There’s something special about visiting Rome during the winter and Christmas holidays. As the summer crowds fade, the Eternal City takes on a quieter charm.
Cool air, amazing lights, and old traditions transform Rome into a living postcard. From Vatican ceremonies to busy Christmas markets, every corner of the city offers a unique way to celebrate this holiday season.
Winter here is not just about sightseeing: it’s about experiencing the city’s culture in a deeper and more authentic way. You can taste Roman comfort food, admire nativity scenes crafted by artisans, walk through streets full of twinkling lights, and even take part in celebrations like the Epiphany.
Rome in December and January offers a mix of spirituality, tradition, and joy that few destinations can match!
Here are 10 best things to do in Rome during winter and the Christmas holidays:
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1. The Christmas Tree & Nativity Scene at St. Peter’s Square
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Every December, St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City transforms into one of the most enchanting Christmas settings in the world.
At its heart stands a towering Christmas tree: often a majestic spruce or fir, donated each year by a different European region.
This tradition began in 1982 under Pope John Paul II, who introduced the tree to complement the centuries-old Italian custom of the presepe, or nativity scene. Since then, the annual unveiling has become a highlight of Rome’s holiday season, drawing visitors from across the globe.
The tree lighting ceremony, usually held in early December, is accompanied by music, prayers, and a festive atmosphere. Alongside the tree, a life-size nativity scene is displayed, often crafted by artisans from the donating region.
Each year’s presepe is unique, sometimes traditional, sometimes artistic or even controversial, yet always deeply symbolic. Past versions have included ceramic figures from Abruzzo, lagoon-inspired settings from Grado, and even modern interpretations.
Together, the tree and nativity scene remain on display until early January, offering a powerful reminder of both the spiritual and cultural richness of Christmas in Rome. Whether you visit by day or night, the illuminated square is amazing!
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2. Christmas Markets at Piazza Navona
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No Christmas in Rome is complete without a visit to the festive market at Piazza Navona, the city’s most famous holiday fair.
Set against the backdrop of Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and the baroque architecture of one of Rome’s most beautiful squares, the market has been a tradition for over two centuries.
Originally held in Piazza Sant’Eustachio before moving to Piazza Navona in the late 19th century, it has long been a favorite gathering place for Romans and visitors alike.
The market typically runs from December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, until January 6th, the Epiphany. During this time, the square comes alive with stalls selling Christmas decorations, handcrafted toys, sweets, roasted chestnuts, and traditional Italian treats like torrone (nougat).
Families flock here to enjoy the carousel, puppet shows, and street performers, while children eagerly await the arrival of La Befana: the good witch of Italian folklore who delivers gifts on Epiphany.
Though smaller today than in decades past, the Piazza Navona Christmas Market still represents the magic of the season.
Must read: Christmas in Italy: Here Are the 12 Best Christmas Markets You Should Visit
3. Attending Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica
(St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City – Photo by Gabriella Clare Marino)
One of the most moving experiences you can have in Rome during the Christmas season is attending Midnight Mass, known as the “Natale del Signore”, at St. Peter’s Basilica.
This solemn celebration, led by the Pope himself, draws pilgrims and visitors from around the world. Despite its name, the Mass no longer begins exactly at midnight; in recent years, it has been celebrated earlier in the evening to allow more people to participate comfortably.
The service lasts about two and a half hours and is filled with hymns, prayers in Latin, and the grandeur of the basilica’s acoustics and Baroque architecture.
Tickets to the Mass are free but must be reserved well in advance through the Prefecture of the Papal Household. Demand is extremely high, and many faithful secure their tickets months ahead.
For those unable to attend inside, large screens are set up in St. Peter’s Square, where thousands gather to watch the ceremony under the glow of the Vatican’s Christmas tree and nativity scene. The Mass is also broadcast worldwide, making it one of the most-watched Christmas services on the planet.
Even if you are not Catholic, the experience is unforgettable. The combination of history and spirituality makes it a once-in-a-lifetime event. It is both a celebration of the birth of Christ and a reminder of Rome’s central role in Christian tradition.
Read also: 15 Best Things To Do in Rome in Summer
4. The “100 Presepi” Nativity Scene Exhibition
If you’re in Rome during the Christmas season, one of the most fascinating cultural events to experience is the 100 Presepi (100 Nativity Scenes) exhibition.
Held under the colonnade of St. Peter’s Square, this international showcase brings together nativity scenes from across Italy and around the world. The tradition began in the 1970s and has since grown into a beloved annual event, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Today, the exhibition is organized by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization and runs from December 8th through January 6th.
What makes 100 Presepi so special is the incredible variety of interpretations on display. Some presepi are traditional, crafted in the classic Neapolitan style with intricate figurines and detailed village settings.
Others are modern or abstract, created from unconventional materials such as seashells, pasta, glass, wood, or even recycled objects. Many reflect the cultural identity of their country of origin: visitors might see a nativity set in rural Italy, a scene inspired by Latin America, or even one designed with Japanese paper and silk.
Some are simple and playful, while others are elaborate works of art complete with moving parts, lights, and running water.
The exhibition is free to enter and open to everyone, regardless of faith. Beyond its religious significance, it shows the universal appeal of the nativity story and the creativity of artisans worldwide.
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5. Enjoying Rome’s Festive Lights & Decorations
(Christmas in Piazza Venezia, Rome, Italy – Photo by Gabriella Clare Marino)
Rome is already breathtaking by night, but during the Christmas season, the city transforms into a glowing masterpiece. From early December until early January, streets, piazzas, and monuments are draped in twinkling lights that highlight the Eternal City’s historic beauty.
The tradition officially begins on December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, when Rome “switches on” its holiday spirit.
Some of the most spectacular displays can be found along Via del Corso, Rome’s main shopping artery, where lights stretch from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo.
Nearby, Via dei Condotti and the area around the Spanish Steps sparkle with elegant designer-sponsored decorations, while Piazza Venezia hosts one of Rome’s largest Christmas trees, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Altare della Patria.
Other highlights include the charming lights of Trastevere, the stylish displays in Via del Babuino, and the beautifully adorned Galleria Alberto Sordi shopping arcade.
For the best experience, take an evening stroll to feel the atmosphere, or join a guided walking tour to see hidden corners.
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6. Warming Up with Roman Comfort Food
As the weather cools, Romans turn to warming classics like carbonara, amatriciana, and cacio e pepe, each a pasta dish rooted in centuries of tradition and beloved for its simplicity and bold flavors.
Seasonal vegetables also play a starring role: artichokes, puntarelle, and chicory appear on menus everywhere, often fried, braised, or served with anchovy dressing. These flavors not only warm the body but also reflect the agricultural rhythms of Lazio’s countryside.
The Christmas season brings its own specialties. On Christmas Eve, tradition dictates a meatless meal, so families enjoy fried fish, broccoli, and the famous brodo di arzilla: a rich soup made with skate and pasta.
Christmas Day, by contrast, is a feast of abundance: stracciatella alla romana (egg-drop soup in broth), baked cannelloni, and lamb ribs are staples of the holiday table.
For dessert, Romans taste pangiallo, a sweet dating back to Ancient Rome, made with honey, nuts, and candied fruit, as well as panpepato, a spiced chocolate-and-nut cake that fills homes with festive aromas.
Beyond the holiday menus, winter is also the time to enjoy street food favorites like supplì (fried rice balls with mozzarella) or the modern trapizzino, a pocket of pizza dough stuffed with traditional Roman stews.
Pair these with a steaming cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine from a Christmas market stall, and you’ll discover why Roman comfort food is as much about warmth and conviviality as it is about flavor.
Read also: 11 Best Christmas Things to Do in London (UK) for a Magical Holiday
7. Visiting Rome’s Museums With No Crowds
Winter is one of the best times to explore Rome’s extraordinary museums, as the usual tourist crowds thin out after the Christmas holidays.
From January through early March, the Vatican Museums, Borghese Gallery, and Capitoline Museums are far quieter than in peak season, allowing visitors to enjoy masterpieces at a slower pace.
This is especially true at the Vatican, where in summer the galleries can feel overwhelming. In winter, you can stroll through Raphael’s Rooms or stand in the Sistine Chapel with space to breathe, admiring Michelangelo’s frescoes in near silence.
The Borghese Gallery, housed in a 17th-century villa, is another must-see. Its timed-entry system already limits visitors, but in winter it feels even more intimate.
Here you can marvel at Bernini’s dynamic sculptures, such as “Apollo and Daphne”, and Caravaggio’s dramatic canvases without the usual rush.
Similarly, the Capitoline Museums, perched on Michelangelo’s redesigned Capitoline Hill, offer treasures like the bronze “She-Wolf” of Rome and ancient statues of emperors.
Beyond the art itself, winter museum visits offer a welcome escape from the chill outside. With fewer crowds, you can truly immerse yourself in the history, artistry, and atmosphere!
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8. Day Trip to the Hot Springs of Viterbo
Just 90 kilometers north of Rome lies Viterbo, a medieval gem known as the “City of the Popes” and famous for its natural hot springs. A day trip here is the perfect winter escape, combining history, charm, and relax.
Viterbo was once a papal stronghold in the 13th century, and its historic center, with cobbled alleys and Gothic palaces, is gorgeous.
But what truly draws visitors in the colder months is the thermal baths, which have been celebrated since Etruscan and Roman times for their properties.
The most famous spa is the Terme dei Papi (Baths of the Popes), named after Pope Nicholas V, who built a palace here in the 15th century. Its vast outdoor pool, filled with steaming mineral-rich water, is especially magical on a crisp winter day.
For a more rustic experience, locals often head to the free-access pools like Piscine Carletti or Bullicame, natural springs surrounded by countryside, where you can soak under the sky. These springs were even mentioned by Dante in his Divine Comedy!
Reaching Viterbo is easy: trains from Rome’s Ostiense or San Pietro stations take about 90 minutes, or you can drive through the scenic Monti Cimini hills.
You can explore the medieval San Pellegrino quarter, visit the Palazzo dei Papi, and enjoy a local meal of acquacotta (a rustic soup) or handmade lombrichelli pasta. A winter day in Viterbo is one of the most rewarding things to do around Rome.
9. New Year’s Eve at Circus Maximus
If you’re lucky enough to be in Rome on December 31st, there’s no better place to welcome the New Year than at Circus Maximus, the city’s ancient chariot-racing stadium turned modern-day festival ground.
Every year, this vast open-air venue hosts Rome’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration, drawing tens of thousands of people for a night of music and festive atmosphere.
The event is free to attend and typically begins around 9:30 p.m., with live concerts featuring both Italian and international artists, followed by DJs who keep the energy high well past midnight.
As midnight approaches, the atmosphere becomes electric. The countdown is accompanied by spectacular fireworks that light up the Roman skyline, with the Colosseum and Palatine Hill as a backdrop.
The tradition of gathering in public squares to celebrate “Capodanno” (New Year’s Eve) is deeply rooted in Italian culture. Beyond the main concert, the city also organizes cultural events, street performances, and art installations as part of the wider Festa di Roma, which continues into New Year’s Day.
Many locals enjoy a festive dinner known as the cenone di Capodanno before heading out. Traditional dishes include cotechino (a rich pork sausage) and lentils, believed to bring prosperity in the year ahead.
Afterward, Romans gather with friends and family at Circus Maximus or other squares across the city to toast with prosecco as the clock strikes midnight.
10. Epiphany at Piazza Navona
The Christmas season in Rome, and Italy, officially concludes on January 6th with the celebration of the Epiphany, a holiday that combines religious meaning with Italian folklore.
According to Christian tradition, the Epiphany marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem, bearing gifts for the infant Jesus.
In Italy, however, the day is equally associated with La Befana, a kindly old woman, often described as a “Christmas witch”, who delivers sweets to well-behaved children and coal to those who have been naughty.
Her story, rooted in medieval folklore, tells of how she was invited by the Magi to join their journey but declined, later regretting her decision and setting off in search of the Christ child. Unable to find him, she instead brings gifts to children everywhere.
In Rome, the heart of the Epiphany festivities is Piazza Navona, where the Christmas market culminates in a lively celebration.
Families gather to enjoy stalls selling toys, candies, and treats, while children eagerly await the arrival of La Befana herself.
Beyond Piazza Navona, the Epiphany is marked across the city with special Masses, parades, and the continuation of nativity displays, many of which remain on view until this day.
A particularly colorful event is the Viva La Befana parade, which winds its way from Via della Conciliazione to St. Peter’s Square, featuring costumed participants and biblical characters.
For Italians, the Epiphany is summed up in the saying: “L’Epifania tutte le feste porta via” – “The Epiphany takes away all the holidays.” It’s both a joyful finale and a bittersweet farewell to the Christmas and holiday season.