While many anticipate a quiet christmas day, Rome remains a vibrant destination for both residents and tourists, offering a diverse range of festive events and open attractions. From conventional markets and stunning nativity scenes to concerts and outdoor activities, the city provides ample opportunities for party and exploration throughout the holiday. Below, a guide to experiencing Christmas in rome on December 25th and beyond, with details on specific events and locations to help you plan your itinerary.
Rome isn’t slowing down for the holidays. While many Romans will be spending Christmas Day with family, at home, or traveling, the capital city is offering a full slate of festive events. From leisurely strolls to cultural visits and outdoor activities, there are plenty of ways to experience Christmas in Rome.
What to Do in Rome on December 26th: Events Not to Miss
Table of Contents
- What to Do in Rome on December 26th: Events Not to Miss
- A Guide to Rome’s Christmas Markets 2025: Locations and Dates
- Christmas at Piazza Navona
- Christmas World
- Tour of Rome’s Nativity Scenes
- Market in Piazza Mazzini
- Concert at the Auditorium Parco della Musica
- Christmas in Jazz
- A Walk on the Appian Way
- Christmas at Santa Severa Castle
- The Fairytale Christmas in the Village of Nemi
December 25th presents a quieter side of the city, but Rome remains vibrant with open museums, exhibitions, and iconic sights welcoming both locals and tourists. If you’re looking for something to do after Christmas dinner, here’s a guide to events happening in Rome on December 25th.
A Guide to Rome’s Christmas Markets 2025: Locations and Dates
For a traditional Christmas experience, head to Piazza Navona, where wooden chalets, a carousel, nativity scenes, and sweet treats – including the beloved “mele stregate” (enchanted apples) – have returned. A walk through the piazza is a nostalgic trip for many Romans, offering a moment of pure holiday magic. Find all the information here.
Christmas World
Christmas World, a holiday village at Villa Borghese, is open on December 25th. It’s a chance to visit the festive park, with its attractions, ice skating, and markets, potentially with smaller crowds than usual. The 40,000-square-meter space features a rich artistic program with around 300 international artists, themed food experiences, and new attractions. Find all the information here.
Tour of Rome’s Nativity Scenes
Christmas Day is the perfect time to explore the nativity scenes throughout Rome, from the city center to the outskirts. Visit the nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square, the exhibition of 100 nativity scenes in the Vatican, or discover ancient traditions in the churches of the city center. Here’s a guide to the best nativity scenes to visit in Rome. These displays offer a glimpse into the artistic and spiritual heart of the holiday season.
Market in Piazza Mazzini
In the heart of the Prati neighborhood, a stroll through the Piazza Mazzini Market is a pleasant way to spend Christmas Day. The square’s gardens now feature traditional wooden chalets surrounding the fountain, surrounded by plane trees, cypresses, and hedges. The stalls offer local and artisanal products, nativity scenes, Christmas decorations, traditional sweets, and gastronomic specialties. Find all the information here.
Concert at the Auditorium Parco della Musica
The Auditorium’s packed Christmas schedule continues on December 25th. Gerardo Di Lella will conduct a grand concert for the whole family, featuring beloved Disney soundtracks performed by the GrandÒrchestra, comprised of ninety musicians and fourteen vocalists. Find all the information here.
Christmas in Jazz
The highly anticipated “Christmas in Jazz” returns this year, organized by the Fondazione Musica per Roma, running from December 20, 2025, to January 6, 2026. After a pause for Christmas Eve, December 25th will be dedicated to young talent with the Mario Corvini “Young Art Jazz Ensemble,” a creative and vibrant workshop uniting the freshness of new generations with the experience of the great Roman trombonist and director. Find all the information here.
A Walk on the Appian Way
If the weather permits, Christmas Day is an ideal opportunity for a walk through the Appian Way Archaeological Park. The “Queen of Roads” is a public area and always open, though the internal monuments will be closed. It’s a chance to walk through history – and work off those Christmas meals.
Christmas at Santa Severa Castle
The Magic of Christmas comes to Santa Severa Castle. From the Spianata dei Signori, accessible every day (including Christmas), begins a journey through the attractions: an ice rink surrounded by lights and music, and the traditional antique carousel with horses that will make everyone feel like a child again. This year, Santa Claus will meet children as he walks through the village. Christmas Day will be enlivened by the Christmas Show, featuring four street artists – stilt walkers, balloon sculptors, and performers – dressed in Christmas-themed costumes. Between balancing acts, colorful sculptures, and skill-based performances, the audience will experience an unforgettable event. Find all the information here.
The Fairytale Christmas in the Village of Nemi
The Municipality of Nemi presents “The Fairytale Christmas in the Village,” a large free event open to all, in collaboration with This Is Wonderland, an original format by Lux Eventi. Over one hundred luminous and scenic installations will transform the historic center and surrounding areas into a journey dedicated to the most beloved fairytales, from Alice in Wonderland to Peter Pan, to Pinocchio. A path of lights, colors, and evocative settings, designed for families, children, and visitors of all ages. Find all the information here.
