Ways to Celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve in Rome

Enjoy a real Roman holiday in the Italian capital this Christmas and New Year.

2 min read•Oct. 11, 2017•By Jessica Spiegel

Ways to Celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve in Rome

Hi, I'm Jessica!

Jessica Spiegel is a freelance writer and editor based in Portland, Oregon. She's an obsessive knitter who loves Italy, cooking, Sazeracs, footy, pho, altruism, and finding delights in cities with bad reputations.

Whether you take a guided tour to see Rome's elaborate Christmas decorations illuminated after dark or take in the fireworks display on New Year's Eve, the Italian capital sparkles during the holiday season. Here's how to experience the magic.

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Attend Christmas mass in Vatican City

A Nativity scene sits outside of the St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

An elaborate Nativity scene outside St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. | Photo Credit: ValerioMei / Shutterstock

When in Rome...

For some, there's no better way to spend Christmas Eve in Rome than by going to mass at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Booking the experience in advance means you'll likely get a gourmet 3–course Christmas Eve dinner, too. Alternatively, make a stop at any Roman church over the holidays to see the full festivities and rites take place.

Go Christmas shopping

Christmas decorations at the Piazza Navona Christmas in Rome.

Lucky broom ornaments at the Piazza Navona Christmas market in Rome. | Photo Credit: Kraft74 / Shutterstock

Take home some seasonal souvenirs.

Germany may be better known for its holiday markets, but Rome's Christmas market in Piazza Navona offers visitors a wonderful excuse to pick up unique souvenirs or gifts for friends and family back home. The official sales season in Italy begins in early January, too, so if your itinerary keeps you in Rome for a while after New Year's Eve, you may get to take advantage of some great discounts on Italian goods.

Catch a holiday concert

Visitors walk around The Doria Pamphilj Gallery in Rome.

The Doria Pamphilj Gallery plays host to regular seasonal concerts and events. | Photo Credit: Isogood_patrick / Shutterstock

Ring in the season with some live music.

Concerts take place year round in Rome, but around the holidays, you'll find opportunities to attend special seasonal concert events. Spend an evening in the eerie Capuchin Crypt for a baroque Christmas concert, or celebrate New Year's in the gorgeous Doria Pamphilj Gallery for a performance of 17th-century music.