or not. The best-known Mass is the one held at the Vatican on Christmas Eve, but getting a seat inside St. Peter’s Basilica is incredibly difficult. If you can’t snag a ticket, don’t worry, you can join the crowd in St. Peter’s Square and watch the service on the big screens.

If you’d like to attend a smaller, more intimate service, consider the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the oldest churches in Rome. On Christmas Day, you can also return to St. Peter’s Square at noon to hear the Pope give his “Urbi et Orbi” speech and bless the crowd.

• Monti: A central, bohemian neighborhood with charming boutiques, artisan shops, and cozy wine bars.
  
  
• Trastevere: This area has a romantic, village-like atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and a lively energy, even in the cold.
  
  
• Centro Storico (Historic Center): The best choice if you want to be right in the heart of the action, close to the major sights and a truly festive atmosphere.