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Dec 1, 2023 · Christmas is the best time to visit Rome for sightseeing as its attractions are far less crowded. The lack of crowds and enthusiasm of the tour guides (whose work is much thinner on the ground than in summer) means you get a more personalised, intimate experience when taking a tour.
Dec 23, 2023 · Is Rome crowded at Christmas? Yes, Christmas time in Rome is very crowded. First of all, unlike in August, Romans stay in town during the Christmas holidays. Plus, many tourists from around Italy, Europe, and other countries like to spend the winter festivities in Rome.
- When Is Christmas in Rome?
- Christmas Holidays in Rome
- Is Rome Busy at Christmas?
- Does It Snow in Rome at Christmas?
- What to Pack For Visiting Rome at Christmas
- Where to Stay in Rome at Christmas
- Christmas in Rome Shops Opening Hours
- Rome Restaurants at Christmas
- Museums and Attractions You Can Visit in Rome at Christmas + Special Closures
- Top 10 Christmas Things to Do in Rome This Year
The Christmas season in Rome lasts from December the 8th to January the 6th. Christmas Eve is celebrated on the 24th of December and Christmas Day on the 25th. St Stephen’s Day is on the 26th. The 8th of Decemberkicks off the holiday season. On this day, the city celebrates the Immaculate Conception: this is a Catholic holiday and schools and offic...
The main festive days you need to be aware of in Rome at Christmas are: December 8th December 8th is a day off for locals. However, it usually does not affect your ability to visit museums and attractions, open on this day. 24th December Christmas eve in Rome is pre-festive. Some museums and attractions may close in the afternoon and observe shorte...
Rome at Christmas is very busy! With October, Easter, May and June, Christmas is one of the busiest times to visit Rome. Advance booking of accommodation and all attractions is a must.
Usually, no. Snow in Romeis a very rare event and a white Christmas in the Eternal City is pretty much unheard of. While cold, December tends to see blue sky and brisk days. I recommend you wrap up for winter but no need to bring bulky snow gear with you.
To visit Rome in December you will need good, warm, walking shoes, a coat (ideally waterproof) a scarf and an umbrella. Heating is not as strong in Italy as you may be used to in other countries, so don’t expect to have to take off many layers once entering museums or restaurants. I recommend you wear a long sleeve top and a nice woolen top, so you...
The best place to stay in Rome at Christmas is the city center. A central location will allow you to be less dependant on public transport, busy and erratic at this time, and will offer the best atmosphere in terms of lights and Christmas shopping. Fantastic hotels you may enjoy in Rome at Christmas are: NH Fori Imperiali – modern hotel overlooking...
Shops have prolonged opening hours during the Christmas weeks but do close early on December the 24th and often stay closed until the 27th, especially outside of the center. Big supermarket chains tend to have longer opening hours however, Rome doesn’t have the 24/7 shopping facilities you may be used to back home. Christmas doesn’t usually see sal...
Eating out in Rome on Christmas eve and Christmas day is not always easy. Many restaurants close on the 24th and the ones that are open tend to have a special Christmas menu with equally ‘special’ price tags. The same happens for New Year’s eve when restaurants tend to be booked for events or offer special festive menus. Book in advance to make sur...
The Colosseum and the Roman Forum
The Colosseum and the Roman Forum close on the 25th of December only. Booking tickets in advance is paramount. Find them at the following link: Colosseum tickets by Parco Colosseo: the cheapest form of ticket, with tours organized by the official Colosseum concession. Excellent in quality but with no flexibility on the booking date/time once purchased – a good option if you are sure of your plans. Getting tickets this way may require a bit of patience. Check here >>> how to buy Colosseum tick...
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel at Christmas
The Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel usually close on the 8th, 24th and 25th of December. They also usually close early on the 31st of December. Christmas is a beautiful yet very busy time to visit the Museum: I highly recommend you book a tour and, if you can, opt for one early in the morning such as this one, when crowds tend to be smaller. Good to know: you can find here >>> our guide ‘how to visit the Vatican at Christmas‘.
The Borghese Gallery at Christmas
The Borghese Gallery is closed on the 25th of December. Tickets for all other December dates are available here (with escorted entrance), here (with guided tour), and here(simple entry). Find my guide to the Borghese Gallery here Tip for families! Sourcing tours at this time may not be easy. In that case, you may like to equip your kids with my kids’ guide to the Borghese Gallery (free)so they can learn about what they are seeing anyway!
With all these closures you may wonder if there is anything you can actually do in Rome at Christmas. Indeed, there is plenty in Rome to fill your holiday!
Mar 22, 2024 · Late spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) are the best times to visit Rome, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds, except around Easter. With mild temperatures, the city blooms in spring and enjoys warm days into fall.
Christmas is our favourite time of the year in Rome. The usually bustling capital is calmer and less crowded than during the hectic summer months while the myriad of Christmas lights that illuminate the city’s cobbled streets add a special romantic sheen to the already stunning centre.
Sep 27, 2024 · It’s only normal that Christmas is a very busy time of the year in Rome. Between Christmas markets and trees, Nativity scenes set up in all the local churches, and bright street lights and decorations starting from December 8th, December is a fantastic festive time to visit Rome .
Christmas in Rome is truly a magical time, as the city transforms into a festive wonderland. Rome, the capital of Italy, embraces its rich history and cultural heritage during the holiday season, showcasing a marvellous fusion of age-old traditions and contemporary celebrations.
