What to do in Rome at Christmas 2025: 8 things to do, travel and weather tips, holiday guide

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Although travelers often flock to Rome for its ancient ruins and Renaissance art, visiting during the holiday season adds another layer of wonder. What to do in Rome at Christmas is a question many tourists ask, and the answer is altogether enchanting: the Eternal City transforms into a living postcard of lights, traditions, and celebrations. As I have noted, no other European capital blends faith, food, history, and festivity quite like Rome in December.

What to do in Rome at Christmas

Why visit Rome at Christmas?

The atmosphere of Rome in December
As a matter of fact, Rome’s December atmosphere is unlike any other. Despite cooler temperatures, the city glows with sparkling decorations, nativity scenes, and Christmas markets. Comparatively, it feels more authentic than the hustle of northern European Christmas destinations.

What to do in Rome at Christmas: how spend christmas in Rome

1. Attending Christmas Mass in Rome: Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica

Certainly, the most iconic experience is attending the Papal Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve at St. Peter’s Basilica. Although this may be true, seats are limited and must be reserved months in advance. As has been noted, even standing outside in St. Peter’s Square with thousands of pilgrims while the Pope delivers his homily is an unforgettable experience.

Christmas Mass in Other Roman Churches
Another key point: not everyone secures tickets to the Vatican. As a result, visitors can still attend moving Christmas Masses in Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterano, or Santa Maria in Trastevere. As I have said, these services capture the spiritual essence of a Christmas in Rome.

2. A Christmas in Rome: exploring the Tradition of Italian Presepi

Before the invention of commercial Christmas trees, Italians celebrated with presepi. As can be seen, these detailed nativity scenes depict not only the Holy Family but also Roman daily life.

Best Churches in Rome for Nativity Scenes
At first, start with Santa Maria in Aracoeli on Capitoline Hill, which boasts one of Rome’s oldest presepi. Concurrently, San Marcello al Corso and Santa Maria Maggiore display breathtaking interpretations of the nativity.

3. Admiring the Christmas Tree at St. Peter’s Square

As shown above, each year the Vatican installs a towering Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square, decorated with lights and ornaments. Correspondingly, it stands as a symbol of hope and peace, visible to thousands of pilgrims.

4. Christmas Markets in Rome

Are There Christmas Markets in Rome?
Doubtedly, one of the most common questions is: Are there Christmas markets in Rome? Although Rome doesn’t rival Vienna or Munich, its markets are still delightful.

Piazza Navona and Beyond
As an illustration, Piazza Navona hosts the most famous Roman Christmas market, filled with toy stalls, artisans, roasted nuts, and sweets. Contrarily, smaller local markets pop up in Prati and near Auditorium Parco della Musica.

5. Tasting Roman Christmas Street Food

Roasted Chestnuts and Hot Chocolate
Besides sightseeing, food is central to the Roman holiday experience. As well as roasted chestnuts sold on street corners, vendors offer rich hot chocolate and vin brulé (mulled wine).

Seasonal Treats and Festive Dishes
Another Roman delight is pangiallo, a honey-and-nut cake dating back to ancient times. Comparatively, you’ll also find cartellate pastries and torrone nougat.

6. Experiencing Christmas Concerts in Rome

Basilica Concerts and Sacred Music
Chiefly, basilicas such as San Paolo fuori le Mura host sacred concerts that resonate with Gregorian chants and organ music.

Modern Christmas Performances
Conversely, the Auditorium Parco della Musica stages jazz, pop, and orchestral Christmas events, appealing to all ages.

7. Ice Skating in the Eternal City

Despite Rome’s Mediterranean climate, skating rinks spring up during December. As long as you have warm gloves, try the rink at Castel Sant’Angelo or the outdoor arenas at Auditorium.

8. Touring Rome’s Most Famous Basilicas

At any rate, visiting basilicas is both spiritual and cultural. St. John Lateran, Santa Maria Maggiore, and San Paolo fuori le Mura are decked out with nativity scenes and lights.

What is open in Rome on Christmas Day?

As much as visitors worry about closures, restaurants and some attractions remain open. The Colosseum and Vatican Museums close, but St. Peter’s Basilica is open. Restaurants in Trastevere serve festive meals, including seven-fish dinners on Christmas Eve.

What to do in Rome at Christmas: panoramic walks through Rome’s streets

Via del Corso and Festive Lights
Contrarily, some travelers skip museums and instead wander along Via del Corso, where light installations create a glowing tunnel.

Trastevere’s Holiday Charm
As I have shown, Trastevere shines with family-run trattorias, lanterns, and street performers, making it ideal for a cozy Christmas evening.

Practical Tips for Visiting Rome at Christmas

  • Book Mass tickets early – Papal events sell out quickly.
  • Dress code – Churches require modest clothing, even in winter.
  • Plan transport – Metro runs limited hours on holidays.

Weather in Rome in December

Although Rome is often associated with sunshine, December paints a different picture. As a matter of fact, the weather in Rome in December is mild compared to northern Europe but still requires some planning. Daytime temperatures usually range between 8–12°C (46–54°F), while nights can drop to around 3–5°C (37–41°F). Despite occasional rain showers, Rome rarely experiences snow—though when it does, the Eternal City becomes even more magical.

Correspondingly, December days are shorter, with sunset around 4:30–5:00 pm. As long as you plan your sightseeing earlier in the day, you’ll enjoy crisp winter air followed by cozy evenings in trattorias with hot wine and Roman delicacies.

What to wear in Rome in December

As I have shown, knowing what to wear is essential when packing for a Christmas in Rome. Basically, you’ll need layered clothing: a warm coat, sweaters, scarves, and gloves. Comparatively, you won’t need heavy snow gear, but waterproof shoes and a compact umbrella come in handy for rainy spells.

Another key point: if you plan to attend Mass or visit basilicas, dress modestly. Women should bring a shawl or long coat, while men should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. As can be seen, Romans maintain a chic style even in winter, so a stylish jacket or leather boots will help you blend in seamlessly.

As an illustration, here’s a quick checklist of what to dress in Rome in December:

  • Warm coat or jacket
  • Sweaters or cardigans
  • Comfortable walking shoes (waterproof preferred)
  • Scarf, gloves, and hat
  • Umbrella for rainy days
  • Smart-casual outfit for Christmas dinners and concerts

At any rate, packing smart ensures you’ll stay warm while still enjoying evening walks under Rome’s Christmas lights.

FAQs: What to Do in Rome on Christmas Day

Are things open on Christmas Day in Rome?
Most shops close, but many restaurants, churches, and some small attractions remain open.

Is the Colosseum open on Christmas Day?
No, the Colosseum is closed on December 25.

What happens on Christmas Day in Italy?
Families gather for meals, attend Mass, and exchange gifts.

What to do during Christmas in Rome?
Attend Mass, visit markets, explore nativity scenes, and enjoy local food.

Is St. Peter’s Basilica open on Christmas Day?
Yes, and it’s one of the most visited sites during the holiday.

Is Christmas a big deal in Rome?
Yes, it’s both a religious and cultural event celebrated widely.

What do Romans eat on Christmas Day?
Pasta, roasted meats, pangiallo, and torrone are common dishes.

What do Italians eat for breakfast on Christmas Day?
Typically panettone or pandoro with coffee or hot chocolate.

Is the Pantheon open on Christmas Day?
No, the Pantheon is closed on December 25.

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