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Rome events in December 2024 - Holidays, exhibits, concerts, and other things to do
Rome events in December include Christmas holiday dates of course.
But there are a few other important things happening this month, too.
December has the shortest days of the year, and as a result, there is often a glow in the sky, especially in the afternoon. Find out all the events and things to do in Rome in December.Find out all the things to see and do in Rome in December 2024.
Rome events in December 2024 - What's happening
December is a great time to visit Rome for a lot of reasons, not the least of which are the lovely lights and decorations that start going up even before the month begins.
December weather in Rome is cool, which makes it comfortable for sight-seeing.
It's also a good time to enjoy some hot Roman lunches and dinners indoors with some good wine.
Keep reading for more info about the best Rome events in December 2024:
- Holidays in Rome in December
- Current exhibits at Rome's museums
- Free Sunday Rome events in December
- Free things to do in Rome in December
- Nighttime things to do in Rome in December
- Concerts and operas in Rome in December
- Tours to take in Rome in December
- Day trips to take in Rome in December
- Things to do with kids in Rome in December
Holidays and special dates in Rome in December
Besides the obvious holiday dates of Christmas and New Year, there are a few other Christmas-related dates as well as non-Christmas related dates to note in December as well.
December 8 - Immacolata/Immaculate Conception
In Italy, the Catholic holiday of December 8, the Immaculate Conception, or Immacolata, is celebrated.
Many shops will be closed, but sites are open (except for the Vatican Museums.)
If the 8th falls near a weekend, you can expect it to be busy in Rome.
At noon, you can head to St. Peter's Square to hear Pope Francis give the Angelus (free, lasting about 15 minutes.)
Another thing you can do on December 8 is visit Piazza Mignanelli near the Spanish Steps.
Every December 8, at 4:30pm, the pope changes the Madonna's wreath at the top of the column there.
In recent years, there has been more and more security, and the event has become more and more popular, so you should expect huge crowds, and should try to get there as early as possible if you want to get anywhere close to the event.
The pope does not do it himself - the firemen do, but he is there for the event.
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Chanukah
Chabad Roma organizes the lighting of the menorah during Chanukah in Piazza Barberini.
Rabbis are in attendance for the lighting of the "candle" of the menorah on the first night of Hanukkah in Piazza Barberini.In 2024, Hanukkah is from December 25 - January 2.
You can attend the first night's lighting ceremony with Rome's rabbis at sundown on December 25, 2024 but you can also go for the following 7 nights to see each "candle" being lit.
Christmas tree lightings
Several Christmas trees go up around Rome in December, but it seems the one people ask me about the most is the one at the Vatican.
The Christmas tree in Vatican Square is a relatively new phenomenon (started in 1982 during the pontificate of Pope John Paul II), but it's typically been lit just before Christmas Eve.
The inauguration of the Nativity scene and the lighting of the Christmas tree at Vatican Square will be lit on December 7, 2024 at 5:00pm.
In 2024 the tree that is normally in Piazza Venezia, due to construction, will be moved to Piazza Del Popolo for Christmas..
Christmas Fair in Piazza Navona
The Christmas market in Piazza Navona has been a bit on and off in recent years. But when it's happening in full force, it's one of the best Rome events in December.Usually, Piazza Navona is THE spot for Rome's Christmas biggest and most festive Christmas Market.
We're awaiting details of the Piazza Navona market for 2024.
Current exhibits and events at Rome's museums in December 2024
The cooler fall and winter months are a great time to take in the arts and some art indoors.
Some museums stay open later on the weekends.
There are several Rome events in December at various museums around the city.
Here are some special things you can do in Rome in December 2024:
Chiostro del Bramante
EMOTION.
The exhibition at the Chiostro del Bramante, curated by Danilo Eccher, describes the emotions of twenty artists through their works to let visitors know which and how many emotions inspire an artist.
November 29 2023 - September 25 2025
For more information and tickets, click here.
The Scuderie del Quirinale
GUERCINO
A major exhibition to celebrate the splendid artistic legacy of the Italian Baroque master Guercino and noble Ludovisi Family in 17th century Rome.
From October 31, 2024 - January 26, 2025
For more information and tickets click here.
Trame di Luce
Orto Botanico
Trame di Luce returns again in 2024 with a multi-sensory journey of light, art, and music throughout the gardens celebrating this year's theme "Christmas has a new Light".
November 30, 2024 - January 6, 2025
Visit the website for tickets and details!
 |
Capitoline Museums - Villa Caffarelli Garden The Colossal Statue of Constantine See the striking reconstruction of the Colossus of Constantine, one of the most representative works of late antique Roman sculpture. February 6 2024 - December 31 2025 Free to enter, follow the path up to the right to reach the garden entrance. Don't miss my video all about the statue! |
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The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome
Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.
In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant'Angelo, and much more.
And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.
Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers.
Visit Rome's Parks and gardens
While December can be a cool month, it can still be a beautiful time to visit a park or garden in Rome.
Rome events in December - Free things to do
If you're looking for some fun Rome events in December that are free, there are a few so far confirmed for 2024.
Free Sunday Rome events in December 2024
In recent years, we've enjoyed the Free Sunday, in which state sites and museums were free the first Sunday of the month, and the Vatican Museums were free the last Sunday of the month.
The Colosseum will be free on the first Sunday of the month, December 1 2024.
You can expect the Colosseum to be pretty much a mob scene.
I'd highly recommend visiting one of the other sites that is also free on this day, like the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill, or Ostia Antica.
On the last Sunday of the month, Sunday December 29 2024, the Vatican Museums are open and free.
Hours are reduced (9:30am - 2pm, with last entry at 12:30pm).
Expect long lines.
If you are on a budget, or have limited time, this can be a great opportunity.
You cannot buy tickets in advance for the Free Sunday, but you can book a tour of the museums through the Vatican.
If you don't want to book this tour, just come early.
By early I mean by 8am.
But otherwise I recommend you book your visit ahead of time and pay to go another day.
Nighttime things to do in Rome in December
At the beginning of the month, the weather is still really comfortable, even in the evenings.
By the end of December, the evenings can be pretty chilly and of course it is starting to get dark quite early.
But that doesn't mean you cannot enjoy the city after the sun goes down!
Visit the Colosseum by moonlight!
You can visit the Colosseum at night and I'd say this is one of the very best Rome events as you get to see the Colosseum lit up at night, and it's much less crowded than during the day.
Entry for night visits to the Colosseum is NOT part of the Roma Pass.
For nighttime tours and Rome events in December, visit Viator.
Ready to plan your trip?
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With one handy pass, it's all included.
Rome events in December - Concerts, operas, shows
There is lots of wonderful opera in Rome in December, right in Rome's beautiful Teatro dell'Opera (Opera House.)
Get your Rome Opera Pass to choose from a number of shows inside a scenic and suggestive setting in central Rome (locations vary).
These wonderful opera singers put on a mini-production of various operas, often in full costume.
Visit the extraordinary Capuchin Crypt, then head into the recently restored church to listen to sacred music in a gorgeous setting.
Thursday afternoons.
Don't miss this unique opera + aperitivo on one of Rome's most amazing rooftops, the Borromini Terrace.
Combine beautiful music, with the stunning baroque setting on Piazza Navona, and a special aperitivo, to make for a fabulous evening in Rome.
There's a maximum 30 people (including an art historian guide), to keep this experience exclusive and special.
Friday evenings.
The Three Tenors - Nessun Dorma
See the "Three Tenors" in a beautiful church setting.
You will be treated to three of Rome's most famous tenors singing some of the best-known and loved songs of Neapolitan opera, accompanied by the Mandolin Orchestra.
Music from La Traviata, Rigoletto, Tosca, and many others.
Saturday evenings. From 25€.
Enjoy private access to one of Rome's most exclusive rooftops right on Piazza Navona, while sipping your aperitivo and listening to Italian opera classics from Verdi, Rossini, and Puccini.
Sunday evenings.
For more concerts and music Rome events in December, click here.
Tours to take in Rome in December
It's a good idea to take a tour in December.
December can be really busy.
So booking a tour is a good way to make sure you get tickets to the sites you want to visit, and also get to enjoy them without fighting the crowds too much.
And even if it's not too crowded, a tour is a great way to see the sights and get to know a bit about them as you go.
For tours to take in December, start here:
Day trips to take in Rome in December
December is a wonderful time to take a day trip, especially if you want to try some food/wine ventures outside Rome.
We have lots of options for places to visit which you can easily reach within 1-2 hours of Rome.
For organized day trips, visit Get Your Guide.
Don't forget to bring these essential travel items with you!
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Activities with kids in Rome in December
Whether you are visiting Rome in December for the holidays or just for a short getaway, if you are coming with kids, there are plenty of tours and activities in Rome geared to children of all ages.
If you're looking for some fun activities with kids, start here:
I've listed some of what I think are the most fun and interesting Rome events in December, and most central. For a complete list of Rome events in December, visit the website of the Rome Tourist Board.
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