Celebrating Christmas in Rome is like entering a living painting. The Eternal City, with its rich history and stunning architecture, turns into a magical wonderland during winter. So, how about spending your Christmas this year in Rome?
Rome during Christmas is unlike any other place, offering an extraordinary blend of festive charm, cultural richness, and timeless elegance. Walking through the ancient streets, visitors feel transported to a different era as they take in the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
The entire city is transformed, with locals and visitors alike marveling at the beautifully decorated streets, while the aroma of roasted chestnuts and seasonal treats fills the air. From cozy markets to sacred traditions, Christmas in Rome offers something truly unique.
Reason Number One ─ Unique Experiences
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Christmas Markets
There are several Christmas markets in Rome, which allow people to experience the flavor of the local culture. One of the most famous ones is the one in Piazza Navona – this lively Christmas Market will turn out to be really cinema-like for taking in the festive atmosphere of Rome while trying unique delicacies like castagne, or roasted chestnuts, and struffoli, sweet pastries with honey, indulging in some hot vin brulé, sweet red wine.
This market is not only a place to shop for festive decorations and local crafts but also a hub where people gather to share the joy of the season. Here, you can find handcrafted ornaments, artisanal gifts, and festive decor to bring home a piece of Rome’s holiday spirit.
Fabulously decorated, globally renowned landmarks: the city’s iconic sights strung with festive holiday lights. The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps are particularly beautiful in those days. Rome’s famed monuments, already breathtaking, are even more spectacular with twinkling lights, creating unforgettable sights.
As visitors wander these historic sites, they’ll notice how Rome’s architecture and art take on new forms under the glow of Christmas lights. The whole atmosphere is especially magical on Christmas Eve when locals gather at the midnight Mass at the Vatican, where thousands gather in St. Peter’s Basilica to participate in this sacred service led by the Pope.
Magical moments of luxury ─ many hotels and boutique guesthouses offer special festive packages that may also include special holiday dinners, guided tours of Christmas markets, and even events reserved for the guests. Staying in one of Rome’s luxurious hotels can be a holiday treat, with some properties offering rooms overlooking landmarks adorned with Christmas lights and views that add to the enchanting atmosphere. Check out the VRetreats website to explore more about such experiences and book a stay in a place that combines luxury with festive cheer.
Reason Number Two ─ Beautiful Celebrations
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Christmas Eve and Day
Traditionally, this is a time when people come together in Italy. Many Italians still keep the tradition of a meatless dinner with lots of fish and vegetables. Italian families gather to celebrate Christmas with feasts, laughter, and heartfelt toasts.
The highlight of the meal is often the seafood, a tradition deeply rooted in Italian Catholic customs. On Christmas Day, families and friends reunite to celebrate with a big lunch featuring traditional dishes that have been passed down through generations. From homemade pasta to succulent meats, each dish is a testament to Italian culinary heritage, making Christmas Day lunch a true feast.
New Year’s Eve
Rome’s New Year’s Eve is dynamic and full of life. Piazza del Popolo, or in its ordinary English name, the Popolo Square in Rome, organizes concerts and parties to accommodate all people right until midnight fireworks are released.
Fireworks light up the night sky, and cheers ring through the crowd as the city celebrates the start of a new year. The entire city comes alive with celebrations, as Romans and visitors gather for concerts, street performances, and festive dances.
It is also a common thing for locals to wear red underwear for good luck in the upcoming year! The tradition may seem quirky, but it adds a unique touch to New Year’s celebrations in Rome.
Epiphany
On January 6th, the Epiphany celebrates the coming of the Three Wise Men. The day is marked by a tradition called “Befana”, a friendly old witch who delivers presents to the kids. According to Italian folklore, Befana travels from house to house on the night of January 5th, leaving sweets and toys for children who have been good, and a piece of coal for those who haven’t.
In Rome, festivities, parades, and the well-known Piazza Navona Befana market will cater to sweets and toys that kids love. The Befana tradition adds a heartwarming and magical end to Rome’s Christmas season.
Reason Number Three ─ the World’s Best Winter Cuisine
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Italian winter cuisine is hearty and comforting, just what one wants when the temperature outside starts to go down. We have picked up some dishes that cannot be missed during the festive season:
Pasta alla Gricia
One of the most iconic Roman pasta dishes, with rigatoni tossed with guanciale, which means the salt-cured pork cheeks, with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.
Though simple, this is a rich dish that assembles flavors of the region, offering a taste of the comfort and tradition that define Roman cuisine. Its robust flavors are perfect for a cozy holiday meal, making it a must-try for any visitor.
Baccalà alla Romana
During the big dinner on Christmas Eve, salted cod or baccalà is a must on the table. In a Roman-style preparation method, it yields an irresistible combination of tomatoes, olives, and capers. Baccalà alla Romana is a dish that’s beloved across Italy for its deep flavors and simplicity. Each bite offers a taste of tradition, making it a staple of Roman holiday feasts.
Cotechino con Lenticchie
Traditionally, on New Year’s Day, this is a dish comprising cotechino, one type of sausage, eaten with lentils. The dish is believed to be a sign of good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Lentils, with their coin-like shape, symbolize wealth, while the rich, savory cotechino brings warmth and heartiness to the table. This dish is as symbolic as it is delicious, perfect for welcoming a prosperous year ahead.
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Explore More about Roman Cuisine
Celebrating Christmas time in Rome is a festal joy that is difficult to find elsewhere. It will be one full of lights, seasonal treats, and customary practices native to the locals that will go beyond being a holiday into a journey of the heart within the city’s soul.
From the stunning Christmas decor on ancient streets to the warmth of Italian hospitality, every aspect of the season comes alive in Rome, making it a holiday experience like no other.
