Christmas 2025 in Rome: what to do, what to see, what not to miss

Christmas 2025 falls in the very heart of the Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope”, so Rome will be at its festive — and spiritual — best. Expect millions of pilgrims, extended public-transport hours and a city sparkling with new lights and decorations.

Festive Lights & Decorations

• Main switch-on: 8 December along Via del Corso — a mile-long canopy of LEDs that leads the eye straight to Piazza Venezia.
• Designer displays: Bulgari sponsors Via dei Condotti’s 2025 installation; Trastevere’s lanes shimmer with fairy-lights.
• Christmas trees: A 25 m tree in Piazza del Popolo and Bulgari’s sculptural jewel-tree on the Spanish Steps.
• Nativity scenes: Don’t miss the open-air crèche in St Peter’s Square and the “100 Presepi in Vaticano” exhibition under Bernini’s Colonnade (8 Dec 2025 – 6 Jan 2026).

Christmas Markets in Rome (1 Dec 2025 – 6 Jan 2026)

Music, Shows & Ice-Skating in Rome

• Natale Auditorium series (Parco della Musica, 8 Dec – 6 Jan) features Italian pop and jazz stars.
• Il Tempietto Christmas Concerts bring chamber music to the cloister beside the Theatre of Marcellus (25 Dec – 1 Jan).
• Temporary ice-rinks pop up at Parco della Musica and inside the EUR Village (skate hire from €10/hour).

Papal Services

• 24 Dec 7 PM – Christmas “Midnight” Mass in St Peter’s (free ticket; apply six weeks ahead).
• 25 Dec 12 PM – Pope’s Urbi et Orbi blessing from the basilica balcony (no ticket).

Food & Traditions

• 24 Dec – La Vigilia: book early for the traditional seven-fish dinner in Trastevere or Testaccio.
• 25 Dec lunch: hotel restaurants and countryside agriturismi serve lamb, lasagna and pangiallo.

Practical Tips for your Christmas in Rome

• Free electric shuttles (routes Free 1 & Free 2) loop the historic centre 7 Dec – 6 Jan.
• Dress in layers: daytime 8–14 °C with possible rain.
• Allow extra time for Jubilee security checks at major basilicas and squares.

Where to Find Updated Programmes & Tickets

• Turismo Roma – Official City Events Calendar
• Jubilee 2025 – Official Vatican Site
• Vatican – Liturgical Calendar & Tickets
• Wanted in Rome – Daily Listings