Christmas in Rome: Markets, Traditions and What to Do
Christmas in Rome: Markets, Traditions and What to Do
Contenidos de esta página sobre Roma
Spending Christmas in Rome is a wonderful experience. Rome is one of the most special places in the world, full of tradition and stunning monuments. Christmas in Rome brings plenty of activities for Rome with kids, plus special events, markets and, of course, delicious food.
There are live performances by street artists, music and games for locals and visitors alike.
What to do at Christmas in Rome
Christmas market
Spending Christmas in Rome gives you the chance to visit the Mercatino di Natale in Piazza Navona. It's the most traditional Christmas market in Rome, where you'll find classic tree ornaments, gifts and some typical Christmas dishes.
On January 6 the long-awaited «Befana» arrives in the square, the witch who hands out sweets to children who have behaved well and coal to those who haven't.
Piazza Navona is one of the places in Rome where Christmas is felt most intensely. Stay at any of the hotels in Piazza Navona in Rome and enjoy an unforgettable holiday season.
Rome's nativity scene
Every year many people also look forward to the nativity scene (or «presepe«, as the Italians call it) set up in front of St. Peter's Basilica, where the figures of Mary and Joseph are life-size statues.
Baby Jesus is only placed in the scene on December 25, marking his birth. The moment draws a lot of anticipation, and on that day the square fills with crowds who come to witness it.
You'll find nativity scenes all over Rome, especially in the churches. Between November and January there's an annual exhibition at the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo devoted entirely to nativity scenes from different parts of Italy.
Snow in Rome
Another charm of spending Christmas in Rome is seeing the city dusted in white. Snowfall during Roman winters isn't common, but when it happens the whole city takes on a magical, almost fairy-tale air.
If you're lucky enough to witness it, don't forget to pull out your phone or camera and capture a sight that comes around very rarely.