While other destinations are more famous as Christmas getaway hot-spots, Rome during the Holidays is something truly magical indeed. The Eternal City is filled with churches that host special Masses, concerts, charity events, and more, theatres putting on concerts and festive performances, a historic centre made more lovely by Christmas lights, monuments like the Colosseum adorned with a Christmas tree or decorations, shops with beautifully decorated windows, festive excitement, Christmas markets, and much more besides.
Not only is there plenty to see and do to get you in the Christmas spirit but you would be hard pressed to find dreamier backdrops anywhere else in the world. Plus, the city does host a rather large and lovely Christmas market that might not quite compete with some of the more famous examples in the world but will do rather nicely indeed if you book a vacation rental in Rome for this holiday season...
Il Natale a Roma is an annual Christmas market and event in Rome that is the city’s largest festive celebration. This year’s edition is set to open on the 3rd of December 2026 and run until the 6th of January 2027. Final details have yet to be announced, including the location, but last year it took place in the EUR district of Rome, adding twinkling lights, Alpine chalets, and a whole Christmas village to the rationalist architecture and lake of the neighbourhood.
What we can expect, based on previous years is that entry will be free and you can enjoy the Roman take on a traditional Christmas market. Last year there were over 100 stalls along the lakeside promenade of Viale America selling food, drinks, handmade crafts, local specialities, vintage goods, and more.
In addition to the market part of the village, there is a 50m-tall Ferris wheel that offers attendees sweeping views over Rome. Santa’s House is also on-site and decorated beautifully, making meeting the big man himself an especially magical experience for kids. Ice-staking on the rink located in the village is another truly special experience and a synchronised light show with music each evening is an ideal cap to a perfect festive day out in the city.
Open daily through its run, Il Natale a Roma is an easy addition to an itinerary in the city over the Holidays and is a true must if you are booking a holiday rental in Rome and are looking to soak up the festive atmosphere of the Eternal City. We always say that you would need an eternity to see and do everything that Rome has to offer but adding this festive experience to your vacation in Italy at this time of the year is well worth it if you want to really take in the extraordinary charm of this grand and impossibly beautiful city when it is bathed in the Christmas spirit! Contact us today and allow our team of seasoned villa experts to offer you personalised holiday rental recommendations and planning support to put together a dream festive vacation.