In December in Rome, the shopping streets are full and the museums are empty. There are many nativity scenes to see, festive streets and stores.
5 Reasons to Visit Rome in December
Fewer tourists visit Rome until the Christmas holidays. Accommodation is therefore cheaper and even very good hotels can be booked at reasonable prices. Read our information about hotels in Rome.
The climate in Rome in December is mild compared to many other European cities. With temperatures typically between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius, it is pleasant enough to explore the city on foot.
Rome is beautifully decorated in the run-up to Christmas. The city shines in festive splendor with lights and decorations. A special attraction is the Christmas tree and the nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square. Lovingly designed nativity scenes can also be found in almost every church.
During the Christmas season, Rome becomes a shopping paradise. The main streets such as Via del Corso, Via dei Condotti and Via Cola di Rienzo are festively decorated with elegant shop windows inviting you to stroll and shop. Visitors will find a mix of luxury boutiques, international fashion brands and unique Italian designer stores.
The cold season is particularly suited to winter Roman cuisine. Fried rice balls and fried fish, typical Roman pasta dishes and oxtail are all part of the menu. It is the time for artichokes, which in Rome are prepared in a special way.
A must-see for first-time visitors: Welcome to Rome Multimedia Show Tickets
Show about the history of Rome and exhibition with interactive models
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 203 
Bus 46, 62, 64, 916 Bus stop C.so Vittorio Emanuele / Navona
Weather in Rome in December
In December, temperatures in Rome are usually higher than in other European cities. The mornings are cold and there can be fog. As long as the sun is shining, it is pleasant. Evenings and nights are cold. It rains occasionally and there may be thunderstorms.
At the turn of the year, it can be frosty and windy.
Climate data December
| Tmax Ø | 12°C/53.6°F |
| Tmin Ø | 5°C/41°F |
| Sunshine hours Ø | 3.5 |
| Days with rain Ø | 10 |
Source: www.wetter.com
What to wear in Rome in December
Since you will be spending a lot of time outdoors in Rome, you will need warm clothing and rain gear. Comfortable shoes are also important in Rome, as you will be walking a lot and the sidewalks are often bumpy.
A scarf, gloves and a hat are especially useful in the evenings and at night.
Opening hours in December
St. Peter’s Basilica
Basilica 7-19.10 – dome 7.30-17 – treasure 7.30-18.30
St. Peter’s Basilica is closed during papal celebrations for which you need an invitation. These are mainly the papal masses during the Christmas holidays.
Vatican Museums
Monday – Thursday 8 – 17 Closed 19, Friday – Saturday, December 23 and 30 8 – 18 Closed 20. Closed on Sundays and December 25 and 26. Closing on December 23 and 30 at 3 pm.
Free admission on Sunday 29.12., 9 – 12:30 Closing 14:00.
Free entrance to National and Municipal Museums
In Rome, some of the museums belong to the municipality and some to the state.Free entrance to all National and Municipal Museums on December 1. You can find the complete list of museums on our Museums in Rome page.
Exhibitons Rome December
Events
Saturday 7 December 5 pm Inauguration of the Christmas crib in St. Peter’s Square
For more information see our article on Christmas in Rome
December 7 Musei in Musica A night of music in the museums of Rome
Participating: Capitoline Museums, Centrale Montemartini, Trajan’s Markets and many others
8 pm – 2 am 1€
Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna 20:00 – 22:00 2 €
Porta Portese Market
every Sunday 7:00 – 14:00 Flea market & antiques
between Porta Portese and Via Ippolito Nievo
Ponte Milvio Market
Antiques market every Sunday
Between Ponte Milvio and Ponte Duca D’Aosta
Traffic-calmed Sunday
December 1, Traffic-calmed Sunday – driving ban for private vehicles with combustion engines in the city center
7:30 am – 12:30 pm, 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Christmas concert in the Vatican
Dec. 14 17:00 Auditorio della Conciliazione https://www.concertodinatale.it/en/home-eng/
Broadcast on 24.12. in the evening program of Canale 5
Sport
ATLETICOM WE RUN ROME
10 km run and 5 km run
Dec. 31 14:00, Stadio delle Terme di Caracalla
Papal Audiences and Papal Masses
Audiences of the Holy Father in December
The Pope’s Angelus prayer takes place every Sunday and on December 26 at noon in St. Peter’s Square.
General audiences of the Holy Father take place on Wednesdays at 9 am with the exception of December 25.
Masses of the Pope
Dec. 8 9:30 a.m. St. Peter’s Basilica: Conception of the Virgin Mary
Dec. 12 6:00 p.m. St. Peter’s Basilica: Holy Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Dec. 24 Opening of the Holy Door. Start of the Jubilee Year
Dec. 24 19:00 St. Peter’s Basilica: Holy Mass and opening of the Holy Door. Tickets can be requested from the Prefecture of the Papal Household.
Dec. 31 5:00 p.m. St. Peter’s Basilica: Vespers
Blessing Urbi et Orbi
At noon on December 25th, the Pope gives the blessing to the city and the world Urbi et Orbi from the loggia delle benedizioni.
Christmas
Concerts
Rome has a lively music scene. Many pubs and music venues offer live music, especially on weekends. Classical music can be found in many churches and palaces.
Rome’s Music Park
A jewel is the Parco della Musica, built by the internationally known architect Renzo Piano, in northern Rome on Via Flaminia. See all events here. Events and tickets
Tram 2
There are several auditoriums and an open-air stage in the Parco della Musica. There are performances in all styles.
Some events are also organized together with the Casa del Jazz. Events and Tickets Casa del Jazz
Bus 160, 671, 714, 792
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Rome?
There are few tourists in Rome until the 24th of December. It’s a very good time to get to know the city and its sights. The Holy Year begins on Dec. 24 and many pilgrims will come to Rome. The Vatican and the city center will be very crowded.
What should I bring to Rome in December?
In December, you will need warm clothes, rain protection and comfortable shoes. Leave enough room in your suitcase for Christmas shopping and a fashion accessory or two.
What to do in Rome in December
December is a good time to visit museums and churches and enjoy the excellent Roman cuisine. Stroll the streets decorated for the holidays and shop for Italian fashion, culinary specialties and antiques.