On Christmas Day, Rome doesn’t stop. Even though most Romans will spend December 25th with their family, at home or travelling, the capital presents its Christmas programme. Valid alternatives for experiencing Christmas between a walk, a cultural visit or a moment of leisure in the open air.
Boxing Day in Rome: events not to be missed on December 26th in the city
On December 25th the city shows itself in a different guise, quieter but no less alive, with museums, exhibitions, events and iconic views ready to welcome Romans and tourists. If the desire to go out grows after Christmas lunch, here are the events not to be missed on December 25th in Rome.
Guide to the 2025 Christmas markets in Rome: places and dates
Christmas in Piazza Navona
For a traditional Christmas you can make a stop in Piazza Navona, where the wooden houses, the horse carousel, the stands with nativity scenes and those with sweets and the “haunted apples” to which many Romans connect their childhood are back. Taking a walk here, for many, will be a dive into memories, to experience a moment of pure magic. [TUTTE LE INFORMAZIONI]
Christmas World
Christmas World is the Christmas village in Villa Borghese also open on December 25th. An opportunity to visit the Christmas park, including attractions, ice games and markets on a day when there will probably be fewer people. Around 40 thousand square meters with a rich artistic programme, with around 300 international artists, themed food experiences and new attractions. [TUTTE LE INFORMAZIONI]
Rome Nativity Scene Tour
Christmas Day is the perfect opportunity to walk among the Nativity Scenes of Rome, from the center to the outskirts. On December 25th you can go and see the nativity scene set up in St. Peter’s Square, visit the exhibition of 100 nativity scenes in the Vatican or enter the various churches in the center to discover ancient traditions. [QUI LA GUIDA AI PRESEPI DA VISITARE A ROMA]
Market in Piazza Mazzini
In the heart of the Prati district, a walk to the Piazza Mazzini market is also good for us at Christmas. In the gardens of the square, after the recent environmental and monumental redevelopment intervention, the traditional wooden houses have arrived, arranged around the spectacular fountain and surrounded by holm oaks, cypresses and hedges. In the stalls it is possible to buy typical and artisanal products, nativity scenes, Christmas decorations, traditional sweets and gastronomic specialties. [TUTTE LE INFORMAZIONI]
Concert at the Auditorium Parco della Musica
The rich Christmas program in the Auditorium doesn’t stop even on December 25th. On Christmas Day, Gerardo Di Lella will conduct a great concert for the whole family, with the most beloved Disney soundtracks performed by the GrandÒrchestra, made up of ninety musicians and fourteen voices. [TUTTE LE INFORMAZIONI]
Christmas in Jazz
The long-awaited appointment with Christmas in Jazz is back again this year, the event organized by the Musica per Roma Foundation which will take place from 20 December 2025 to 6 January 2026 and will bring music, emotions and festive energy to the Casa del Jazz. After the Christmas Eve break, Christmas Day (Thursday 25 December) will be dedicated to young talents with the Mario Corvini “Young Art Jazz Ensemble”, a creative and lively laboratory that combines the freshness of the new generations with experience of the great Roman conductor and trombonist. [TUTTE LE INFORMAZIONI]
A walk on the Appia Antica
If the weather permits, Christmas Day will be the ideal opportunity to plan a walk in the Appia Antica Archaeological Park. The Regina Viarum is a public area and therefore always open, obviously the internal monuments will not be open, but you will be able to walk through history (also working off your Christmas food).
Christmas at Santa Severa Castle
The magic of Christmas enters the Castle of Santa Severa. From the Spianata dei Signori, accessible every day (even at Christmas), the route will start among the attractions: an ice rink surrounded by lights and music and the traditional ancient carousel with horses that will make everyone feel like children again. New this year is Santa Claus who meets the children directly while walking in the village. Christmas Day will be enlivened by the Christmas Show, four street artists – stilt walkers, balloon sculptors and fantasists – will wear Christmas-themed costumes. Between balancing games, colorful sculptures and skill numbers, the public will have an unforgettable experience. [TUTTE LE INFORMAZIONI]
A fairytale Christmas in the village in Nemi
The Municipality of Nemi presents “The Fairytale Christmas in the Village”, a great event free and open to all, created in collaboration with This Is Wonderland, an original format signed by Lux Eventi. Over one hundred light and scenographic installations will transform the historic center and the surrounding areas into an itinerary dedicated to the most beloved fairy tales, from Alice in Wonderland to Peter Pan and Pinocchio. A journey through lights, colors and evocative settings, designed for families, children and visitors of all ages. [TUTTE LE INFORMAZIONI]
