Christmas in Rome is something special: ancient piazzas filled with lights, nativity scenes in centuries-old churches, the scent of roasted chestnuts and, at the heart of it all, St Peter's Square with its great tree. Here's everything you need to plan Christmas 2026 in the Eternal City, from the markets to the papal celebrations.
Rome Christmas markets 2026
Rome doesn't have one big Christmas market but several, spread across the city. The most famous is in Piazza Navona.
Piazza Navona Christmas market 2026
The Piazza Navona market is allowed to run from 1 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, the feast of the Befana. In recent years the stalls actually opened a little later, around 6–8 December, so check the opening day before you go. Expect sweets, nativity figures, toys and Befana stockings around Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers. Entry is free.
Christmas World at Villa Borghese
The city's biggest Christmas village returns to Villa Borghese in November 2026, with an ice rink, shows, lights and food from around the world. Dates and tickets for the new edition haven't been announced yet: see our guide to Christmas World, which we update as soon as they are.
Christmas at the Vatican
The tree and nativity scene in St Peter's Square 2026
This year's tree is a white fir about 25 metres tall from Terranova di Pollino, in Basilicata, decorated with ceramic ornaments made by children being treated in Italian children's hospitals. The nativity scene in the square comes from the Archdiocese of Chieti-Vasto in Abruzzo, inspired by rural life, with straw huts and shepherds in traditional dress. Inside the Paul VI Hall there's a second nativity by the Carnevale di Viareggio foundation, set in a seafaring village where the Magi are fishermen.
The tree and nativity are usually unveiled in a ceremony in mid-December (on 15 December last year) and stay up until early January.
Christmas Masses with the Pope
The Pope celebrates Christmas Eve Mass in St Peter's Basilica and, on 25 December, gives the Urbi et Orbi blessing from the central balcony at noon. Last year the Christmas Eve Mass was at 22:00 and Pope Leo XIV also celebrated Mass on Christmas morning. Tickets for the Masses inside the basilica are free but very limited: they're requested from the Prefecture of the Papal Household well in advance. The Urbi et Orbi in the square needs no ticket, just arrive early.
The Vatican publishes the official 2026 schedule a few weeks before Christmas.
Christmas lights and nativity scenes
From early December, Via del Corso, Via Condotti and the streets around the Spanish Steps are lit up, and the big tree in Piazza Venezia is a classic photo stop. Rome is also the home of the nativity scene tradition: look for the presepi in its churches, from Santa Maria Maggiore, which keeps relics believed to be from the manger of Bethlehem, to Santa Maria in Aracoeli on the Capitoline Hill.
What's open in Rome at Christmas?
Colosseum: closed on 25 December and 1 January, open the other days of the holidays. Book in advance: the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are among the busiest sites over Christmas.
Vatican Museums: closed on 8 December, 25 and 26 December, and on 1 and 6 January. Plan them for the days in between: see our Vatican tours.
Shops and restaurants: most close on the afternoon of 24 December and on 25 December. Book Christmas lunch well ahead.
Is it worth going to Rome at Christmas?
Yes. December is quieter than spring and summer (except around Christmas itself and New Year), the city is beautifully decorated and the atmosphere is unique. Days are short and cool, around 12–14°C, with chilly evenings around 4–6°C: pack layers and comfortable shoes.
How to spend Christmas 2026 in Rome
A morning at the Vatican: the Museums and the Sistine Chapel, then St Peter's Square with its tree and nativity.
An afternoon in ancient Rome: the Colosseum and the Roman Forum in the winter light.
An evening in the centre: the Piazza Navona market, the lights of Via del Corso and dinner in Trastevere.
Want to see Rome with a local guide over the holidays? Browse our Rome tours or ask us about a private tour built around your dates.
FAQ
When is the Piazza Navona Christmas market 2026?
It can run from 1 December 2026 to 6 January 2027; in recent years it opened around 6–8 December.
Is the Colosseum open on Christmas Day?
No. The Colosseum is closed on 25 December and 1 January, and open on the other days of the holidays.
Is there a Christmas village in Rome?
Yes: Christmas World at Villa Borghese, the city's biggest, returning in November 2026.
Where is the best place to celebrate Christmas in Rome?
St Peter's Square for the tree, the nativity and the Pope's blessing, and Piazza Navona for the market atmosphere.
