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Rome events in February 2025 - Holidays, exhibits, concerts, and other things to do
Rome events in February include Valentine's Day, Six-Nations Rugby matches, and Carnival.
Whether you are visiting Rome in February for a romantic getaway around Valentine's Day, or to enjoy a Six-Nations rugby match, or Carnival, there's plenty happening in Rome this month!Find out all the things to see and do in Rome in February.
Rome events in February 2025 - What's happening
February is a great time to visit Rome for a lot of reasons, whether you're visiting for a romantic getaway, or are craving a quieter winter month, or are coming for some Six-Nations rugby!
February 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 February 2025:
- Holidays in Rome in February
- Current exhibits at Rome's museums
- Sports/sporting events in Rome in February
- Vatican events in February
- Free things to do in Rome in February
- Nighttime things to do in Rome in February
- Concerts and operas in Rome in February
- Tours to take in Rome in February
- Day trips to take in Rome in February
- Things to do with kids in Rome in February
Holidays and special dates in Rome in February
Probably the date that comes to mind for many in February is Valentine's Day.
There are no other major Rome events in February, but there are plenty of things to do, concerts, exhibits, etc.
February 14 - Valentine's Day
If you're visiting Rome over Valentine's Day, you may be looking for some romantic things to do and romantic places to eat.
I've got you covered!
If you're looking for some unique ways and/or a place to propose, try these options.
Carnival/carnevale
Carnival begins the week before Lent, culminating in Fat Tuesday, followed by Ash Wednesday.
In 2025 Lent falls in March but most years February is when Carnival is celebrated.
Dates for Carnival, Carnevale in Italian, in 2025 are:
- Fat Thursday: February 27
- Carnival Sunday: March 2
- Fat Tuesday: March 4
- Ash Wednesday March 5
Expect to see kids dressed up and coriandoli (coloured confetti) all over Rome's streets and sidewalks.
While Carnival in Venice is a really famous event for grownups, in Rome it seems to be mostly about kids dressing up.
One of the best things about Rome in February is enjoying these fried sugary treats, castagnole and frappe, here shown at Roscioli bakery.And of course, the best part about Carnival in Rome?
Eating the fried sugary dough treats, castagnole and frappe.
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Current exhibits and events at Rome's museums in February
The cooler winter months are a great time to take in the arts indoors.
Some museums stay open later on the weekends.
There are several Rome events in February at various museums around the city:
Capitoline Museums
I Colori dell"Antico
The exhibition presents a comprehensive journey through the use of polychrome marble from its origins to the 20th century, focusing on Roman architecture and its socio-political significance. Displayed across two rooms of Palazzo Clementino, over 660 marble pieces, including fragments from the Santarelli Foundation and Collezione Capitolina, showcase ancient craftsmanship, imperial expansion, and evolving artistic techniques, offering insights into Rome’s history and its enduring legacy.
Through April 20, 2032
For tickets, click here.
Musei Di Villa Torlonia
Niki Berlinguer - The Lady of the Tapestries
A complete overview of the tapestry production made by the famous weaver and artist. For the first time, the Casina delle Civette hosts an exhibition of 20th-century tapestries that dialogue with the architectural liberty of the windows and the rooms of this Roman jewel.
Through June 4, 2025.
For details and tickets, click here.
Palazzo Altemps
Palazzo Altemps hosts Roma, an exhibition celebrating the Eternal City through the lens of renowned Italian photographer Gabriele Basilico, marking the 80th anniversary of his birth.
The exhibition highlights Basilico’s deep connection to Rome, showcasing projects he undertook in the capital over his career. A Milanese artist who passed away in 2013, Basilico is remembered for his profound admiration for the city’s architecture and urban landscapes.
On view are over 50 works, featuring 20 professional commissions focused on Rome, carried out between 1985 and 2011, and the resulting photographic campaigns that capture his unique vision. For more information, click here.
Through February 23, 2025
Ara Pacis
Rome celebrates the work of Franco Fontana, the acclaimed Italian photographer renowned for his vividly colorful landscapes, with a major retrospective at the Ara Pacis Museum.
Described as "a celebration of geometric lines and an explosion of colors," this exhibition is the first large-scale tribute to the 90-year-old photographer from Modena.
A leading figure in 20th-century Italian photography, Fontana is celebrated for his vibrant, abstract style, often referred to as Photographic Trans-avantgarde. His striking images have also graced the covers of jazz albums, further cementing his iconic status.
The exhibition features more than 200 photographs, spanning Fontana's career. Highlights include American landscapes, cityscapes, swimming pools, and his famous depictions of the Appian Way and the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana in Rome.
For more details, click here.
Through August 31, 2025
Sport/sporting Rome events in February
Catch the Six-Nations Rugby matches in Rome:
Azzurri vs Wales - February 8, 2025
Azzuri vs France - February 23, 2025
Azzurri vs Ireland - March 15, 2025
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.
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Vatican Events in February
On Sunday, February 2 2025, there will be a Papal Mass for the "Feast of the Presentation of the Lord - Holy Mass".
Mass is at 17:30 inside St. Peter's Basilica.
When the Pope is in town, you can attend the Wednesday Papal Audience, or watch the pope give the Angelus in St. Peter's Square on Sunday.
Both are free.
For the Papal Audience, you need tickets. For the Angelus, you don't.
February 11, 2025 is a national holiday in Vatican City it is the anniversary of the foundation of Vatican City, so the Vatican Museums are closed this day.
This does not affect the opening hours of St. Peter's Basilica, or Vatican Square, which are both open and free.
Depending on when Easter falls, February can have a few Vatican-related events, such as Ash Wednesday.
In 2025, Ash Wednesday is March 5th.
You may attend this Papal Mass.
It's free but you need a ticket.
Visit Rome's Parks and gardens
While February can be a cold month, it can still be a beautiful time to visit a park or garden in Rome, and they are all open in winter.
Rome events in February - Free things to do
If you're looking for some fun Rome events in February that are free, the below are confirmed for 2025:
The first Sunday of the month, Rome's Civic Museums are free for everyone.
On Sunday February 2, 2024, you can visit the Capitoline Museums, Ara Pacis, Villa Torlonia, Trajan's Market and many others for free. For more details and booking, click the link below to visit the official site.
In 2025 the Vatican Museums will be free and open on Sunday February 23.
Expect large crowds on this day, even in February.
St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square are free and open daily.
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.
In February 2025, the Colosseum will be free to enter on Sunday February 2.
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.
Nighttime things to do in Rome in February
In Rome in February the evenings can be pretty chilly and of course it gets dark early.
But that doesn't mean you cannot enjoy the city after the sun goes down!
For nighttime tours and Rome events in February, visit Viator.
Ready to plan your trip?
Book your train
Planning to travel between cities in Italy and other parts of Europe?
Use Trainline to see all the different options available across the different rail companies.
Find your hotel
Find your perfect place to stay in Rome.
Use Booking.com to choose between hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments in neighborhoods throughout the Eternal City.
Buy your TurboPass
Purchase the convenient Turbopass and visit all of Rome's top attractions including the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Vatican.
With one handy pass, it's all included.
Rome events in February - Concerts, operas, shows
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.
Don't forget to bring these essential travel items with you!
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Valentine's Day Concerts
The Great Opera and Ballet St Valentine's Special Edition
Combining the great Italian opera arias with ballet dancers, this special event takes place in the evocative Caravita Church, between the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon.
February 14th at 8:30 PM
Opera Concert with traditional Italian dinner
Combine a delicious dinner with operatic performance in a historic church setting in the heart of Rome.
February 14 at 7:30 PM, as well as other dates.
For more concerts and music Rome events in February, click here.
Tours to take in Rome in February
This could be considered a romantic tour to take in February:
Settings of the Opera Tosca Walking Tour
Explore the beauty of Rome while visiting the sites where the acts of Puccini's famous opera Tosca took place.
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 more tours to take in February, start here:
Day trips to take in Rome in February
February 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.
Activities with kids in Rome in February
Whether you are visiting Rome in February 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 February, and most central.
For a complete list of Rome events in February, visit the website of the Rome Tourist Board.
Romewise's Top Travel Resources
Ready to book your trip to Rome? Take a look at these helpful links to companies we use and trust:
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