Considering a trip to Rome in December? First off, I couldn’t be more excited for you – second, you’re in the right place! As someone who’s visited Rome in December every year and spent most Christmases of her life in Rome, I’m ready to guide you and share everything you need to know!
Outside of December 24th-30th, the busiest week in Rome, December is an overall very calm month, full of gorgeous Christmas decorations, and nice weather. I genuinely believe December is one of the best months to visit Rome.
Without further ado, here is everything you need to know about December in Rome! Here I’ll be telling you all about the weather, what to wear, festivities, what food is in season, the best things to do, and so much more.😍👇
Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links that can help me earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. If you click through and purchase with these links, thank you in advance for the extra support.💖😊
The Ultimate Guide to Rome in December
Don’t have time to read yet? Grab my Quick Recommendations!👇
🔥 Activities to Book ASAP: #1 Selling Colosseum/Roman Forum Tour, Vatican Museums Entry
🇮🇹 Guides: 2 Days in Rome, 3 Days in Rome, Best Things to Do, Hidden Gems, Rome Food to Try
🗺️ Insurance: Protect yourself on your trip with Travel Medical Insurance.
📱 Connect: Always stay connected, and do so seamlessly, with a Italy eSim!📱
🧳 Got bags? Use Bounce (my favorite) to find the perfect spot to drop them off & travel light!
Is December a Good time to Visit Rome?
Abso-freaking-lutely! When it comes to tourism, December is one of the most unpopular months among tourists to be visiting Rome.
Why? Due to the holiday season and the end of the year, people tend to stick to their own countries – whether that’s due to family, being unable to take a holiday break, and so forth.
Due to it being an unpopular tourism month, you will be able to stroll Rome smoothly and enjoy open Piazzas (squares), attractions, and so on.
It’s important to note when it comes to Christmas in Rome, and even New Year’s Eve, there tends to be a short, influx of people coming into the city.
What to book ahead in Rome in December?
If this is your first time visiting Rome and you’re planning to visit Rome’s icons such as the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum, you will need to book those in advance.
Some other important things to book ahead in Rome in December are restaurants, especially if you’re planning to eat out on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This is extra important if you’re a fellow celiac, or are traveling with someone who is!
What’s the Weather in Rome in December like?
Being in central Italy, Rome in winter time is still very enjoyable – much more than months like July and August. On average, Rome’s weather in December sees a high of 13 Celsius (59 Fahrenheit), a low of 4 Celsius (39 Fahrenheit), and about a week’s worth of rain.
If you come from a colder place, let’s say New England (USA), these temperatures won’t phase you the slightest bit. If you come from a warmer place, like Andalusia (Spain), then you’ll want to bundle up a bit more.
What to Wear in Rome in December?
As mentioned above, depending on where you are coming from you will react differently to the temperatures.
As someone who’s been to Rome both post-years of New England (US) weather and later Andalusian (southern Spain) weather, here are my best recommendations:
- Bring a jacket or a coat. Preferably one that has enough room for you two layer up.
- Causal, comfy clothes and shoes for long day adventures and walks.
- Business Casual, or more formal, clothes for going out.
- In case of rain and colder days, bring a pair of boots.
- When it comes to bags and purses, bring something that has a zipper and closes properly.
What to Eat in December in Rome?
Welcome to the best season of Rome’s food… ARTICHOKE SEASON!
If you love artichokes, you’re in for the time of your, and your tummy’s, life. If you don’t like artichokes, chances are you’ll convert and love them. Unlike in non-Mediterranean countries, artichokes in Italy have the softest, most buttery, perfect flavor.
While you’ll find artichokes in many dishes, there are three important ones to focus on when in Rome: Carciofi alla Giudia, Carciofi alla Romana, and Carpaccio di Carciofi.
Carciofi alla Giudia, “Jewish-style artichokes”, is one of the most iconic dishes of Rome and it comes from the Roman Jewish Community – hence the name. These artichokes are deep-fried to perfection, offering a rich flavor with a perfectly crunchy texture.😍
Carciofi alla Romana, “Roman-style artichokes”, is a popular side dish that consists of artichokes seasoned and cooked in a pan with garlic, minced mint, and olive oil. Once cooked and full of flavor, the artichokes are stewed upside down in plenty of water to become tender. Due to this preparation, which dates back to Ancient Rome, the artichokes are flavorful and tender.
😋 Discover all the Rome Foods to Try and the Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Rome.
Rome’s December Holidays, Festivities, and Important Dates
December 8th: Column of the Immaculate Conception
Every December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated with a grand celebration around the column of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. The Pope participates in this celebration and places a floral wreath at the base of the column. This celebration attracts both tourists and locals.
December 24th: Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve in Rome is the biggest celebratory day and is celebrated with a large, fish-based dinner, Panettone, and opening gifts at midnight. Due to this, most places are closed for people to have the day off.
If you have an interest in attending mass, the Pantheon and Vatican offer “Midnight Mass”; however, the Vatican’s mass is actually at either 9 or 10 pm.
December 25th: Christmas in Rome
On Christmas Day, most everything in the city will be closed for the day off. However, there is still plenty to do. You can enjoy a big Christmas lunch, visit the Christmas Markets, the churches, and nativity scenes, and simply enjoy walking around a quiet Rome.
Furthermore, you can attend the Urbi et Orbi at 12 pm in St. Peter’s Square, where Pope Francis will speak from the central balcony of the Basilica. This event is free and open to everyone, meaning it will be quite crowded.
Something else you can do, which is also available on other dates outside of Christmas, is the Harlem Gospel Choir at the Rome Auditorium.
December 26th: Santo Stefano
This festivity serves as a prolongation of the Christmas holiday and celebrates Saint Stephen – Christianity’s first martyr. On this day, Italians have the day off to relax and enjoy some more time at home. Due to this, some stores and attractions may be closed on this day.
January 6th: La Befana / The Epiphany
January 6th is a day celebrated throughout different cultures, but not all celebrate the exact story. In Spain and South America, for example, people celebrate the 3 Kings – Los Tres Reyes. In Italy, we celebrate the Epiphany and, specifically, La Befana.
La Befana is a witch who flies on a broom, like a typical witch, and brings gifts to children who behave and carbon to children who misbehave. In Italy, Santa Claus is the one who brings gifts on Christmas day, and the Befana brings gift-filled stockings or carbon.
The story of la Befana takes place when Jesus was born and the three kings were on their journey to find him, bearing gifts. On their journey, the kings came across home and decided to ask for help – the person living in the home was a woman, later known as La Befana.
There are different versions to this part of the story, one which tells that this was an elderly woman who helped the Three Kings with directions but turned down the offer of joining them in bringing gifts to baby Jesus. When it was too late, she had an epiphany and began giving out gifts to kids in the hope one would be Jesus.
If you’re in Rome, or somewhere else in Italy, you will likely find many witch-like decorations and toys around you. Piazza Navona is a popular square for people to come together and celebrate.
Christmas Tree Inaugurations & Lightings
As soon as the dates are released, I will update!
Some of Rome’s most important and impressive tree lightings are that of St. Peter’s Square, Piazza Venezia, and the Spanish Steps.
Best Things to Do in Rome in December
When it comes to the Eternal City, the “best things to do” list is never-ending – there’s just so much to do and see! Here below are the additional best things to do in Rome, all of which are seasonal to December.
Visit the Rome Christmas Market of Piazza Navona
An absolute must-do is visiting this amazing, Rome Christmas market – because what’s more festive than a market?
Christmas Tree Lightings: St. Peter’s Square, Piazza Venezia, Spanish Steps
The most iconic Christmas trees of Rome are in St. Peter’s Square, Piazza Venezia, and the Spanish Steps.
Admire the City Lights and Store Decorations
What’s better than strolling around the Eternal City when it’s lit up by charming and fun, festive decorations and lights? Personally, not much!😍
While most of Rome will be decorated and beautifully lit up, some of the best spots to visit are: Via Condotti, Campo Murzio, Trastevere, Largo Goldoni, Via del Babuino, and Via Margutta.
Go Ice Skating
What’s December without ice skating? Here are some amazing ice skating locations!👇
- Christmas World at Villa Borghese
- Christmas Village, (Via della Batteria di Porta Furba, 29)
- Luneur, (Via delle Tre Fontane, 100)
- Ice Christmas (Piazzale Maresciallo Diaz)
- Cinecittà World
Ice Park Roma is an ice skating business with various locations spread out throughout Rome. The closest locations to the city are Piazza dei Re di Roma and Ponte Milvio, which is the “Ice Christmas Village”.
Should it be a rainy day and you want to head to a shopping mall, Euroma2 is a beautiful mall and another Ice Park location.
Indulge in traditional HOLIDAY foods: Panettone and Beyond
Apart from typical Rome food, you also need to focus on trying out the traditional, Italian holiday foods! Some of the must-eats are Panettone, Pandoro, Panpepato, and Struffoli.
Botanical Garden Light Show
Opening back up in November is this charming hidden gem, the Incanto di Luci, “Enchantment of Lights”. This light show takes place in the picturesque Botanical Garden of Rome, which is a short walk from Tiber Island and the Jewish Ghetto, and a 30-minute walk from the Vatican.
This light show stems from the Christmas Garden format born in 2017 in Berlin, which has since grown and spread to 10 other cities in Germany and other European countries. The Incanto di Luci in Rome is the first Italian edition of the Christmas Garden.
Free Christmas Concert
Interested in attending a Christmas Concert? If so, you’re in luck! The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano (Papal Basilica of St. John) will host a FREE Christmas concert. TBD on the dates.
Here they will be playing the most famous pieces of Italian and international Christmas traditions. Directed by Mons. Marco Frisina, the performers are Coro della Diocesi di Roma and Orchestra “Fideles et Amati”.
🌟 Discover more of the best things to do in Rome and the best hidden gems of Rome!
Is Christmas in Rome worth it?
Because I visit Rome during Christmas for family, it’s tricky to speak for those who are traveling to Rome for Christmas just because.
Personally, Christmas in Rome is always a beautiful and magical time and I cannot recommend it enough.
Rome in December FAQs
Is Rome Christmassy?
Rome couldn’t be a more Christmassy destination! There are so many incredible decorations all over the city – from the store decorations, to street lights, creative Christmas trees, and more.
What time does it get dark in Rome in December?
In Rome, on the winter solstice the sun sets as early as 4:40 PM. In December as a whole, you can expect the sun to start setting around late 4 PM or early 5 PM.
Is St. Peter’s Basilica, or St. Paul’s Cathedral, open on Christmas?
Yes, both St. Peter’s Basilica and the St. Paul Basilica are open on Christmas, the 25th of December. There will be masses happening, so if anything, there may be some time restrictions.
Want more help with your travels? Check out my Posts!
- One Day in Rome: The Perfect Itinerary with Hidden Gems
- How to Spend the Best 2 Days in Rome
- The Ultimate 3 Days in Rome Itinerary
- 28 Best and Unusual Things to Do in Rome | Local’s Guide
- 25 Best HIDDEN GEMS of Rome That You Cannot Miss
- Rome’s Food: Must-Eats & Everything You Need to Know
- 16 Best Restaurants in a Gluten Free Rome: A Celiac’s Guide
- Visiting Rome in December: All You Need to Know
- Day Trip to Florence from Rome: Everything You Need to Know
📌 Pin it for your Future Italy Travels!
I have to ask…
How excited are you to be visiting Rome in December?!😍 Let me know in the comments what you’re most excited to see or experience!
Share this with family & friends who are planning to travel to Japan and would find this helpful.🤩
Follow me on YouTube for my future Rome and Italy travel videos and other worldwide adventures, or on Instagram!🗺️
Leave a Reply