We have previously extolled the virtues of booking a vacation rental in Rome and spending the Christmas Holidays exploring the city and all of its festive delights. Of course, for practising Christians to whom religion is a core tenet of their lives, it would make sense to celebrate one of the biggest religious events in the calendar in the spiritual hub of the Catholic Church. However, for those who are less religious or not even Christian at all, there is still much to recommend a holiday in Rome over the Holidays!
From the food and wine, to the beautiful decorations, to the Christmas markets, to the special events and unique traditions there is even more to see, do, and enjoy in the endless list of attractions already on offer in the Eternal City at this time of the year. Plus, it may be when the city is at its loveliest – with twinkling lights and other decorations adding a festive cheer and pretty addition to the grand monuments and wonders of the past of Rome!
In addition to attending choir services, shopping at markets, going to a play or the ballet, visiting museums and architectural gems, wandering gorgeous historic streets with a sweet Christmas veneer, trying seasonal delights in bakeries and restaurants, chatting over drinks, and more, those who book a holiday rental in Rome and visit at this time of the year might also want to try one very seasonally appropriate and magical activity: ice skating in the charming festive surroundings of Rome! A great way to embrace the season and warm up as you explore the city during the winter, there are a variety of different rinks around the city to choose from each year...
Christmas World at Villa Borghese
Christmas World is a full Christmas experience that can be found on the grounds of the Villa Borghese Gardens. This is the third-largest park in the city, stretching over 80 hectares, and is located on the Pincian Hill, not far from the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo. Named for the building on the grounds that was the first residence of Cardinal Scipione Borghese and built at the beginning of the seventeenth century (now a museum that houses great masterpieces by the likes of Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Bernini, and Canova), the park is home to various other buildings, museums, and institutions, a zoo, gorgeous formal gardens, a lake where you can go on boat rides, vast green space, and more. At Christmas, the park also hosts Christmas World, a large-scale festive extravaganza with rides, lights, familiar characters wandering about, carousels, performers, music, restaurants, and more. In addition to all of this, there is a gorgeous ice-skating rink surrounded by the festive wonder of Christmas World and with this iconic park as a backdrop. A truly magical place to skate and have a full festive day out for all the family or go romantic dates or enjoy fun Christmas cheer with pals, this is a great option and another excuse to visit this key Roman landmark! The festival opens on the 30th of November 2024 and will continue through to the 6th of January 2025 so be sure to plan a visit if you are booking a villa in Rome this Christmas!
Christmas World
Viale del Galoppatoio, 33, 00197 Roma RM, Italy
Galleria Porta di Roma
If you’re just interested in ice-skating while you’re out shopping or exploring the city during the festive period, however, then the option at the Galleria Porta di Roma mall might be a better fit. Another key fixture of the city during this festive season, this popular ice-skating spot is often one of the most inexpensive options for skating in Rome. Booking is a good idea as things can be hectic at this time of the year but once you have your session secured then come visit their outdoor rink, skate for a bit with your travel companions, enjoy the lights, the laughter, and the magic, and then pop along to a nearby café to grab a hot drink. Open until January 2025, this is a pretty spot to skate as you join in the festive traditions on holiday in Rome.
Galleria Porta di Roma
Via Alberto Lionello, 201, 00139 Roma RM, Italy
Ice Park
Ice Park is a chain of ice-skating rinks that pop up each Christmas and has eight different locations in various spots around Rome including Piazza Re di Roma and at Foro Italico. With long opening hours (until midnight in some locations), this option makes it easier to fit an ice-skating excursion into your itinerary if you have booked a vacation rental in Rome and are trying to see and do all sorts of festive activities during your time in the city!
So, if you are considering a villa in Rome over the Christmas season and you want to make the most of the festive cheer, celebrations, special events, and the gorgeous backdrop of the Eternal city in the creation of some very magical memories this year then be sure to plan a trip to an ice rink as well! With plenty of options in lovely locations all over the city, you are positively spoiled for choice. Plan your special winter holiday in Rome today and fall in love with all that the city has to offer at this time of the year, on top of the already endless list of things to see and do in this ancient and breath-taking place.