What’s on in Rome this month?
Rome in December is like a beautiful lady putting on a nice dress for a special night. Christmas lights, the iconic Christmas trees in Piazza del Popolo and in St Peter square, Christmas markets.. But also some incredible temporary exhibitions. This is what you should be on the lookout for if you’re in Rome this December 😉
Things to do in Rome in December 2025
Christmas market in Piazza Navona
The Christmas Market in Piazza Navona is a tradition that reminds every Roman of their childhood. Over the years artisans have decreased to leave space to more “modern” attractions, but we would never give up on taking a Christmas stroll in Piazza Navona this time of the year.
You can find artisans selling Christmas tree decorations, the socks for the Befana and everything you need to make your own presepe.
At certain times you will also find the puppet theatre, music performances and other activities for the kids.
You will find the market in Piazza Navona until January 6th.
Christmas tree lighting in Piazza del Popolo
Since two years Rome’s Christmas tree was moved to Piazza del Popolo, instead of its traditional location in Piazza Venezia. This is because of the construction works taking place in piazza Venezia until 2030 for the new metro station.
On December 8th at 6:30PM there will be a countdown and the mayor of Rome will switch on the lights of the Christmas tree and along via del Corso.
This is a traditional event that many people will attend, so expect big crowds and a beautiful festive atmosphere.
100 Presepi in Vaticano (100 nativity scenes in the Vatican) exhibition
This year it will be the 8th edition of the 100 Presepi in Vaticano exhibition, therefore quite a new tradition.
But even so, this exhibit will steal your heart! First of all, the location. The 100 Presepi will take place in the colonnade of St Peter square designed by Bernini.
And then the content. There will be 100 nativity scenes of any kind. From the presepi made of cotton (which was my favorite last year!) to the chocolate presepi (wisely protected by a glass! But you could still smell the chocolate!). Here you really understand that creativity is the only limit!
The exhibit will be for free and it will take place from December 8th to January 6th.
More info: https://www.100presepi.it/
Christmas World in Villa Borghese
Christmas world returns to Villa Borghese! There will be 30000 squared meters with representations of Christmas in the world, through experiences, installations, shows and more.
It is an immersive experience where you can walk through the heart of Berlin, in the Christmas markets of London, then move to Paris, Tokyo, New York (where you can ice skate under the Brooklyn Bridge!). And of course also to the North Pole, where you’ll find Santa Claus village! Kids (and adults too!) can write their letter to Santa, get an official stamp fro the elfs and hand it over to Santa in person!
For info and tickets: https://christmasworld.net/
Roma Urbs Mundi – December 14th
This is a run which takes place in the center of Rome on December 14th. It starts from via dell’Ara Massima, the continues to Piazza Venezia, then touches via del Corso, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza del Popolo, Colosseum, via dei Fori Imperiali, and ends in the Circo Massimo. The best of Rome in a 15km run!
Website: http://www.romaurbsmundi.it/
Christmas Concert in the Vatican
There is another Christmas event in the Vatican this December 2024. Traditionally, every year on December 24th a Christmas concert is broadcasted from the Vatican on the Italian tv on Canale 5 (channel 5).
But actually this Christmas concert is recorded some days in advance, so if you want to attend the concert and still be able to be at home with your families on Christmas eve, you can do so. The concert this year will be recorded on December 13th.
This concert includes pop, rock, soul, gospel and opera singers that come together to celebrate Christmas through a series of classic Christmas songs. This concert is usually paired with charity initiatives.
This is where you can find the tickets: http://www.concertodinatale.it/
Are you looking to make your Rome trip special? Are you looking for something fun, unique, personal? Our small group walking tours grew from the legacy of our media content online, meaning that we focus on showing you Rome “behind-the-scenes”. We explore the iconic neighborhoods of Rome where you get to discover lots of hidden gems and secrets hiding in plain sight, that most tourists miss. Check all our walking tours here!
“We Run Rome” marathon – December 31st
On December 31st at 2pm you can take part to the “We Run Rome” marathon, the most beautiful marathon in the world! What makes this marathon so special is the landscape in which it takes place: the itinerary of the race covers the center of Rome, starting and ending by the Caracalla baths and including the Colosseum, via dei Fori Imperiali, the Monti district, Piazza di Spagna, Circo Massimo and more!
To participate to the marathon follow this link: https://www.werunrome.com/en/
New Year’s Eve 2026 concert in Circo Massimo
Would there be any better location to say hello to the New Year?
The New Year’s Eve 2026 in Rome happens with a free big concert in Circo Massimo.
Three Italian artists were confirmed for the concert: Alessandra Amoroso, Fabri Fibra and Tananai.
The concert will start at 9:30PM. After the midnight toast, the party will continue with a DJ set by Dimensione Suono Roma.
Buses and trams will operate until 9pm. The metro will remain open until 2:30AM, and after that time there will be night buses.
It will not be possible to bring glass bottles, alcohol and fireworks in the area of the concert. There will be checks before you enter the area of the concert.
Explore Rome “behind the scenes” with us!
If you want to make your December Rome trip special and looking for something fun, unique, personal… you’re in the right place!
Our small group walking tours grew from the legacy of our media content online, meaning that we focus on showing you Rome “behind-the-scenes”.
We explore the iconic neighborhoods of Rome where you get to discover lots of hidden gems and secrets hiding in plain sight, that most tourists miss.
And we do it in small groups only, to keep the experience personal and interactive 😊
Discover more about how our Rome tours work, the best Rome tours or browse all our small-group tours to see the experiences currently available.
