Rome Christmas Market: The Complete Guide
Rome, a city famous for its historic attractions and ancient Roman architecture (don't miss the Colosseum while here), is one place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. The city is spectacular throughout every season, and if you choose to visit in the wintertime you may be pleasantly surprised to find that they are home to their own Christmas traditions.
Seeing the historic landmarks will always be amazing, but when the festive spirit is in the air, it can be almost magical. With elaborately decorated piazzas and Christmas lights on every corner, Rome celebrates this highly revered season with care and joy.
This is why you should try to visit during the holiday season, plus you will also get to see the traditional Christmas markets in Rome which locals and tourists always look forward to. Before you join the crowds at the markets you might want to drop off your suitcases and large bags at a Rome luggage storage facility. Keep your hands free to shop and browse!
Piazza Navona Christmas Market
When it comes to Rome Christmas markets, the one held at Piazza Navona is definitely one of the most popular. You will find it set up in the beautiful old part of the city and the stunning baroque setting combined with the festive decorations and lights transform it into the perfect Christmas atmosphere. It is usually open between the first week of December and early January and attracts thousands of visitors every holiday season.
There is something here for everyone, with a vintage carousel, a large Christmas tree, and big nativity scenes set up between the historic fountains of the square. Visits from Santa Claus and the Italian holiday witch Befana are included, as well as street musicians, magicians and other performers. Of course, there will be a selection of market stalls selling festive items as well.
What to do near Piazza Navona Christmas Market
While you are at the market in Piazza Navona you just have to visit its main landmarks. This square is home to a selection of fountains and you should take a tour to see them all in person! This includes the Fontana dei Fiumi, Fontana dei Libri, Fontana del Moro, and Fontana del Nettuno. Check out the exhibits at the Stadium of Domitian archaeological museum as well!
Piazza Mazzini Christmas Market
This traditional Roman flea market gets a makeover every year at Christmas time, and between early December and the beginning of January, you can experience the festive atmosphere yourself. The market stays open year round on the first and third Sunday of each month, but if holiday spirit is what you're looking for then you should visit in the wintertime!
They increase opening hours during this time but the market never seems to get too busy which means that you can take your time browsing. Everything sold here is high quality and unique, and you will have lots of options like ornaments to put on Christmas trees, wooden handicrafts, incense, clothing, jewelry and more which would all be great Christmas gifts.
What to do near Piazza Mazzini Christmas Market
After you've seen everything at the Christmas market in Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini, you can catch a show at one of the nearby performing arts theaters. Teatro Manzoni and Teatro delle Vittorie are both great options.
Christmas World at Auditorium Parco della Musica
This next Christmas market in Rome, also called the Natale delle'Auditorium, houses a festive market that encourages different cultures and traditions to come together and celebrate the Christmas season. Its opening hours usually begin in early December and end at the beginning of January.
Aside from all of the things that a traditional Christmas market has, this one offers a program dedicated to children and they put on several events throughout the festive season. This includes fun workshops, exciting shows and entertaining activities. Of course, there are lots of stalls for the adults to browse, all selling quality products and Italian candy to satisfy a sweet tooth.
What to do near Christmas World at Auditorium Parco della Musica
You will find lots of exciting things to do around the park, including two concert halls! If you want to venture outside of the market you can find the Parco di Scultura di Villa Glori, a nice park that has modern art sculptures scattered around it.
Piazza Caprera Christmas Market
During Christmas time the Piazza Caprera takes on a really special atmosphere and is home to one of the many Christmas markets in Rome. Locals tend to frequent the market for one main reason; it is home to the best traditional Christmas food! Come visit to see what all of the hype is about.
Aside from delicious food, vendors sell Christmas decorations, clothes, perfume, antiques and other items that would make great Christmas presents. There are also stalls selling hot chocolate and mulled wine, grab a glass to sip on so you don't get cold! They also have live performers, storytellers and music.
What to do near Piazza Caprera Christmas Market
Just a little ways away from Piazza Caprera is an outdoor park called Villa Paganini. It is home to beautifully landscaped gardens, bridges and footpaths for you to explore.
Piazza di Spagna Christmas Market
Piazza di Spagna is one of the most famous squares in the city and is also home to one of the best Christmas markets in Rome during the holidays. It is open for the whole month of December into the beginning of January.
Although the market isn't very big, it can still help you find gift ideas for your loved ones and offers a beautiful atmosphere right next to the Fontana della Barcaccia. Take your time to do some Christmas shopping and buy something for all of your friends and family before Christmas Eve!
What to do near Piazza di Spagna Christmas Market
One of the main attractions of Piazza di Spagna is the Spanish Steps, one of the most famous landmarks in the city. Bring a camera since you will definitely want to take some photos!
Discovering Rome's Christmas Markets
These are only a few of the popular markets in Rome and it won't be hard to find a Christmas village, flea market or Christmas fair that puts on a festive flair for the holidays. As the Italian capital, Rome definitely goes all out and is an amazing place to celebrate the season.
Now you are ready to enjoy the Christmas Markets in Rome. For more things to do in Rome, check out these other guides.
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