A Magical 3-Day Itinerary: Enjoy the iconic sites, Christmas Markets, high-end boutique shops, and quaint cafes in local neighborhoods during Christmas in Rome.

St. Peter's Square at Christmas Time — *St. Peter's Square - Christmas in Rome*

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3 Days Itinerary - Christmas in Rome

Experience the charm of Rome, Italy at Christmas time with this 3-day itinerary. Discover dazzling decorations, holiday markets, and festive traditions, all easily explored in a few days.

Rome during the holiday season is nothing short of magical.

From the twinkling lights illuminating ancient streets to the aroma of chestnuts roasting at local Christmas markets, every corner of the city feels like a winter wonderland.

This 3-day itinerary will take you through some of Rome’s most enchanting destinations. Whether you're strolling through lively piazzas with festive décor or sipping a warm cup of vin brulé (mulled wine) while browsing artisan crafts, you'll experience Rome’s rich traditions wrapped in holiday cheer.

Here is an overview of our 3-Day Itinerary for Christmas in Rome:

Day 1: Golf Cart Tour or Walking Tour | Piazza Navona Christmas Market
Day 2: A Day in Vatican City
Day 3: Holiday Shopping | Colosseum Visit | Trastevere

Prepare for a trip full of heartwarming moments, delicious holiday treats, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Tips for Traveling to Italy at Christmas Time

Italy in December is a truly magical experience, but it’s important to know what to expect before you embark on your festive journey. Here are some essential tips for making the most of your Christmas trip to Rome:

Bundle Up: While Italy may not be freezing, temperatures in December can drop, especially in the evenings. Bring warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for walking through Christmas markets and exploring outdoor sights.
Holiday Hours: Many attractions, shops, and restaurants adjust their hours during the holiday season, particularly on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Plan ahead and book reservations where possible.
Crowds and Festivities: Christmas is a popular time for both tourists and locals to travel, so expect larger crowds at major sites and holiday markets. That said, the festive atmosphere more than makes up for it!
Christmas Markets & Nativity Scenes: You’ll find charming Christmas markets across the city, filled with artisan goods, festive foods, and holiday decorations. Nativity scenes are also an important tradition, with elaborate displays found in churches and piazzas.
Book Early: December is a busy travel season in Italy, so make sure to book your hotels, attractions, and any special holiday events well in advance to secure your spot.

These tips will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience as you embrace the spirit of Christmas in Rome.

Without further delay, let’s jump into our 3-Day Christmas in Rome Itinerary!

Experience Christmas in Rome

Spanish Steps with Christmas Tree - Christmas in Rome — *Bustling Crowds at the Spanish Steps in Rome - Christmas in Rome*

Where to Stay

Since the weather may be colder during Christmas in Rome, I recommend a hotel in Rome’s City Centre. This area is going to be very convenient for your entire stay. Easily walkable or a quick taxi ride to anywhere in the city, this area is also nearby the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona which makes for some incredible views from your hotel room! Plus, you’ll be right in the heart of the magic with everything beautifully lit up and decorated for the holidays.

Here are a few recommend hotels in the area:

→ Hotel Scalinata di Spagna - 8.8 Excellent | Perfect location near the Spanish Steps

→ Palazzo Navona Hotel - 9.0 Wonderful | Amazing location, steps from Piazza Navona; Rooftop terrace

→ Hotel Vilòn - Small Luxury Hotels of the World - 9.5 Exceptional | Stunning hotel, conveniently located near Trevi Fountain

View from the room

Window overlooking the Pantheon

Front of Hotel on the Square

Stunning views at night

Midday crowds

More from the Blog → Best Boutique Hotels in Rome

Day 1: Arrival Day in Rome, Italy

If you’re traveling from the United States, more than likely, you’ll have an overnight flight that arrives in Rome in the morning. Arrange a private pick-up through your hotel, or grab a taxi from the taxi line, and head to your hotel. It may be too early to check-in, but you should be able to drop off your bags.

Daytime:

You will probably be pretty worn out from your travels, so plan an easy afternoon strolling the area. Grab lunch or a quick bite to eat near the Pantheon, or head over to Trevi Fountain and toss a coin into the fountain.

→ A Golf Cart Tour or Walking Tour is a great way to get a basic overview and introduction to Rome.

Nighttime:

After checking into your hotel and freshening up a bit, head over to the Piazza Navona Christmas Market.

Piazza Navona Christmas Market
The Christmas market at Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most beloved holiday traditions - a must if celebrating Christmas in Rome. Set in one of the city’s most iconic squares, this festive market comes alive each December with colorful stalls offering handmade ornaments, artisanal crafts, and delicious seasonal treats. The market is perfect for families, with fun activities for kids, including a carousel and visits from Befana, the Italian Christmas witch.

As you wander through the market, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning Baroque architecture of Piazza Navona, including Bernini’s famous fountains, all beautifully lit with holiday lights. Be sure to warm up with roasted chestnuts or indulge in a sweet ciambella (Italian doughnut) while you soak in the festive atmosphere.

Plan to get a good night’s rest for an exciting day tomorrow!

Day 2: Visit the Vatican

For your first full day celebrating Christmas in Rome, plan to visit the Vatican - including the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and St. Peter’s Square. The Vatican attractions are always a top destination for visitors, especially in December around Christmas time. Plan to start your day early and book tickets well in advance.

Daytime:

Grab a quick breakfast near your hotel and take a taxi to the Vatican (know your tour’s meeting spot to give your driver as the area is huge!)

Vatican City is truly special at Christmas time, with St. Peter’s Square featuring a massive, beautifully decorated Christmas tree and a life-sized nativity scene. The whole atmosphere is filled with awe and joy, making it a must-visit for anyone spending the holidays in Rome.

When visiting the Vatican Museums, I highly recommend a tour. Even if you’ve been multiple times, there’s still SO much to see and every tour and tour guide will be slightly different and unique. Try to book the earliest tour that you can to avoid the largest crowds.

Here are a few highly recommended tours that include the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica:

→ Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour (option to upgrade to small-group tour)

→ Skip-the-Line Tour of Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica

→ Skip-the-Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's | Small Group

Nighttime:

After an amazing, but BUSY day discovering Vatican City, you may be ready for a relaxed and festive evening. Time to slow down and enjoy an aperitivo at a café while people-watching for a bit.

There are a couple other Christmas markets in the city centre that you can check out on your 2nd evening in Rome.

Piazza Barberini Christmas Market
Nestled in the heart of Rome, Piazza Barberini offers a smaller, yet charming Rome Christmas market. Surrounded by elegant architecture and the famous Triton Fountain by Bernini, this market focuses on local artisans and unique crafts, perfect for picking up one-of-a-kind gifts. What sets Piazza Barberini apart is its quieter, more intimate vibe compared to the larger markets. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking a less crowded and more relaxed holiday shopping experience. Be sure to explore the nearby Via Veneto, which is beautifully lit with festive lights during the season, adding to the holiday magic.

Piazza Venezia Christmas Market
Piazza Venezia, located near the heart of Rome’s historical center, hosts a lively Christmas market that’s hard to miss, thanks to its proximity to the massive Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria). What makes this market unique is its central location, where you can easily combine holiday shopping with sightseeing at iconic landmarks. The Christmas tree that stands in Piazza Venezia, often referred to as the "Spelacchio," has become a symbol of the city's holiday spirit. The market itself is bustling with stalls offering everything from festive decorations to Italian sweets, creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere that reflects the energy of the city.

These markets each offer a unique slice of Roman holiday cheer, with Piazza Barberini being more intimate and artisanal, while Piazza Venezia blends holiday festivity with grand city sights.

Both are within easy walking distance from the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain.

Day 3: Shopping, Colosseum, Trastevere

Morning:

While spending Christmas in Rome, holiday shopping is a must!

Start your morning by indulging in some of Rome’s most luxurious shopping experiences, where world-renowned designer brands and charming boutiques line the cobblestone streets of the city center.

For high-end shopping, head straight to Via dei Condotti, one of Rome’s most famous shopping streets, just minutes from the Spanish Steps. Here, you’ll find flagship stores from Italian and international designers like Gucci, Prada, and Valentino.

If you prefer unique finds, take a stroll toward Campo de' Fiori and explore the boutique shops that line the charming streets in this area. Rome’s boutique scene is full of artisan goods, handmade jewelry, and chic fashion, offering something truly special for every shopper.

Shops typically open around 10 or 11 AM in December, so there’s no rush to start your day too early—take your time and enjoy a cappuccino as the city comes to life.

Afternoon:

Next, take all your amazing shopping finds back to the hotel and grab a taxi over to the Colosseum.

While the Colosseum itself doesn't have specific holiday events, visiting during Christmas time offers a quieter atmosphere and the chance to see the monument beautifully illuminated as the sun sets early in December.

You can either book a guided tour or just an admission ticket. However, if just booking a ticket, be sure to book ahead with a timed-entry to avoid any lines. Here’s a few options to check out:

→ Admission Tickets from official Colosseum ticket office - €18.00 for adults (free under 18). These tickets go on sale 30 days prior and may sell-out quickly.

→ Colosseum & Ancient Rome with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour

→ Colosseum Arena Floor & Ancient Rome | Semi Private Max 6 People

*Note: Every visitor to the Colosseum must present their passport before entering, including children.

Evening:

For your last evening spending Christmas in Rome, head across the Tiber River to the bohemian neighborhood of Trastevere.

It’s walkable from the city center, but depending on the weather, a taxi may be a better option.

During the holidays, the cobblestone streets of Trastevere are beautifully lit with festive lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Known for its vibrant foodie scene, Trastevere is home to traditional trattorias and cozy wine bars where you can enjoy Roman classics like cacio e pepe or panettone for dessert. It's the perfect spot to savor your final evening for in Rome, surrounded by the local charm and holiday magic.

If you’re up for another tour, Trastevere offers plenty of fantastic walking food tours. Here’s a couple to check out:

→ Rome Trastevere Food Tour at Twilight

→ Winner 2024 Rome Food Tour: Campo de' Fiori, Ghetto, Trastevere

→ Rome Food Tour: Hidden Gems of Trastevere with Dinner & Wine

3 Magical Days - Christmas in Rome

In just three days, you’ve captured the magic of Christmas in Rome — from iconic sights like the Vatican and Colosseum to the festive charm of holiday markets and local neighborhoods.

With a perfect mix of culture, history, and seasonal cheer, this Roman adventure offers an unforgettable start to your Christmas journey through Italy.