Rome lights up with magic during the Christmas holidays

From 8 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, Rome lights up with wonder as the magic of the festive season returns in all its splendour. Glittering illuminations, towering Christmas trees, markets, performances and that unmistakable atmosphere only Rome can offer transform the city into a true winter dreamscape. Majestic firs, lights that paint the night sky and thousands of sparkling details turn every corner into a small enchanted world, where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly in a rich programme of events, light shows, themed villages, concerts, artistic installations and activities for all ages.

The festive season officially opened with the lighting of the grand Christmas tree in Piazza del Popolo and the illuminations along Via del Corso, renewing a tradition that delights Romans and visitors year after year.

At centre stage stands the magnificent Abies Nordmanniana, rising over 20 metres high and adorned with elegant gold, silver and red baubles. Illuminating it are 100,000 low-consumption LEDs, crowned by a golden star that seems to guide the gaze symbolically towards the sky.

As the tree lights up, Via del Corso becomes a river of light: over its 1.8-kilometre stretch, a carpet of 500,000 high-efficiency LED micro-spheres — created by Acea — shapes a mesmerising route between heritage and modernity, where shooting stars, snowflakes and luminous patterns weave a captivating visual tale.

The magic continues on the façade of Galleria Alberto Sordi and across several Municipalities, which glow with dedicated lighting installations. Meanwhile, new Christmas trees curated by the Department for Environmental Protection bring the festive spirit to neighbourhoods throughout the city.

To make sure you don’t miss a thing, explore our special feature “Christmas in Rome 2025”, the ultimate guide packed with updates, ideas and suggestions for experiencing the city during the most beloved season of the year.