Rome in December is like a beautiful lady putting on a nice dress for a special night. Christmas lights, the iconic Christmas trees in Piazza del Popolo and in St Peter square, Christmas markets.. But also some incredible temporary exhibitions. This is what you should be on the lookout for if you’re in Rome this December
As per tradition, the Christmas Market of Piazza Navona starts on December 1st until January 6th (Epifania day). The stands usually include a variety of nativity scenes decorations, Christmas tree balls and Christmas street food.
In December (usually the first Sunday of the month, but we’ll confirm this as soon as we know more) many museums in Rome will be open until late at night (from 8pm until 2am) and host music performances, concerts and live shows among the exhibitions and artworks.
Among the museums which will participate there are the Musei Capitolini, Centrale Montemartini, Mercati di Traiano, Museo di Roma in Piazza Navona, Museo Napoleonico and more.
Since two years Rome’s Christmas tree was moved to Piazza del Popolo, instead of its traditional location in Piazza Venezia. This is because of the construction works taking place in piazza Venezia until 2030 for the new metro station.
On December 8th at 6:30PM there will be a countdown and the mayor of Rome will switch on the lights of the Christmas tree and along via del Corso.
This is a traditional event that many people will attend, so expect big crowds and a beautiful festive atmosphere.
This year it will be the 8th edition of the 100 Presepi in Vaticano exhibition, therefore quite a new tradition.
But even so, this exhibit will steal your heart! First of all, the location. The 100 Presepi will take place in the colonnade of St Peter square designed by Bernini.
And then the content. There will be 100 nativity scenes of any kind. From the presepi made of cotton (which was my favorite last year!) to the chocolate presepi (wisely protected by a glass! But you could still smell the chocolate!). Here you really understand that creativity is the only limit!
The exhibit will be for free and it will take place from December 8th to January 6th.
More info: https://www.100presepi.it/
This is a run which takes place in the center of Rome on December 14th. It starts from via dell’Ara Massima, the continues to Piazza Venezia, then touches via del Corso, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza del Popolo, Colosseum, via dei Fori Imperiali, and ends in the Circo Massimo. The best of Rome in a 15km run!
Website: http://www.romaurbsmundi.it/
There is another Christmas event in the Vatican this December 2025. Traditionally, every year on December 24th a Christmas concert is broadcasted from the Vatican on the Italian tv on Canale 5 (channel 5).
But actually this Christmas concert is recorded some days in advance, so if you want to attend the concert and still be able to be at home with your families on Christmas eve, you can do so. The concert this year will be recorded on December 13th.
This concert includes pop, rock, soul, gospel and opera singers that come together to celebrate Christmas through a series of classic Christmas songs. This concert is usually paired with charity initiatives.
This is where you can find the tickets: http://www.concertodinatale.it/
Would there be any better location to say hello to the New Year? The New Year’s Eve 2026 in Rome happens most likely with a free big concert in Circo Massimo.
The concert will start at 9:30PM. After the midnight toast, the party will continue with a DJ set by Dimensione Suono Roma.
Buses and trams will operate until 9pm. The metro will remain open until 2:30AM, and after that time there will be night buses.
It will not be possible to bring glass bottles, alcohol and fireworks in the area of the concert. There will be checks before you enter the area of the concert.
The area of Prati near to Vatican is what i prefered pleanty of shops ,restaurants and of course the amazing “Trionfale “market also in this area you cand find many solutions of holidays home or apartments for everyone budget.
Please check our special offers on our apartments on vaticansantamaura39.com
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