Does Rome Decorate for Christmas?

By Michael Ferguson

Christmas is a magical time of year when cities all over the world transform into winter wonderlands. When it comes to holiday decorations, Rome is no exception. The Eternal City embraces the festive spirit and adorns its streets, buildings, and landmarks with a plethora of Christmas decorations.

Christmas Lights

One of the most enchanting aspects of Christmas in Rome is the stunning light displays that illuminate the city. From early December until early January, Rome’s streets are adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a truly mesmerizing atmosphere.

The most famous display can be found on Via del Corso, one of Rome’s main shopping streets. Here, you’ll find an impressive array of lights that span for almost two kilometers. Walking along this street feels like stepping into a fairytale as the lights shimmer and dance above your head.

Piazza Navona Christmas Market

No Christmas celebration in Rome would be complete without a visit to Piazza Navona. This iconic square transforms into a festive market during the holiday season, offering visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the Christmas cheer.

The market is filled with stalls selling all sorts of goodies and gifts, including crafts, toys, sweets, and local delicacies. You can also find nativity scenes and beautifully decorated Christmas trees to add that extra touch of magic.

The Vatican City

As the heart of Catholicism, it’s no surprise that Vatican City goes all out when it comes to Christmas decorations. St. Peter’s Square is adorned with an enormous Christmas tree donated by a different European country each year.

The tree stands tall against the backdrop of St. Peter’s Basilica and is often accompanied by a life-size nativity scene nearby. These intricate scenes depict the birth of Jesus and are a sight to behold, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Shopping Streets

Aside from Via del Corso, Rome boasts several other shopping streets that go above and beyond with their Christmas decorations. Via dei Condotti, near the Spanish Steps, is known for its luxury boutiques and stunning light displays.

Another popular shopping destination during the festive season is Via dei Coronari. This picturesque street is lined with antique shops and art galleries, each adorned with their own unique and charming Christmas decorations.

In conclusion,

Rome truly embraces the magic of Christmas by decorating its streets, squares, and landmarks in a way that captivates both locals and tourists. From the mesmerizing light displays to the festive markets and nativity scenes, there’s no shortage of holiday spirit in the Eternal City during this time of year.

If you happen to find yourself in Rome during Christmas, make sure to take a stroll through its beautifully decorated streets and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere that only this city can offer.