Christmas time is one of the most fascinating periods to visit Rome. Though you are likely to find winter temperatures, the Mediterranean region tends to maintain a mild climate where it is never too cold to walk around town and enjoy the city in its Christmas dressing and smell of roasted chestnuts.
Visiting Rome in Christmas The most spectacular Christmas decorations can be seen in St Peter’s Square and in Piazza Venezia, where a huge Christmas tree is elevated every year for the whole month of December and until early January.
In Piazza Navona you can find one of the most typical Christmas markets, with stands selling small gifts and sweets to stuff the sock for the “Befana”, a traditional and folklore Roman festivity on the Epiphany Eve, the 6th of January.
Many Christmas market stands can also be found around the Castel Sant’Angelo, where an ice rink is set up for outdoor skating.
Shows and religious Christmas events If you are curious to find out about the Italian Christmas tradition, you should look out for the nativity scenes or Christmas cribs (“presepe”). In Rome, you will be sure to find some of the most beautiful ones which are truly amazing pieces of arts.
One of the oldest scenes carved in marble is permanently displayed in Santa Maria Maggiore, a principal Church of Rome, whereas the open-air nativity scene in St Peter’s square can’t be missed with its life size figures! Here you can also listen and watch the Christmas Eve mass on the giant screen installation.
If you are looking for a hotel package in Rome during the Christmas vacation, find out more about our room availability at Hotel Mellini!
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