10 things to do in Rome on New Year's Eve and Christmas 2023
Nov 9, 2024 2:11:03 GMT -5
Post by habiba123820 on Nov 9, 2024 2:11:03 GMT -5
Italy , and Rome in particular, is one of the favourite destinations for spending the New Year in Europe . And it is not surprising: when Rome is dressed up, with its Christmas lights and festive atmosphere, it is even more attractive, if possible. OK, I am Italian and I am not very objective. Rome is my weak point. I used to go there every year to do my Christmas shopping… but it really is great. If you are not afraid of crowds, of course! In addition to seeing what the Eternal City always has to offer – be sure to take a look at our article what to see in Rome in 3 days and its “extension” Rome in 4 days – there is much more to Christmas .
Churches of Rome Basilica of Saint Peter Exterior Jump
But what is there to do in Rome on wordpress web design agency New Year's Eve and Christmas ? You should know that in Italy there are no grapes or bells, but you can still enjoy it! Here are 9 ideas – and one extra for the whole year – and many of them are free !
Happy Christmas!
Saltaconmyadvice
Before you head out onto the streets of the Eternal City, check out our tips for traveling to Rome and tips for traveling to Italy . And, since you'll also want to enjoy fine dining, a must in the Eternal City, be sure to read our article Where to Eat in Rome: Restaurants and More .
Enjoy the Christmas lights
The whole centre of Rome , as expected, is lit up every year with Christmas lights . Via dei Condotti and Via del Corso, which ends at Piazza Venezia with its large illuminated tree, are the best known, but there are many more streets lit up. We have prepared a map with the main streets where there are Christmas lights in Rome , so you don't miss any!
It may be a good opportunity to tour Rome on a tourist bus and enjoy many of them. You can see the ticket prices here .
Nativity scenes and Christmas trees: in St. Peter's Square and not only
Even if you are not religious, at Christmas it is worth visiting the churches of Rome not only to admire their architecture, paintings or sculptures, but also to marvel at their nativity scenes – presepi in Italian. In fact, we have written a specific article about them: Nativity scenes in Rome: the most beautiful in the Italian capital .
Nativity scenes in Rome Santa Maria Via Napolitano
Some of the most beautiful are those of the churches of Santi Quirico e Giulitta (in this case inside the church there is a museum dedicated to nativity scenes ), Cosma e Damiano , Santa Maria in Via , Santa Maria Maggiore (in this case it is also a museum), Santa Maria in Aracoeli and Santa Maria dell'Anima .
But there are not only nativity scenes in churches, the most famous one is right in St. Peter's Square! Yes, the nativity scene in St. Peter's Basilica is outside the building. In 2023, it will open to the public on December 9 at 5 p.m. – at the same time as the tree will be lit – and will be up until January 7, 2024. Each year, a region or town in Italy is responsible for its creation. We saw the sand one on the beaches of Jesolo, near Venice, where the tradition of sand nativity scenes has long existed, in 2018. This year, 2023, marks the 800th anniversary of the first nativity scene created by St. Francis of Assisi.
Nativity scenes in Rome St. Peter's Square
A nativity scene that has become a classic is the presepe dei netturbini , literally the street sweepers' nativity scene , made with the help of the voluntary work of the workers of the AMA company, the cleaning company of Rome. It has more than 40 years of history and was one of the favourites of Pope John Paul II, who never missed a year. It is made of masonry with lime and more than 350 stones that come from all over the world to represent the houses of Palestine at the time of Jesus' birth. Admission is free , but you have to book on their website . The nativity scene is at the AMA headquarters in Via dei Cavalleggeri, 5.
Churches of Rome Basilica of Saint Peter Exterior Jump
But what is there to do in Rome on wordpress web design agency New Year's Eve and Christmas ? You should know that in Italy there are no grapes or bells, but you can still enjoy it! Here are 9 ideas – and one extra for the whole year – and many of them are free !
Happy Christmas!
Saltaconmyadvice
Before you head out onto the streets of the Eternal City, check out our tips for traveling to Rome and tips for traveling to Italy . And, since you'll also want to enjoy fine dining, a must in the Eternal City, be sure to read our article Where to Eat in Rome: Restaurants and More .
Enjoy the Christmas lights
The whole centre of Rome , as expected, is lit up every year with Christmas lights . Via dei Condotti and Via del Corso, which ends at Piazza Venezia with its large illuminated tree, are the best known, but there are many more streets lit up. We have prepared a map with the main streets where there are Christmas lights in Rome , so you don't miss any!
It may be a good opportunity to tour Rome on a tourist bus and enjoy many of them. You can see the ticket prices here .
Nativity scenes and Christmas trees: in St. Peter's Square and not only
Even if you are not religious, at Christmas it is worth visiting the churches of Rome not only to admire their architecture, paintings or sculptures, but also to marvel at their nativity scenes – presepi in Italian. In fact, we have written a specific article about them: Nativity scenes in Rome: the most beautiful in the Italian capital .
Nativity scenes in Rome Santa Maria Via Napolitano
Some of the most beautiful are those of the churches of Santi Quirico e Giulitta (in this case inside the church there is a museum dedicated to nativity scenes ), Cosma e Damiano , Santa Maria in Via , Santa Maria Maggiore (in this case it is also a museum), Santa Maria in Aracoeli and Santa Maria dell'Anima .
But there are not only nativity scenes in churches, the most famous one is right in St. Peter's Square! Yes, the nativity scene in St. Peter's Basilica is outside the building. In 2023, it will open to the public on December 9 at 5 p.m. – at the same time as the tree will be lit – and will be up until January 7, 2024. Each year, a region or town in Italy is responsible for its creation. We saw the sand one on the beaches of Jesolo, near Venice, where the tradition of sand nativity scenes has long existed, in 2018. This year, 2023, marks the 800th anniversary of the first nativity scene created by St. Francis of Assisi.
Nativity scenes in Rome St. Peter's Square
A nativity scene that has become a classic is the presepe dei netturbini , literally the street sweepers' nativity scene , made with the help of the voluntary work of the workers of the AMA company, the cleaning company of Rome. It has more than 40 years of history and was one of the favourites of Pope John Paul II, who never missed a year. It is made of masonry with lime and more than 350 stones that come from all over the world to represent the houses of Palestine at the time of Jesus' birth. Admission is free , but you have to book on their website . The nativity scene is at the AMA headquarters in Via dei Cavalleggeri, 5.