Rome is a beautiful city to visit during the Christmas season. The festive atmosphere and decorations make it feel like you are in a winter wonderland. There are many things to do in Rome during Christmas, such as visiting the Christmas markets, going shopping, eating traditional Italian food, and seeing a show at Teatro Dell Opera. In this article, we will provide detailed information on each of these activities so that you can have the best Christmastime ever in Rome!
Visit the Christmas Markets in Rome
The first thing you should do when in Rome during Christmas is visit the city’s many beautiful Christmas markets. There are markets all over the city, but some of the best ones are in Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia, and Largo di Torre Argentina. You can find traditional Italian Christmas decorations, handmade gifts, and delicious food at these markets. Make sure to try some of the traditional Italian holiday foods like panettone, a type of sweet bread, and pandoro, a star-shaped cake.
Go Shopping
After you have finished exploring the markets, it is time to do some shopping. Rome has many high-end stores where you can find designer clothes, shoes, and bags. However, if you are looking for more affordable items, there are also many stores that sell souvenirs and other trinkets. No matter what your budget is, you will be able to find something to take home with you from Rome.
One of the best shopping areas in Rome is Piazza Espagna. This square is home to many designer stores, as well as affordable souvenir shops. If you are looking for something special to take home with you from Rome, this is the place to go. Be sure to bring your credit card, because you will definitely want to buy something at Piazza Espagna!
Enjoy a traditional Italian Meal
Once you have finished your shopping, it is time to sit down and enjoy a traditional Italian meal. Christmas is the perfect time to try out some of the city’s best restaurants. Make sure to try dishes like spaghetti alla carbonara, lasagna, and tiramisu. These are just a few of the many delicious foods that you can find in Rome.
In addition to the traditional Italian dishes that you can find in Rome during Christmas, there are also some special holiday dishes that you should try. One of the most popular Italian Christmas dishes is pandoro, a star-shaped cake. Pandoro is usually served with a sweet wine or coffee liqueur, and it is absolutely delicious. Another dish that you should try is panettone, a type of sweet bread that is popular during the Christmas season. Panettone is often served with whipped cream or ice cream, and it is a great way to end a festive meal.
See a Show at Teatro Dell Opera
If you are looking for something fun to do in Rome during Christmas, why not see a show at Teatro Dell Opera? This theater has been around since the 18th century, and it is one of the most famous theaters in Rome. There are usually several shows playing at Teatro Dell Opera during Christmastime, so there is sure to be something that interests you. Tickets can be expensive, but it is definitely worth splurging on a show at this historic theater.
Attend a Christmas Concert in Rome
There are many concerts happening in the city during Christmas time, and they are a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Tickets can be expensive, but they are definitely worth it if you love music.
Some of the best concerts happening in Rome during Christmas are the ones at St. Peter’s Basilica. This iconic church is home to one of the world’s best pipe organs, and its Christmas concerts are always a hit. If you are looking for something more traditional, try attending a concert at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. This theater hosts a variety of Christmas concerts, including traditional carols and classical performances.
Get the blessing of the Pope for Christmas
One of the most unique things that you can do in Rome during Christmas is get the blessing of the Pope. If you are Catholic, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To get the blessing, you must attend a special mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve. The mass is usually televised, so even if you can’t make it in person, you can still watch it from home.
After the mass, the Pope will walk out onto a balcony and give his annual Christmas speech. This is a great opportunity to see the Pope up close and personal. After the speech, he will bless the crowd below him. If you are lucky, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of him as he rides through the streets in his popemobile.
Visit the Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome, and for good reason. They are home to an incredible collection of art and artifacts from all over the world. If you are looking for something to do in Rome during Christmas, a visit to the Vatican Museums is a must.
One of the best things about the Vatican Museums is that they are usually not very crowded during Christmastime. This means that you can take your time and really enjoy all of the amazing artwork on display. If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting early in the morning or late at night.
Take a Day Trip from Rome
Rome is a great city to visit, but it is also surrounded by many other amazing places. If you are looking for something to do outside of the city, there are plenty of options. Just a few hours from Rome, you can find the beautiful beaches of the Amalfi Coast or the ancient ruins of Pompeii.
If you want to stay in Italy, there are also many other great cities to visit. Just a few hours from Rome, you can find Florence, Venice, or Milan. Or, if you want to explore more of the country, you can take a day trip to one of the many small towns in the Tuscan countryside.
Celebrate Christmas and New Years Eve as a local
One of the best things about spending Christmas in Rome is that you get to experience how the locals celebrate. Christmas Eve is a big deal in Italy, and many families spend the evening together eating a huge feast. After dinner, they head to church for midnight mass.
If you want to experience an authentic New Year’s Eve celebration, head to the Piazza del Popolo. This square is packed with people on December 31st, and it is the perfect place to ring in the new year. As midnight approaches, everyone in the square counts down together and then cheers as fireworks explode overhead. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Take a Christmas Day Bike Tour
If you are looking for a fun and unique way to see Rome during Christmas, why not take a bike tour? There are many companies that offer bike tours of the city, and they are a great way to get some exercise while sightseeing.
Most bike tours will take you to all of the major sights in Rome, including the Colosseum, the Vatican, and St. Peter’s Basilica. You will also get to ride through some of the less touristy areas of the city, which is a great way to see how locals live. If you are looking for a fun and unique way to experience Rome during Christmas, a bike tour is definitely the way to go.
As you can see, there are many great things to do in Rome during Christmas. Whether you want to attend a concert, visit the Vatican Museums, or take a bike tour of the city, there is sure to be something that interests you. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Rome today!
Free Admission to Museum and Sites of Rome
If you are looking for things to do in Rome that are free, make sure to take advantage of the city’s policy of free admission to museums and sites on the first Sunday of every month. This applies to many of the most popular tourist attractions, including the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and the Roman Forum.
If you are planning to visit Rome during Christmas, make sure to take advantage of this policy. It is a great way to save money and see some of the city’s most famous sights. Just make sure to plan ahead, as these attractions can get very crowded on first Sundays.
Get free transportation and ticket submission with the City Pass
If you are looking for a great deal on things to do in Rome, consider getting the City Pass. This pass includes free transportation on all public transportation, as well as free admission and discounts to many of the city’s most popular attractions.
The City Pass is a great option for visitors who want to save money and see as much of the city as possible. If you are planning to visit Rome during Christmas, make sure to get the City Pass and take advantage of all that it has to offer.
As you can see, there are many great things to do in Rome during Christmas. Whether you want to attend a concert, visit the Vatican Museums, or take a bike tour of the city, there is sure to be something that interests you. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Rome today!