Spending Christmas in Rome: What to Expect in 2025

Christmas in Rome promises to be a heartfelt and memorable experience.

There are so many things to do, reasonable weather compared to many other European cities, and Christmas decor on winding streets. All of this combined makes for a pretty enchanting trip abroad.

In this article, we're going to take a look at what you can expect when spending Christmas in Rome, from what's open and the weather, to things to do and try!

The holiday season in Rome

Rome is the heart of Catholicism. After all, it's where Vatican City is and where the Pope lives.

That said, there aren't quite as many Christmas markets and Noel-grandeur in Rome if you're comparing it to Northern European areas like Eastern France and Germany.

Still, Rome is a great choice for your Christmas holiday. It's just important to understand that many places do close for the Christmas holiday itself (December 25th, and occasionally a day before and after too).

The 26th is an Italian holiday called Santo Stefano, so some things are closed then too.

Restaurants, museums, tourist excursions, and shops are likely to be closed on Christmas Day, but this is the case in many European cities.

Otherwise, many attractions, restaurants, shops, etc. will be open throughout the season - and not just open: bustling.

Christmas is considered one of Rome's busiest (albeit short) tourist seasons because of its markets, lights, and religious celebrations, but you will still find it less crowded than Rome's main tourist season: the summer.

The weather at Christmastime in Rome

If you're looking for a snowy adventure, Rome's holiday season might not meet your expectations. Snow in Rome is pretty rare.

The weather at Christmastime is similar to Northern California at the same time of year. It's typically mid-50s ℉ during the day (12-15 Celsius) and doesn't typically drop below freezing at night.

There is a fair bit of rainfall, but there can also be short sunbreaks too.

Overall, December is mild, but a bit rainy.

You should pack a rain jacket, umbrella, and waterproof walking shoes so you feel comfortable and dry when out exploring.

What to do in Rome for Christmas

There are plenty of things to do in the city! Here are some of the main attractions, as well as some lesser-known ideas.

The Christmas markets of Rome

Rome is home to a handful of charming Christmas markets where you can find local artisanal goods, including food, wine, ornaments, soaps, and more.

The Christmas market at Piazza Navona is the most well-known in the city, and it is centrally located.

Others include the Mercato Monti and the Campo de Fiori.

In general, Christmas markets are fairly small, so you can likely go to many in a day, getting to see what each offers.

Where to see Christmas lights in Rome

If you want to bundle up and take in the twinkling warmth of Christmas lights around the city, there are several areas where you can do this in Rome.

The famous ancient ruins of the city are usually lit up for the holiday season, with a large Christmas tree in the annex.

Other areas of town are too, like Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Venetia.

If you want to see more Christmas trees, St. Peter's Square is a must. It's in the Vatican City, too, so you can make it a day as Christmas is a really special time in the city.

Realistically, you'll see lights and Christmas decor throughout Rome. It can be particularly fun to go down little streets and see the Christmas decor in shop windows as well.

Italian bagpipes: The Zampognari

A once-in-a-lifetime experience for visitors to Rome is getting to see and hear the Zampognari play.

Zampognari are Italian bagpipers, though the bagpipes are slightly different than the Scottish ones you might be thinking of. They're traditional Italian ones.

At Christmas time, you may see them in the streets of Rome or around Christmas markets, playing traditional Italian songs.

Roman nativity scenes

Rome loves a nativity scene, and there are many, many to see in the city at Christmastime.

Nativity scenes are a centuries-old tradition in Rome, and you'll find them all over the city, from little shop windows and seemingly random displays to more expected locations like cathedrals.

Some of the scenes you stumble upon can be quite elaborate, with lights, music, and animated movement. There are even "living" nativities, where actors and live animals recreate the first Christmas.

For most of December, there are over 100 nativity scenes set up at Piazza del Popolo. Grab a mulled wine or a cioccolata calda (hot chocolate) and see dozens of artistic variations of one of the most famous traditions in the world.

Also, as a note, Italian hot chocolate might not be what you're used to...

Authentic Italian Christmas foods

Like anywhere, Italy has its own festive foods that become the star of the show come Christmastime.

While you're exploring Christmas markets, dining out, or simply grocery shopping to prepare a meal on your own, it can be an entire experience in itself to try the local goods.

Cioccolata calda (hot cocoa)

This isn't your regular Swiss Miss. Hot chocolate in Italy is much thicker than the hot chocolate popular in the States.

In fact, it's almost more similar to a mousse or pudding, but not quite that dense.

Panettone (Christmas sweet bread)

This is a sweet bread that looks similar to a cake and is filled with raisins and candied fruit.

Pandoro (another sweet bread)

If fruit cake of any variation isn't your thing, Pandoro is a good alternative. It's a sweet bread served around the holiday that is lighter and dusted with powdered sugar.

Torrone (nougat)

Made with honey, sugar, egg whites, and nuts, Torrone is a candy that is very popular during the holiday season in Italy. You'll see it at pretty much every Christmas market.

Vin brulé (mulled wine)

Mulled wine is common throughout Western Europe, and Italy is no exception. It's typically red wine that has been heated with sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and citrus.

Baccalà (salted cod)

In general, Romans eat fish on Christmas Eve, as part of La Vigilia (The Feast of the Seven Fishes). Baccalà, as well as calamari, are common delicacies you'll see enjoyed.

Castagne (roasted chestnuts)

Somewhere, they really do roast chestnuts on an open fire - and it's in Italy.

Roasted chestnut stands can be found throughout Rome during the holiday season. For a few euros, you can get a bag and enjoy them as you wander around, taking in the festive sights.