Six Ways to Spend Christmas in Rome 2022

Are you looking forward to spending a magical Christmas in Rome but aren’t quite sure how to plan your festivities? Spending hours sifting through the best events and experiences occurring across the Eternal City during the Christmas period can become a little overwhelming. So, at Walks Inside Rome, we have highlighted six of our favorite ways to spend Christmas (and the surrounding days) in Rome.

From Italian takes on European fads to local traditions stretching back centuries, Rome is brimming with unforgettable spectacles designed to bring the capital city’s community (including its tourists) together. Warming lights, food, and words are sure to hit home the true importance of the Christmas period whilst ensuring festive days packed with laid-on entertainment.

So, please read on for our six ways to spend Christmas in Rome in 2022 …

Christmas in Rome

Marvel at the Vatican’s nativity scene

Nativity scenes, or presepi in Italian, adorn the Bel Paese during the month of December. Just strolling through the center of Rome, or any town, city, or village for that matter, you will stumble across miniature recreations of the most famous Christian story. 

We believe it is the annual “100 presepi in Vaticano” tradition that provides one of the best displays. Already erected and to last until 8 January 2023, this year’s Vatican nativity scene was donated by the northern village of Sutrio. Made of cedar wood in the shape of a semi-sphered grotto, life-sized characters have been placed around the crib making a fascinating exhibit.

→ The Vatican nativity scene takes place in St. Peter’s Square. Tie the display with our Early Morning Vatican Tour and you will be able to pair the delights of Christmas with the treasures of the world’s smallest city-state.

The nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square

Attend mass at the Pantheon

Christmas in Rome, a city some call the epicenter of Christianity, of course, revolves around religious liturgy. However, choosing which to attend can become a headache for those not in the know.

After all, there are over 900 churches in Rome!

Our suggestion? The Pantheon. Whilst there is no Holy Mass at 5.00 pm on Christmas Eve this year, there is a wonderful Chapter Mass at 11.55 pm that “animates the musical chapel” of the basilica. Should you wish to become involved in Rome’s deep history of connection with Christianity there are not many places that will serve a better service. Having been consecrated to the Catholic faith since 609 AD, the Pantheon is a truly iconic way to begin your Christmas in Rome.

Bring in this year’s Christmas Day with the Pantheon’s midnight mass

See a show during Christmas in Rome

Whether you are visiting the Eternal City for Christmas Day itself or are looking to soak in the festivities during the surrounding days and weeks, there will always be a show to catch. December 17 and 18 respectively see Christmas shows taking place inside Auditorium Conciliazione and St. Peter’s Basilica, whilst a must-see Christmas Baroque concert will be occurring inside the Capuchin Crypt on December 22, 27, and 29.

As for Christmas Day itself, we recommend a trio of choices. The Christmas concerts at Teatro di Marcello, Chiesa di Ponte Sant’Angelo, and the Auditorium Parco della Musica all offer a splendid option for your afternoon or evening entertainment on December 25.

Catch a show at the beautiful Teatro di Marcello

Stroll the Roman Christmas markets

Mulled wine, bratwurst, and apple strudel are all things associated with a classic European Christmas market. All three are delicious, and should by no means be skipped during the festive period. However, what if you could find a twist on the traditional?

Christmas in Rome is roasted chestnuts, Italian chocolate, and vin brulè. All provide familiar scents and tones but with the classic Italian pride of local produce and delightful simplicity proving pivotal.

But where can you find the best Christmas markets in Rome? Both Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Navona offer the two of the larger options, whilst the foot of the Spanish Steps also comes alive with seasonal stalls. In all earnest, however, you will without doubt unknowingly stumble into small piazzas bursting with life as you wander the winding streets of Rome, and isn’t this the best part of it all?

Make Christmas in Rome special with the Papal Mass

Earlier we spoke of mass at the Pantheon as an iconic way to welcome Christmas Day 2022. However, if you are searching for the liturgy most emblematic of Catholicism you should look no further than the Papal Mass at the Vatican.

This midnight mass occurs inside St. Peter’s Basilica, with big screens erected in St. Peter’s Square to show the event to thousands of ticketed onlookers. It may be too late to secure a free ticket for this year’s edition, with at least two months’ notice recommended, but contacting the Vatican by the information shown here is the way to ensure your presence at this truly special Christmas event… even if that is for 2023!

2020’s Christmas display at the Vatican

Hunt for Rome’s top Christmas trees

Our final activity that would complete a magnificent Christmas in Rome is, of course, touring the Eternal City’s brilliant array of decorations. Fir trees fighting to climb above the Roman palazzi are a sight to behold, especially when they are surrounded by the Renaissance wonders or beautiful Baroque architecture that comprise the city’s highlights.

Journey from the Vatican to the Spanish Steps, Piazza Venezia to Piazza Navona and you will find a wonderful array of decorated Christmas trees scattered across the city. Don’t believe us? Here is a gallery of photos we alone have constructed since the festivities sparked to life in early December: