Lights, decorations, gifts, sweets and a hint of magic: this is the fairy-tale atmosphere of Christmas in Rome, a unique city made even more irresistible by its majestic festively decorated fir trees and twinkling illuminations!
The whole city continues to come alive with nativity scenes, lightshows and innovative installations.
CHRISTMAS TREES, ILLUMINATIONS, AND NATIVITY SCENES
Christmas Tree in Piazza del Popolo
Rome's traditional Christmas tree illuminates the monumental and elegant square from which the three main shopping streets branch off.
Christmas Tree at The Spanish Steps
A Christmas tree of more than 12 metres, made by the maison Dior, embellished with golden butterflies and leaves, is placed on the spectacular staircase.
The Christmas tree and nativity scene in St. Peter's Square
A 28-metre-high spruce tree stands in the centre of the Roman square - the symbol of Christianity - and is the background to the impressive nativity scene from Rieti. The splendid tree, adorned with lights and a net of over seven thousand dried edelweiss for a "snow" effect, comes from Macra, a municipality in the upper Maira Valley in the province of Cuneo.
Christmas Tree in Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina
An impressive Christmas tree stands in the outdoor lounge and lively meeting place of Rome, where the basilica of the same name stands, one of the oldest churches in the city.
Peace-themed Christmas tree in Piazza Navona
The beautiful square hosts a tree dedicated to peace set up on 9 December with decorations and crafts made by little boys and girls, accompanied by an area where kids can leave their drawings and reflections.
Christmas Parade - Illuminations of Via del Babuino
One of the most iconic streets in the historic centre lights up with spectacular Christmas illuminations to make the festivities for Romans and tourists even more unforgettable.
Illuminations of the Trident
An evocative series of diamond lights illuminate the iconic Via dei Condotti, the heart of Roman shopping, from Largo Goldoni to Piazza di Spagna.
The nativity scenes of San Gregorio Armeno at Parco Da Vinci
Via G. Montanari snc – Fiumicino
From 1 to 31 December 2023
The famous shopping centre hosts the second edition of the exhibition market dedicated to the popular cribs of Naples' most characteristic street, faithfully reproduced.
100 Nativity Scenes in the Vatican 2023
Colonnade of St. Peter's Square
Once again, the lights illuminate the Nativity at the 6th edition of the International Exhibition 100 Presepi in Vaticano. The cribs, executed with different techniques, styles, and materials, come from around the world to mirror different cultures and traditions. Each work is a small masterpiece made with passion and care and is the fruit of the imagination and creativity of crib artists and artisans. To make the exhibition even more impressive, the unique setting of St. Peter's Square and the grand colonnade designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini welcome you.
Neapolitan monumental nativity scene from the Basilica of Santi Cosma e Damiano
Astonishingly large Neapolitan nativity scene from the 18th century, with figurines made of wood and terracotta: against the backdrop of ancient Rome, the columns of the Roman Forum are the ideal set for the cradle of the little boy.
Nativity Scene of the Church of Santa Maria in Via
Made by the Associazione Italiana Amici del Presepio in Rome, this Nativity Scene with 18th-century figurines created by Nicola Maciariello is set in 19th-century Rome.
Nativity Scene of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
This artistic masterpiece created by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1291 has eight stone figurines depicting Mary, Joseph and the baby, the ox, the donkey, and the Magi. The basilica also preserves the relic of the Holy Cradle (according to legend, the precious fragments of the wood of the famous manger that welcomed baby Jesus) and the panniculum, recovered in Christmas 2007, a portion of the swaddling clothes with which Mary wrapped baby Jesus.
Nativity Scene of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli/Cappella del Presepio
This ancient Roman nativity scene, with a replica of the celebrated Capitoline Child (the original was stolen in 1994), features the spectacular Gloria by Father F. Codogno (1828) and life-size figures by Luigi Ceccon (1858).
Nativity Scene of the Church of Santa Maria dell'Anima
Nativity scene with splendid wooden statues by Sebastian Osterrieder (1864-1932), made by the sculptor for Wilhelm II, Emperor of Germany and King of Prussia (1888-1918).
Nativity Scene of the Church of San Marcello al Corso
This crib, renowned for its Roman setting, represents the shops of old-style Rome as a backdrop for the nativity scene.
Seven Nativity artworks: a gaze at the sacred heart of Rome
Let's discover together seven precious artworks - kept in churches and museums - by seven great artists who left us their legacy, the "images" of an ancient event seen through their eyes, giving us an experience of styles, lights, colours and emotions. The Nativity of Christ is one of the great artistic and spiritual testimonies depicted in paintings, sculptures, mosaics and frescoes created, over the centuries, by the genius of those arrived in Rome, loved it, chosen it as the ideal city for arts and symbol of eternal beauty.
LIGHTSHOWS, CONCERTS, SHOWS, AND IMMERSIVE EXHIBITIONS
A Christmas Carol
From 7 to 9 December 2023
Teatro Ghione
The show, inspired by Charles Dickens' most famous tale, takes you back to the wintery and fascinating atmospheres of Victorian London, accompanied by evocative music and images.
Digital Circus in Wonderland
Until 10 December 2023
The magical and enthralling show will amaze you with colours, lights and fantastic projections in which dream and reality alternate in a succession of emotions.
A Christmas Carol
From 8 to 10 December 2023
Auditorium Conciliazione
The Christmas musical par excellence tells the story of old Ebenezer Scrooge, a cynical and stingy banker who shuns all human relationships.
Natalè Auditorium
From 8 December 2023 to 7 January 2024
Theatre, live music, gospel, circus and children's shows are the main ingredients of the long celebration that transforms the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone into a large stage to fully experience one of the most awaited moments of the year.
Lights in Nature – Life
From 14 December 2023 to 18 February 2024
The enchanting Brancaccio Gardens turn into a magical place where, at nightfall, you can admire the beauty of nature in a poetic and sparkling atmosphere among sounds, extraordinary projections and marvellous plays of light.
Rapunzel - The Musical
From 15 December 2023 to 7 January 2024
Teatro Brancaccio
A story of love, friendship, power and magic: on stage, the dream musical inspired by the famous 1812 Grimm brothers' fairy tale.
Lo schiaccianoci - The Nutcracker
From 21 to 31 December 2023
Teatro dell'Opera di Roma
The most famous Christmas ballet, inspired by the fairy tale by E.T.A. Hoffmann, is staged in a new production by Canadian choreographer Paul Chalmer.
Gospel Festival
From 25 to 31 December 2023
The Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone hosts the vibrant and captivating music of Europe's most important Gospel festival to immerse yourself in the magic and spirit of the Christmas holidays through the enthralling and powerful Gospel sounds.
Christmas on Ice
From 25 December 2023 to 7 January 2024
For sixty breathtaking minutes, fifty-one extraordinary performers bring to life choreographies inspired by characters and music that evoke and celebrate the most beloved holiday of the year.
Trame di Luce
Until 7 January 2024
The heart of the Capital lights up with the evocative multisensory and immersive Light Art exhibition that transforms the Botanical Garden into a fairy-tale path of over a kilometre with enchanted woods, bizarre creatures, magical caves, tunnels, perspectives of lights and astonishing shades of colour.
Museum of Dreamers
Until 28 January 2024
In the four thousand square metres of the PratiBus District, twenty-one installations of great aesthetic and visual impact accompany you into a dreamlike universe through motivational messages, bringing you closer to the culture of dreams.
Van Gogh Experience
Until 31 March 2024
An immersive experience in the brilliant Dutch painter's universe and his masterpieces, reproduced with virtual reality, carries you on a real journey through time, emotions, anxieties and all the places of the master of colour.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS AND VILLAGES
Japan Days Xmas Edition
On 9 and 10 December 2023
The colourful weekend dedicated to the Land of the Rising Sun returns to the spaces of Atlantico Live: 100 exhibitors, workshops, martial arts exhibitions, an area dedicated to children, an Arcade game corner and animation, Japanese food tasting and wellness area.
Christmas Market and Feast of the Befana in Piazza Navona
From 1 December 2023 to 6 January 2024
During the Christmas festivities, the historic Befana market is back. It is a true institution loved by Romans of all ages, offering typical Christmas delicacies and decorations, evocative nativity scenes, toys, lots of handicrafts and books for young and old. As per tradition, Santa Claus, the puppet theatre, and street artists await you to celebrate the most beloved feast of the year until the grand finale on Saturday, 6 January, when the Befana arrives in the splendid square to bring gifts and sweets to all the children.
Giftland - La città del regalo
From 2 to 17 December 2023
Ragusa Off, a place to experience the magical atmosphere of Christmas, hosts hundreds of exhibitors from all over Italy in an area of 6,000 square metres and the largest selection of gifts ever: Local Handicrafts, Artists and Illustrators, Vintage, Home Decor, Design and Stylists, Vinyls and Books, Children's Clothing and Games, Organic Cosmetics, Plants and Flowers.
Christmas in Rome at the Laghetto dell'EUR
From 1 to 26 December 2023
The evocative Passeggiata del Giappone (Japan Promenade) hosts the second edition of the Christmas event where you can experience the most highly awaited festivity of the year with a market of more than 100 exhibitors of typical and vintage products, handicrafts and delicacies, Santa Claus and his North Pole "Igloo" house, a fantastic ice rink surrounded by wooden houses, among Christmas music, scenic effects and light games.
Christmas Village in Piazza Mazzini
From 1 to 30 December 2023
The square in the Delle Vittorie district hosts a typical market with wooden houses, where you can find many gift ideas, delicacies, handicrafts and Christmas products.
Christmas World. Il Natale nel mondo
From 1 December 2023 to 7 January 2024
Emotions, lights and shows, the magic of Christmas is back at Villa Borghese with the much-awaited Christmas event that, after last year's success, takes you on an exciting journey through live performances, parades, musicals and unmissable concerts.
Christmas at Zoomarine
From 2 December 2023 to 7 January 2024
The large Edutainment and amusement park awaits you with educational demonstrations, Christmas-themed shows, roundabouts and attractions, Santa's house and a magnificent ice rink.
Natale come nelle fiabe al Luneur Park
From 2 December 2023 to 7 January 2024
Rome's Garden of Wonders celebrates the most anticipated time of the year with its 22 attractions, numerous shows, Santa's house and an ice rink for an enchanted Christmas beyond space and time.
Il Fantastico Castello di Babbo Natale
Until 6 January 2024
Experience the magic of Christmas with shows, events and entertainment together with the surprising characters of the Castle, where you will discover the halls and apartments of the Lord of the Festivities, meet the charming Snow Fairy and the Toy Elves, ready to grant the wishes of all children.
Christmas at Cinecittà World
Until 7 January 2024
Rome's cinema amusement park turns into a vast Christmas Village among the decorations, lights and garlands adorning the Christmas Markets of Christmas Street in 1920s New York, the Festival of Illuminations, the House of Santa Claus, the Ice Kingdom, and the many attractions and shows.
Magic Christmas at MagicLand
Until 7 January 2024
Enjoy a unique experience with original stories, characters and atmosphere of Santa's Kingdom: incredible artistic illuminations, themed music, Santa's Castle, an eco-friendly ice rink, parades and shows, a Christmas market and the taste of Christmas street food.
HOW TO GET AROUND DURING CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
For three days - Friday 8, Sunday 17 and Sunday 24 December -you can travel for free on all surface lines, subways and the Metromare and Roma-Civitacastellana-Viterbo railways (urban section).
During the Christmas holidays, it is possible to reach the centre of Rome with the Free1, Free2 and 100 lines, free of charge and operating from 8 December to 7 January:
- Free 1: Via E. De Nicola (Terminii Station - Repubblica (MA) - Via Nazionale - Via Milano - Traforo Umberto I - Via del Tritone - L.go Chigi. Every day - holidays included - from 9 am to 9 pm - Exchange - FS "Piastra Termini" car park (1st hour free), entrance from Via Marsala 53;
- Free 2: Partigiani - Piramide (MB) - Via Marmorata - Bocca della Verità - Piazza Venezia - Via del Corso - L.go Chigi. Every day - holidays included - from 9 am to 9 pm - Exchange - Atac Partigiani car park (fare €0.80/hour - €5/day), entrance from Piazzale dei Partigiani;
- Line 100: P.ta Pinciana - via Veneto - Tritone - p.zza Cavour - L.go Chigi and back to P.ta Pinciana. Every day - holidays included - from 9 am to 8 pm.
Metro A and the other metro lines are open overtime, guaranteeing accessibility to the New Year's Eve events. Metro A will also resume its usual evening timetable from Sunday to Thursday (last departure from the terminus at 11.30 pm), with additional runs on 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31 December and 6 and 7 January, also planned for metro C with an extraordinary train running from 2.30 pm to the end of service.
For timetables for all lines on 24, 25, 26. 31 December and 1 January, check the official websites atac.roma.it and romamobilita.it.
For the entire period from 8 December to 7 January, the hours of the ZTL (traffic-restricted zones) Centro Storico and Tridente (A1) are extended from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., even on Saturdays and public holidays, except for 25 December only. The hours of the daytime Trastevere ZTL and all the night-time ZTL remain unchanged.
SHOPPING
Make purchases
From luxury stores in the historic center to the small artisan store, from colorful local markets with typical products to antiques and vintage markets for collectors, lovers of design, old-time fashion, and vintage bijoux, from large shopping malls with international brands to outlets dedicated to fashion addicts looking for must-have deals: Rome is an essential shopping destination for all tastes and pockets.
FOOD & WINE
Christmas Time in Roman Cuisine
Christmas is an opportunity to be with the family and enjoy the pleasures of eating. To prepare meals with care and passion, people begin several days before the festivity. What kind of food do we find on the Roman tables?
The Roman Pangiallo, the icing on the cake
For those who do not know it, pangiallo is a triumph of honey and dried fruit, with a yellow glaze covering it all. Pangiallo is a "bread" as golden and round as the sun to give with, hoping that the long winter months end quickly.
New Year's Day lunch: stories, anecdotes and recipes of the Roman tradition
When in Rome, you have to do as the Romans do, especially when, on holidays, the city reveals one of its most fascinating aspects: its unique culinary tradition. New Year's Eve in the Eternal City is an extraordinary, almost sacred ritual, lived with the carefree spirit that has always distinguished the Romans. Let's celebrate with a menu dedicated to the Capitoline tradition, discovering ingredients, recipes, and typical dishes of the holiday table, which evoke stories, legends, and suggestions of the past and have a reputation for being good luck for the new year.
This section is continuously updated
Cover Image: Turismo Roma Web
