Christmas 2026
Christmas in Rome
The markets, the lights and the parties — and when each is worth it.
21 days to go16 Nov – 26 Dec · 21 ideas
- 15 for families
- 7 free
Don't miss
Piazza Navona Christmas Market
Christmas Lights Switch-On in Piazza del Popolo
Christmas Lights along Via del Corso
Sunday 6 December
A Christmas Carol - The Musical
Charles Dickens' classic tale brought to life with music and suggestive atmospheres. Showtimes: Dec 6 at 16:00 and 19:00; Dec 7 at 17:00 and 20:30; Dec 8 at 15:45 and 18:00. Duration: 100 minutes.
FamilySource: Teatro.it
Tuesday 8 December
Babbo Natale - Il Musical
A musical dedicated to Santa Claus, featuring music, theatre, and fairytale atmospheres, perfect for all ages.
FamilySource: TicketOne
Immaculate Conception Day - Public Holiday
A national public holiday in Italy. Many shops and businesses may be closed. Traditionally marks the unofficial start of the Christmas season in Rome, with the Pope paying homage to the statue of the Madonna in Piazza di Spagna.
Thursday 24 December
Christmas Eve - Early Public Transport Closure, Traditional Fish Dinner
Public transport (buses, trams, metro) will cease operations at 21:00. Many shops may close early. Traditional Roman Christmas Eve dinner typically features fish dishes, such as fried cod and carciofi alla giudia.
Friday 25 December
Christmas Day - Public Holiday & Traditional Meal
A national public holiday. Most shops, museums, and attractions are closed. Traditional Roman Christmas Day lunch includes dishes like 'stracciatella' or 'cappelletti' in broth, followed by 'abbacchio' (lamb) with potatoes or fried lamb cutlets. The Pope delivers his 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing from St. Peter's Basilica at noon.
Saturday 26 December
St. Stephen's Day - Public Holiday
A national public holiday in Italy. Many shops, museums, and attractions may be closed or have reduced opening hours.
All season
Piazza Navona Christmas Market
Rome's most famous Christmas market, featuring a carousel, street performers, stalls selling sweets, artisan gifts, and nativity figures. Closed on Christmas Day.
FamilyFree
Christmas Lights Switch-On in Piazza del Popolo
Official switch-on of the Christmas tree and luminarie, marking the start of the festive season. The square will remain decorated until January 12, 2027.
FamilyFreeSource: SiViaggia.it
Christmas Lights along Via del Corso
Via del Corso, illuminated by over 500,000 LED micro-spheres, transforms into a luminous gallery from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo. Lights are officially switched on December 8.
FamilyFreeSource: SiViaggia.it
100 Presepi in Vaticano
An international exhibition of hundreds of nativity scenes from around the world. Open daily from 10:00 to 20:00. Closes at 17:00 on December 24 and 31. Free entry.
FamilyFree
Christmas World at Villa Borghese
A large Christmas village featuring attractions, shows, decorations, and a magical ice skating rink. Specific 2026 dates are to be confirmed, but it is expected to run similar to previous years' season.
FamilySource: RomaToday
Ice Park - Largo Beltramelli (Piazza Smart)
An ice skating rink and a village area. Open daily.
Family
Trame di Luce - Light Festival at Orto Botanico
An extraordinary journey through illuminated installations immersed in nature. Exact dates for 2026 are expected to run from mid-November to January 6. Last entry at 21:00. Tickets can be purchased online.
Family
Christmas Lights in Via dei Condotti and Piazza di Spagna
The famous shopping streets and squares are adorned with festive lights. Bulgari traditionally illuminates Via Condotti and Piazza di Spagna.
FamilyFreeSource: SiViaggia.it
Ice Park - Piazza Testaccio Circular Rink
Circular ice skating rink in Piazza Testaccio.
Family
Mercatino di Natale in Piazza Mazzini
Christmas market with artisan presepi, decorations, sweets, and gifts set in the illuminated gardens of Raffaele de Vico.
FamilySource: SiViaggia.it
Ice Park - Piazza Cavour
Ice skating rink in a suggestive Christmas village setting. Open daily.
Family
Ice Park - Piazza Re di Roma
Ice skating rink and Christmas village. Open daily.
FamilySource: Ice Park
Christmas Lights in Via del Babuino and Via di San Giacomo
Illuminations in these central streets, often sponsored by luxury brands.
Presepe dei Netturbini
A traditional nativity scene created by city sanitation workers. Features unique and detailed craftsmanship.
FamilyFreeSource: Romeing.com
Candlelight: I Classici del Natale
Christmas classics performed by candlelight. The event runs from December 18, 2026.
Times and prices change, so check with the organiser before you go. Updated 26 Oct