

Rome is the beautiful capital of Italy and it has countless attractions, including the iconic Roman ruins of the Colosseum, the Forum and the Pantheon. The Vatican City is also set in Rome, although it is an independent city-state with a series of fascinating museums, displaying the art of Michelangelo and other past greats. Rome is a wonderful destination that offers some of the best vacation apartments and Airbnb vacation rentals to tourists. Throughout the city, there are museums, art galleries and fascinating architecture with favorite spots like the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and more. Those who enjoy shopping head to some of the famous shopping streets of the city, including Via Cola Di Rienzo, Via Dei Coronari and Via Del Governo Vecchio. A different shopping experience is available close to the festive season in the city, where visitors can enjoy exploring the top Christmas markets in Rome, Italy. Scroll below to read more.
Popular picks in Rome
If you’re looking for a unique experience, head to Casa Museo Accademia d'Armi Musumeci Greco where you can hold swards and sabers and try fencing under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Nature lovers can explore the 8-hectare (19.77 acre) The Garden of Ninfa where you can admire 19 varieties of magnolia, aquatic irises, birch trees, and Japanese maples.
Winter in Rome
- According to Weather Atlas, Rome experiences mild winter with temperatures ranging from 3.1°C (37.6°F) in January to 12.6°C (54.7°F) in December. The city also experiences rainfall in January.
Tip from tour guide
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If you're planning to visit Rome during winter, here's what you can expect:- Less crowds and a quieter Rome with a more local feel to it
- Lots of sales during January for shopping
- A varying weather, from hazy skies to bright sunny days that are warmer than you’d expect
- Much cheaper hotels during the off-season, with the food just as delicious
- Lower chances of tickets to the attractions selling out
Overall, it’s a great time for the experience of a lifetime at a slower pace and with a more personal feel!
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Christmas in Rome
According to Italia.it, Christmas in Rome casts a spell of history and fills the air with the sweet aroma of roasting chestnuts. Here are some of the things you can do to make your Christmas holidays fun:
- Shop your heart off at via Condotti and via Borgognona where you'll find 'Made in Italy fashion'
- Relish Pangiallo, the traditional Christmas confectionery of Rome
- Catch some enchanting pop, jazz, and rock music performances at the Parco della Musica Auditorium
However, your visit is incomplete unless you explore some of the best Christmas markets in Rome. These markets allow you to sample the local flavor and offer a glimpse into its rich culture. For more details on Christmas markets, browse through our detailed guide here.
Christmas markets in Rome
1. Magico Natale at Parioli District
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Quando il prodotto e' di qualita',vario ed originale,il prezzo e' contenuto,la competenza,la cortesia e la contagiosa...
Posted by Magico Natale District on Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Rome, with its bright lights and many Christmas markets, sure knows how to celebrate the holiday season to the fullest! One of the grandest Christmas market exhibitions in the city, which recorded a whopping 40,000 visitors annually since its founding, is Magico Natale at Parioli District. More than 100 exhibitors feature their creative works and products at the market, providing countless options for shoppers. As an explorer, I am always excited to visit new places and meet new people. If you’re like, be sure to visit this market when you visit Rome during Christmas. Have a look at this Christmas bazaar and take a piece of Rome back home with you.
Magico Natale at Parioli District
Address: Via Saverio Mercadante, 22 Rome, Lazio, Italy
Website: Magico Natale at Parioli District
2. The Christmas Market at Piazza di Spagna
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
You can tell how much Rome loves the holiday season by the amount of Christmas markets that come alive in the city. Piazza di Spagna is no stranger to bringing the festivity to locals and tourists as it is home to the Christmas Market at the Spanish Steps. This particular bazaar may not be the largest pop-up market in Rome, but it is truly something special. Against the picturesque piazza backdrop, it’s hard not to feel joyful when visiting the Christmas market. Go on a market-hopping tour, and add this to your list! I would love to visit here when I visit this beautiful city for my Christmas breaks.
The Christmas Market at Piazza di Spagna
Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Rome Tour Guide

Jamie
A historian and fearless leader, James studied classics at Leeds University in England and has been a tour guide in Rome for more than 13 years. James has a passion for ancient history, concentrating in the late Roman Republic. If you have a spark of interest in anything Roman, James is the best source of information. A dual citizen of Great Britain and Italy, James was born and raised in Rome ... Read more
Tours by Jamie
3. Mercatino Giapponese: The Christmas City
This Christmas market in Rome brings the other side of the world to you this holiday season. Mercatino Giapponese, or Japanese Market, features its very own Christmas City every December. Located in the PratiBus District, the market has several exhibition areas and creative programs, such as cooking shows and martial arts, for visitors. I believe this market is ideal for families as it has a dedicated space for kids, too. If you feel like getting into the Japanese spirit this Christmas, look no further than Mercatino Giapponese.
Mercatino Giapponese: The Christmas City
Address: Via Biordo Michelotti, 2, 00176 Roma RM, Italy
4. Christmas at the Auditorium, Rome

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Auditorium is Rome’s modern version of the Colosseum, one of the famous buildings in the city. Christmas at the Auditorium in Rome is among the most popular festive markets each year. The 20 or more festive stalls sell locally made and fair trade artisan products, including arts and crafts, clothing, jewelry, Italian confections and delicious seasonal food. An ice-skating rink is located close by, next to which is a bar serving mulled wine to warm visitors up. During the run of the market, Christmas concerts are held to add to the attraction.
Christmas Market at the Auditorium
Address: Auditorium Parco della Musica, Rome, Italy
Website: Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt
5. Christmas and Epiphany Market in Piazza Navona
The Christmas and Epiphany Market in Piazza Navona is one of the largest and best markets in Rome, Italy. Thousands head to the center of the city for the event, which sees a series of stalls set in front of the three fountains in the square – the Fountain of Neptune, the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Fountain of Moro. Visitors can browse a selection of festive decorations, traditional gifts, arts and crafts, knitwear, jewelry and delicious festive food and mulled wine. Christmas carols and songs are played as a musical background throughout the market.
Christmas and Epiphany Market in Piazza Navona
Address: Piazza Navona, Roma, Italy
Tip from tour guide
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Once you are done with your Christmas shopping, take a moment to admire the Baroque structures on the piazza, especially the Four Rivers Fountain. Much of Rome’s modern-day aesthetic can be attributed to the Baroque art movement. Then, if you're looking for some quiet, head to the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone.
Visited this place?
6. Christmas Market at Piazza Mazzini

The flea market in Piazza Mazzini runs all year round on the first and third Sunday of every month. During the Advent season, the market runs on extended dates and hours and changes to a Festive Christmas market. The market is a little quieter than most Christmas markets in Rome. Around 89 stalls are expected to sell Christmas decorations, toys, gifts, arts and crafts, alongside the normal antique and vintage items. This market is particularly popular for its delicious Italian candy, and I would love to try it during my visit here.
Christmas Market at Piazza Mazzini
Address: Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini Square, 00195, Rome, Italy
Website: Christmas Market at Piazza Mazzini
7. Mercato Monti at Christmas
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Situazione attuale da noi: Albero pieno di regali e possibilità di shopping fino alle 18! Dai vieni, ti aspettiamo!
Posted by MercatoMonti on Sunday, 24 December 2017
Posted by MercatoMonti on Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Mercato Monti is open on weekends throughout the year. However, during the Advent period, it transforms into one of Rome’s most popular markets. While the market normally sells the work of designers and small businesses, at Christmas, the two floors of stalls sell vintage goods, festive decorations, clothing, accessories, jewelry and indie arts and crafts. Even better, when the weather is chilly or wet outside, you can browse this market to your heart’s content undercover!
Christmas at Mercato Monti
Address: Via Leonina, 46/48, 00184, Rome, Italy
Website: Mercato Monti
Market highlights: Vintage goods, festive decorations, clothing, accessories, jewelry, and indie arts and crafts.
8. Christmas Market & Christmas Giving Tree at Piazzale Ankara
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A joyful Rome Christmas market is held at Piazzale Ankara (also known as Flaminio Stadium). More than 150 local artists and vendors offer Christmas gift ideas, festive decorations, arts and crafts and more. I would love to explore the collection here and do some souvenir shopping, too. The Onlus group (Associazione Kim Onlus) and various volunteer associations in Rome set up the “Christmas Giving Tree” (L’Albero della Bontà) where food baskets and gifts can be left for the less fortunate in Rome, including children and the elderly.
Christmas Market & Christmas Giving Tree at Piazzale Ankara
Address: Piazzale Ankara, 00197, Rome, Italy
9. Christmas Market at Piazza Caprera

The Christmas market at Piazza Caprera is well known by locals as the market to enjoy the best Italian Christmas food. Here, visitors will smell delightful aromas as they arrive and they can sample some of the most traditional Christmas food, including the famous panettone, a sweet bread served every festive holiday in Italy. As a traveler, I am thrilled to savor new dishes anc cannot wait to try this one. Another option is struffoli, which is a Neapolitan sweet dessert made from friend spheres of dough dipped in honey. Other delightful food is also on offer at this shopping spot in Rome.
Christmas Market at Piazza Caprera
Address: Piazza Caprera, 00198, Rome, Italy
Market highlights: Mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, sweets and traditional scents, wine, crafts, costume jewelry, and more
Have fun exploring Rome

Have fun exploring this historic and fascinating city that offers fantastic things to do and places to visit. View the famous Roman ruins, browse all the well-known shopping streets, gaze in awe at the Vatican City, and eat delicious, traditional Italian cuisines in the many restaurants. Make sure you experience the wonders of Rome at Christmas.
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