Rome in December

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Robert Heaney
Saint Peter's Basilica and Ponte Sant Angelo by night

Renowned home to the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, few destinations match up to the genuine traditional festivity of Rome in December. Alongside its usual selection of historical wonders and culinary delights, the Italian capital truly comes to life throughout the holiday season, its streets adorned with all manner of Christmas décor and brimming with a jovial atmosphere.

Visiting Rome in December

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Average Temperature: 39 - 59°F • Average Rainfall: 9 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 3 hours/day

As is the case for many European destinations throughout the festive period, Rome in December sees a slight uptick in tourism rates from its usual low-season numbers. While its largely evergreen attractions mean that Rome is never truly quiet, you can certainly expect busier streets and slightly more crowded venues than in November or January.

Temperatures in December tend to vary significantly, ranging from mild and comfortable to only a little above freezing. Though you’re likely to get a good few sunshine hours on most days, there’s also a good chance of at least a day of rain each week. If you’re looking to explore some of Rome’s many open-air attractions, prepare to wrap up warm if need be and be sure to pack an umbrella!

Things to do in December

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There are arguably few places better for observing the holiday season than the beating heart of Roman Catholicism. Both Rome and the Vatican pour their souls into honoring the festive period, with impressive Christmas displays housed on St. Peter’s Square and Piazza San Pietro alongside expertly-crafted nativity scenes at 100 Prespi and the Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano.

Nothing reflects the festive period in Europe quite like a Christmas market, replete with all manner of charming gifts and winter treats. Though still a relatively novel concept in Italy, many of the country’s best mercatini di natale take place in Milan, Florence and Bolzano in the north, making for a great festive day trip from the capital. There’s also a smattering of delightful markets throughout Rome itself, the most notable of which can be found on Piazza Navona.

If you find yourself in Rome over Christmas itself, you could be in for a real treat. Catholic churches around the world honor Christmas Eve by holding mass at midnight, and St. Peter’s Basilica is no exception; only this time, the Pope delivers mass himself. Reach out ahead of time, and there’s a chance you might be granted one of a small few free tickets to this very special midnight mass.

While you’d have to be extremely lucky to see Rome in the snow, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the seasonal chill. For a limited time throughout the festive period, the Auditorium Parco della Musica and the Ice Space Village offer excellent ice-skating rinks for those with the right balance or determination to enjoy, both of which open early in December.

Events in December

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Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Should you happen to be exploring Rome on 8 December to find the streets buzzing with processions and lined with locals in prayer, you’re witnessing the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Held to honor the conception of the Virgin Mary, this festival marks the beginning of the holiday season in Italy.

The festival is marked by a couple of key events, the most important being the Pope’s Angelus Prayer on St. Peter’s Square, followed by his procession from the Vatican to the Piazza di Spagna. Another key tradition is the inauguration of St. Peter’s Square, during which many locals and visitors alike gather to see the unveiling of the Vatican’s annual nativity scene and Christmas tree..

Note that the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, or Immacolata, is a public holiday throughout Italy and is of great importance to many Romans. As such, many museums, attractions and services are likely to be closed for the day, including the Vatican Museums. However, most major stores and supermarkets in the center will remain open, along with a handful of restaurants, cafés and bars.

Hanukkah

Although Rome is known for being a predominantly Catholic city, it’s also home to a very substantial Jewish population. So substantial, in fact, that Piazza Barberini hosts an impressive annual event to honor the celebration. A 20-foot tall menorah is erected in the square, drawing in huge crowds as one of its candles are lit every evening of the festival.

Whether you’re religious or not, this daily event is a great way to join in on some seasonal festivity. The lighting of the candles typically takes place at 4 PM on the Sabbath and the final day, and at 6 PM every other evening. Each evening is usually also accompanied by a night of partying and dancing, making for a truly joyful way to spend a winter’s evening in Rome.

New Year’s Eve

Though Christmas may be little more than a recent memory by this point, the festivities are still far from over. On the contrary, just about all of Rome veritably ignites with New Year’s Eve celebrations, making it one of the very best places in Europe to party away the twilight hours of the year.

Many Italians traditionally spend the evening at home or among friends over cenone, or ‘a really big dinner’. Also known as the Festa di San Silvestro, many restaurants throughout Rome offer the meal as a set menu, often consisting in some degree of spiced sausages and lentils. These set menus will often come at a fixed price and may be accompanied by Prosecco and traditional cakes such as panettone or pandoro.

One of the main epicenters of New Year’s Eve celebrations is along the Via dei Fori Imperiali, linking the Colosseum to the Piazza Venezia. Commencing with a late-evening concert, thousands of largely tipsy revelers flock to the area to attempt a collective harmony of Auld Lang Syne as a stupendous display of crackling fireworks bathes the Colosseum in a rainbow-strobing glow.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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Ruins of the Roman Forum
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Rome in April

With the clocks now long since turned forward, the Italian capital embraces a season of fertility. As the country’s agriculture moves into second gear, so too does the influx of tourists to the eternal city. Between its bountiful springtime delicacies, charming weather and renowned historical hotspots, a trip to Rome in April is nothing if not a true seasonal delight. Visiting Rome in April Average Temperature: 46 - 68°F • Average Rainfall: 9 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 7 hours/day With springtime now in full swing, the city of Rome really comes into its own. Famous capital of one of Europe’s most agriculturally bountiful countries, Rome in April comes into full bloom with all-new, fresh seasonal produce throughout its restaurants and stores. For those chasing a genuine taste of Italian culture and cuisine, this is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit. While you’ll just about never see Rome in any state of quiet, its evergreen attractions bringing in everlasting appeal, April stands as one of the final months of the city’s tourism shoulder season. As summer draws closer, so too do the waves of peak-season tourists. Those choosing to get their Roman fix ahead of time will often therefore be rewarded with reduced airfare and accommodation rates, occasionally at somewhat of a significant discount against summertime prices. Throughout spring, Rome finally begins to truly embrace its famed Mediterranean weather. Though the lows can still be somewhat chilly, the highs make for some very pleasant days of exploring the ancient city or lounging on a traditional Italian terrace, and some pretty consistent sunshine only sweetens the pot. Contrary to the popular idiom, you can probably expect sunshine and rainbows during your stay, with rainfall likely on at least a couple days per week. Things to do in April It’s unlikely that you’d be taking a trip to the eternal city without making the rounds of its most famous landmarks and attractions. Explore the vastness of the Colosseum, the world’s largest amphitheater, alongside the remarkably intact architecture of the former Roman temple known as the Pantheon. Somewhat more reflective of a civilization now long since passed, the Roman Forum houses the bare ruins of a number of important government buildings, now mere specters of their former glory. Palatine Hill, in much the same way, is home to the most ancient part of Rome on the most central of the city’s seven hills, said to be the location of the fabled Lupercal cave. Among the most photogenic landmarks in Rome include the astonishingly intricate Trevi Fountain, with its enormous 160-foot wide footprint, as well as the wide, eighteenth-century Spanish Steps connecting the Piazza di Spagna to the Piazza Trinità dei Monti. The attractive craftsmanship of these architectural icons make them very popular with tourists as both great photo ops and delightful places to take a break from the bustle of the city. Equally remarkable but comparatively underrated are the likes of the 120-foot tall Pyramid of Cestius, resting place to priest and magistrate Gaius Cestius and his family from the 1st century BC. The site is a prime example of Egyptian influence in Rome in the wake of the empire’s conquest of Egypt in 30 BC, alongside landmarks such as the Flaminian Obelisk and Obelisk of Montecitorio on Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Monte Citorio, respectively. Those with a taste for the dark and macabre may enjoy exploring somewhat of a literal underside to the famous ancient city. Stretching for miles beneath the streets of Rome, six of the Roman Catacombs are open for public tours, lined floor to ceiling with skeletons dating back almost 2,000 years. What's On in April Spring Festival Each year in April, Italy bursts into celebration of the spring season with the Festa della Primavera, or Spring Festival. Typically running through to June, the country organizes all manner of seasonal events and activities in an historical tradition honoring agricultural fertility. Throughout Rome specifically, signs of the springtime festival are hard to ignore. Alongside glorious floral displays at the Orange Garden and Rose Garden on Aventine Hill, the Spanish Steps erupt with the flaming tones of pretty pink azaleas. Rome also organizes a vast program of events to take place throughout the season, from art fairs and street markets to diverse exhibits and installations throughout the city. Theater shows, concerts and sporting events often join in on the fun, while a variety of activities and entertainment also tends to sprout up along the banks of the Tiber. Birthday of Rome On the closest Sunday to April 21, widely considered the anniversary of Rome’s foundation in 753 BC, the ancient city jumps back in time as the streets are taken over by hundreds of historical re-enactors from across the continent in one of the season’s most locally-anticipated events. Parading through the historic streets of the city center, attendees come dressed in historically accurate costumes from various eras of Ancient Rome. The procession typically takes place between 10 AM and 4 PM, accompanied by a variety of re-enactments, historic events and activities throughout the city, often followed by an impressive light show and fireworks display. Romanesco Artichoke Festival Held each year in the nearby coastal city of Ladispoli, the Romanesco Artichoke Festival typically takes place over several days in mid-April in celebration of some of the region’s most traditionally lauded seasonal produce. The humble Romanesco artichoke was a staple of peasant diets for centuries, before becoming widely cultivated around Rome in the wake of the Second World War. Since the war, the typically sleepy seaside resort of Ladispoli now serves as the epicenter of the artichoke industry for one week each spring, blossoming in celebration of the popular crop. Throughout the festival, the city hosts an impressive program of events, including a traditional conference on the economics and cultivation of the artichoke, an artichoke-based cooking contest, sporting events and cultural activities, often accompanied by live music. Fried artichokes are often handed out to attendees, while many local restaurants serve special, fixed menus throughout the season featuring an assortment of artichoke-based dishes. Elaborate artichoke sculptures line the city streets in every imaginable arrangement, with a prize awarded to the most creative piece. Other such artichoke-centered festivals also take place in other Italian towns around April, but the Ladispoli is easily the biggest and most important of them all. The Romanesco Artichoke Festival is well worth visiting for those keen to explore a niche yet exciting aspect of Italian culinary culture.
Robert Heaney
Women laughing and eating pizza in Rome
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Rome Airport to City Travel Options

You know the feeling. You’ve just stepped off the plane and cleared passport control, and your feet are already itching to get to the main attractions. And boy, what a cornucopia of treats await you here in the Eternal City. We’re talking world-famous sights like the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain and the spectacular Spanish Steps. And don’t even get us started on the pizza and gelato here. Delizioso! But first you need to get out of the airport and into town. Read on for our guide to the best, fastest and most cost-efficient ways to get from Rome’s airports to the city center. Rome Airports in Brief Rome has two main airports and, depending where you’re flying in from, chances are you’re going to end up in one or the other. Helpfully (or perhaps not), both airports also have two names. Here’s the lowdown: Rome-Fiumicino (aka Leonardo da Vinci International Airport): the larger of the two, Fiumicino is situated south-west of the city and is well connected by public transport. It’s around a 35-45 minute drive from Rome’s historic center. Rome-Ciampino (aka Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport): Ciampino is physically closer to Rome city center (around 13km to Fiumicno’s 25km), but traffic in the southern part of the city means that it takes about the same amount of time (35-45 minutes) to drive into town. But what’s the best way to get to Rome from the airport? Read on to find out… Rome Airport to City by Public Transport Traveling light on a short Rome city break? Then public transport might just be the best (and cheapest) option for you. Great news: both airports have direct connections by bus and train! Public Transport from Fiumicino to Rome City Center Da Vinci’s legacy looms large in Rome and we’re sure he’d be delighted that this also includes the ever-reliable Leonardo Express, which has turned public transportation into an art form. Well, nearly. This fast train takes just 32 minutes to reach Roma Termini Station in downtown Rome, with departures scheduled every 15 minutes, round the clock. Tickets cost €14 one way and group passes (€40 for four people) make this a comfortable and affordable alternative to taking a cab. If, however, you’re looking to save your Euros for Rome’s ubiquitous souvenir shops, opt for the shuttle bus. These are less convenient – departures are only every 40 minutes or so and journeys take up to an hour – but the cost of a ticket is less than half that of the Leonardo Express, which can of course make a real difference if you’re traveling with the family or a large group of friends. Public Transport from Ciampino to Rome City Center Ciampino Airport also offers reliable shuttle bus and train options. The train station is in nearby Ciampino, so you’ll need to take the short bus ride (€1.20) to reach it. From there, trains run every 30 minutes between 5.30AM and 10.30PM, taking around 15 minutes to reach Roma Termini Station and costing the princely sum of around €1.50 one way. Alternatively, you’ll find several shuttle bus services running from Ciampino Airport to downtown Rome. Prices range from a mere €1.20 for the least frequent departures up to €6. There are often surcharges for excess luggage and the journey takes around 40 minutes. Rome Airport to City by Private Transfer Perhaps you’re looking to swing up to your Rome hotel in style. In which case, rejoice! There are good private transfer options from both airports. You can book these in advance for peace of mind on arrival and, who knows, you might even luck out and get a chatty cabbie who can give you the lowdown on Rome’s best under-the-radar restaurants and attractions. Private Transfers from Fiumicino to Rome City Center Join the queue outside the terminal to bag yourself the cheapest private transfer. Cab prices to central Rome are fixed at €48 one way for up to four passengers, including luggage. If in doubt about what constitutes ‘central Rome’, check with your driver and agree any surcharges before getting into the cab. Pre-booked airport-to-city transfers are a little pricier at €75 per vehicle but, as the driver will be waiting for you in the terminal (look for the sign with your name on it), it’s faster and more convenient than standing in line with the masses. Minibusses for up to seven people are a good option for large groups, and can also be booked in advance. All of these modes of transport from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city center should take around 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Private Transfers from Ciampino to Rome City Center Much like Fiumicino, cabs from Ciampino to downtown Rome also have a fixed rate. It’s €30 for up to four passengers and their luggage. Pre-booked airport transfers from Ciampino to city center hotels cost €50 and take 35-45 minutes. Rome Airport to City by Rental Vehicle Driving in Rome is very much the preserve of motoring masochists. It’s a city where having your vehicle rear-ended outside the Coliseum is practically a rite of passage, where the sound of car horns blaring angrily can be deafening (and rather stressful!), and where red lights and speed limits are often considered ‘optional’. If you like the sound of all that, you’ll find car rental agencies galore in and around both Fiumicino and Ciampino airports in Rome. We’re talking all the usual suspects: Hertz, Enterprise, Europcar, Thrifty and more. Prices vary wildly depending on whether you’re happy with a three-door Fiat or prefer a souped-up Merc, but there are plenty of affordable options for the casual driver. Note that parking in central Rome can be expensive and many city center hotels do not offer parking facilities. Save on attractions, tours and activities in Rome Save on admission to Rome attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Saint Peter's Basilica and Ponte Sant Angelo reflected in the River Tiber
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Rome in February

Celebrated home to many of Europe’s most famous cultural and historical attractions, Rome presents a unique concoction of both low-season calm and celebratory chaos throughout February. No matter your preferences, whether you’d rather explore the city’s famous sights without the crowds or join in on a city-wide street party, Rome in February has it all. Visiting Rome in February Average Temperature: 37 - 57°F • Average Rainfall: 6 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 5 hours/day Continuing the trend set throughout January, Rome in February maintains a relatively low throughput of tourists. While the Italian capital is never truly quiet, owing to its largely evergreen key attractions, this period stands as one of the best times to see Rome in its most serene, authentic state. That being said, events in February such as Carnevale and Valentine’s Day are very much an exception to Rome’s low-season serenity. These celebrations help to create a truly electric atmosphere throughout the city, but they also come at the cost of much busier venues and attractions. Whether these are the ideal times for you to visit will depend entirely on your own preferences. Rome’s weather stays relatively consistent throughout winter, with February temperatures typically drifting between a little above freezing and mildly comfortable. With at least one day of rainfall likely per week to complement the cooler winter climate, you’ll want to make sure to pack appropriately if you plan on exploring more of the city’s open-air attractions. Things to do in February The winter low season is a fantastic time to experience some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks in relative peace. While the likes of Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona are notorious for drawing in a constant stream of tourists, they aren’t nearly as busy during this period as in the busier summer months. Be sure to come early in the day if you want to snap that perfect shot ahead of the crowds. Also worth a visit in February are the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, now in one of their most serene periods between the religious festivities of the festive season and Lent. Take this opportunity to explore one of the world’s most impressive collections of historical artifacts and artworks, and admire the impressive master architecture of two of the world’s most iconic religious sites. In much the same way, winter’s smaller tourism scene makes February a great time to explore more of the country’s best offerings. With Naples, Florence and Pompeii just a little over an hour’s train journey away from Rome, a day trip is more than enough time to experience more of Italy’s world-renowned culture, cuisine and history. If you’re looking for something of a different experience of the Italian capital, take some time to discover the more macabre side to the city. The Roman Catacombs stretch for miles beneath the city, lined with the skeletons of a civilization now long passed, while the likes of a Dark Rome tour takes visitors on a stroll through some of Rome’s darkest and most fascinating stories and legends, from gritty historical events to whispers of the supernatural. What's On in February Carnevale di Roma With roots as far back as the 12th Century, Carnevale is one of Rome’s most hotly anticipated annual events. For eight straight days, the city of Rome comes to a near-complete standstill as thousands of locals and visitors alike take to the streets to revel in all manner of colorful festivities. Historically, the festival stood as a final chance to feast and party in the lead-up to Lent. Alongside much dancing, singing, eating and drinking, the celebration was often punctuated by impressive duels, bullfights, parades and a particularly popular riderless horse race. Although some of these events may have since fallen out of practice, the same jovial merriment is still very much alive in today’s Carnevale. Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Navona and Piazza della Repubblica are often the main epicenter of festivities, erupting into great street parties complete with events and entertainment for all ages. Another popular venue is Castel Sant’Angelo, where you can typically find live music performances and a generally electric buzz, often along with an artificial ice rink. While the traditional Berber horse race fell into oblivion long ago, horses still play an important role in the festival. The race has since been succeeded by a horse-back costumed parade throughout Rome’s historic streets, often joined and escorted by horses from the military’s own equestrian unit. A large equestrian show takes place later in the festival, with horses performing all manner of impressive acrobats and dressage, where children may also be offered free horse-back rides. Those already familiar with Carnevale celebrations in Europe in general may already be aware that Italy’s most popular and famous celebration actually takes place in Venice rather than Rome. If you’re looking to join the very best festivities that Italy has to offer, Rome simply pales in comparison to the colorfully chaotic street parties of Carnevale in Venice. Valentine's Day One of Europe’s most famously romantic cities, there are few better places than Rome to spend Valentine’s Day. Take a relaxing evening stroll along the banks of the Tiber, enjoy a candlelit dinner at a charming Italian restaurant, gaze up at the stars from one of the city’s many popular trattorias or take part in one of many possible couple-friendly activities. Many restaurants and venues throughout the city take the opportunity to offer special menus, products and discounts on and around February 14, resulting in almost endless ways to really treat that special someone. We’d recommend you make plans and bookings ahead of time to avoid any disappointment on the day
Robert Heaney

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