Rome Christmas Market 2024 Events, Dates & Things to Do

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Rome's Christmas markets are not as numerous as those in northern Europe, but they provide a distinctly Italian festive experience.

These markets open in early December and run through the Epiphany on January 6th. The most famous market is in Piazza Navona, but you'll find others scattered throughout the city. All of them browse stalls selling handcrafted gifts, Christmas decorations, nativity scenes and local culinary specialties.

Let’s have a look at the best Christmas markets in Rome.

Does Rome have a Christmas market?

Yes, Rome Christmas markets 2024 will be a huge part of the city's festive celebrations. 

The most iconic of these is the Rome Christmas market held in Piazza Navona, which is set to open from December 8, 2024, until January 6, 2025. This market captures the magic of winter in Rome, with stalls filled with Christmas decorations, artisan gifts, olive oil, home decor and, of course, roasted chestnuts. 

If you wonder, are there Christmas markets in Rome beyond Piazza Navona? Then the answer is yes! 

In addition to the main market, there will be several other markets throughout the city, like the Christmas Village at Villa Borghese, the Giftland market in Piazza Ragusa and smaller fairs at the Spanish Steps and Circus Maximus.

Where Are The Christmas Markets In Rome (10 Most Amazing Markets)?

Let’s focus on the most enchanting Christmas markets in Rome for 2024. From the unmissable Piazza Navona to lesser-known markets, you’ll be able to find amazing gifts, festive treats and traditional Italian charm.

1. Piazza Navona Christmas Market

The Piazza Navona Christmas market is the must see of Rome's holiday season. This bustling Rome Christmas market transforms the baroque square into a winter wonderland! 

There you’ll find colorful stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, nativity scenes and local delicacies. Good news for the whole family: the market features a vintage carousel! It’s the largest and most popular Christmas market Rome 2024 event.

• From: December 8, 2024 to January 6, 2025 (exact dates TBA)
• Location: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma

2. Christmas World at Villa Borghese

This charming Christmas village offers a family-friendly atmosphere in the heart of Rome's most famous park. 

It’s an amazing place to enjoy an ice skating rink, visit Santa's House with children and shop artisanal gifts and seasonal treats. I absolutely love the picturesque setting among the Borghese Gardens!

• From: December 1, 2024 to January 6, 2025 (exact dates TBA)
• Location: Villa Borghese, 00197 Roma

3. Auditorium Parco della Musica Christmas Village

Each Christmas, this cultural complex transforms into a festive village during the holidays. Fair trade stalls, live music performances, skating on the ice rink… Fun moments guaranteed! 

Wondering when do Rome Christmas markets start here? Usually around December 8th, a day that coincides with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

• From: December 8, 2024 to January 6, 2025 (exact dates TBA)
• Location: Viale Pietro de Coubertin, 30, 00196 Roma

4. Mercatino di Natale in Piazza Mazzini

This charming market in the Prati district comes with a range of Christmas decorations, gifts and local delicious food. Most of the visitors come here for its antique and vintage items. The Rome Christmas market dates for this venue are shorter and focus on the pre-Christmas period.

• From: December 1 to December 31, 2024
• Location: Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini, 00195 Roma

5. Mercato Monti Christmas Edition

The Mercato Monti transforms into a festive wonderland during December weekends. This hip urban market is one of the best Christmas market in Rome if you’re looking for great and original gifts. 

You’ll find many vintage items, artisanal crafts and designer goods. The market is close to the Colosseum so it’s a good stop during your Rome in December Christmas markets exploration.

• From: Weekends in December 2024
• Location: Via Leonina, 46-48, 00184 Roma RM

6. CityLab Christmas Market

This market is one of the best Christmas markets in Rome for its amazing and festive stalls. Meet hundreds of vendors selling sweets, culinary delights, tree decorations, toys and crafted gifts. 

The spacious 20000 sqm area includes indoor hangars and an expansive outdoor space with decorations and twinkling lights.

• From: December 4 to December 23, 2024
• Location: CityLab 971, Via Salaria 971, Rome

7. Il Natale a Roma

This expansive 8500 square meter Christmas village features over 100 exhibitors! It’s one of the best places to buy traditional products, street food and seasonal sweets. The market also boasts a large covered ice rink (open until January 6), a Santa Claus Igloo and some other entertainments great for children.

• From: December 1 to December 26, 2024
• Location: Passeggiata del Giappone, Viale America (EUR district)

8. Giftland

Giftland is Rome's largest indoor Christmas market. It takes place in a former bus depot and boasts over 180 stalls featuring artisanal crafts, vintage items, home decor and original gift ideas. 

The market also offers live music, food courts and children's activities. The market is open from 10 AM to 8 PM.

• From: December 8-10 and 16-17, 2024
• Location: Via Tuscolana 179, 00182 Roma

9. Circus Maximus Christmas market

Set against the backdrop of the ancient Circus Maximus, this charming market is amongst the best christmas markets for History enthusiasts. 

Handcrafted jewelry, bespoke ceramics, vintage items, artisanal food products… You’ll find many gift ideas if you’re looking for the perfect gift for your close ones.

• From: Weekends in December 2024
• Location: Via dei Cerchi 87, 00186 Roma

10. Christmas Village at EUR Laghetto

The Christmas Village at EUR Laghetto features over 100 exhibitors, an ice rink and a wonderful Santa Claus igloo. Families will enjoy creative workshops, meet Santa and experience the elf village. A lot of fun for the whole family!

• From: December 1 to December 26, 2024
• Location: Passeggiata del Giappone, Viale America, 00144 Roma

Best Food & Drink In Rome Christmas Market

You’ll for sure fall in love with the Rome Christmas market food offering! But how to choose between the traditional panettone – a sweet bread loaf filled with candied fruits, and the struffoli – and small fried dough balls drizzled with honey? 

Amongst the best christmas food, are also the roasted chestnuts, known as castagne, as well as the “vin brulé”, or Italian mulled wine ; warmth and comfort during chilly December evenings! 

Tip – Another favorite is cioccolata calda, a rich and thick hot chocolate you’ll have to drink with a spoon.

5 Tips on How to Plan Rome Christmas shopping

Here are our best tips to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere at its best:

1. Book in advance: ensure you secure accommodations, restaurants and tours well ahead of time. Remember the holiday season attracts many visitors!
2. Plan your market visits: research the Rome Christmas market dates and create a schedule to visit multiple markets.
3. Dress comfortably: Rome can be chilly in December! So wear layers and comfortable shoes. You'll likely be walking a lot to visit all the markets and the city.
4. Bring cash: yes many vendors accept cards, but some don’t so remember to bring cash, especially if you visit small and off the beaten track markets.
5. Go off the beaten tracks: Piazza Navona is one of the best christmas markets in Rome, but don't miss smaller markets like Giftland or those in the EUR district. These feature local artisans and unique items.

Christmas Tour Guides You Can Book On Get Your Guide

If you want to enhance your holiday experience in Rome, here are some of the most exciting Christmas-themed tours I could find on Get Your Guide.

• Rome 3-Hour Christmas Semi-Private Walking Tour: discover the city's festive decorations and markets while learning about local traditions in a very confidential setting.
• Christmas and New Year’s Opera Concert with Drink: enjoy a magical evening filled with beautiful music in a stunning setting.
• Capuchins Crypt Christmas Baroque Concert: experience a Christmas concert in a historic and totally amazing location.
• Rome Christmas Nativities and Angels Tour: discover the wonderful nativity scenes scattered throughout the city.
• Celebrate Christmas in Rome – Small Group Walking Tour: Join a small group to visit Rome's holiday highlights and markets.
• Christmas Walking Tour in Rome: enjoy a semi-private tour that takes you through the city's festive atmosphere.

Want To Take A Quick Trip? Christmas Markets Near Rome

Looking to visit Christmas markets beyond the city? Good news, we found several delightful options near Rome:

• Cinecittà World Christmas Market: located just outside Rome, this theme park hosts a festive market from November 9, 2024 to January 6, 2025. This Christmas fair boasts rides, shows and numerous stalls selling crafts and seasonal treats.
• Christmas Market in Viterbo: approximately 80 km from Rome, Viterbo features a charming Christmas market in its historic center. This small christmas market runs from early December to early January.
• Frascati Christmas Market: just a short train ride from Rome, Frascati offers a quaint market with local products and traditional holiday treats during Christmas time. It usually operates throughout December.

Rome Christmas Market Map

To help you find your way during the Christmas season in Rome, we've created an interactive map featuring all the Christmas market locations mentioned above. 

This map will allow you to see where each market is located and will help you plan your visits.

• Piazza Navona Christmas Market Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
• Christmas World at Villa Borghese Address: Villa Borghese, 00197 Roma RM, Italy
• Auditorium Parco della Musica Christmas Village Address: Viale Pietro de Coubertin, 30, 00196 Roma RM, Italy
• Mercatino di Natale in Piazza Mazzini Address: Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini, 00195 Roma RM, Italy
• Mercato Monti Christmas Edition Address: Via Leonina, 46-48, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
• CityLab Christmas Market Address: CityLab 971, Via Salaria 971, Rome
• Il Natale a Roma Address: Passeggiata del Giappone, Viale America (EUR district), 00144 Roma RM, Italy
• Giftland Address: Via Tuscolana 179, 00182 Roma RM, Italy
• Circus Maximus Christmas Market Address: Via dei Cerchi 87, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
• Christmas Village at EUR Laghetto Address: Passeggiata del Giappone, Viale America, 00144 Roma RM, Italy

FAQs

When do Christmas markets open in Rome?

Most Christmas markets in Rome open in early December, around December 1st or 8th (Feast of the Immaculate Conception). They usually run until January 6th (Epiphany).

Is the Colosseum open on Christmas day?

The Colosseum is closed on Christmas Day (December 25th) and New Year's Day (January 1st), but it is open on other days during the holiday season, including Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

What happens in Piazza Navona at Christmas?

Piazza Navona hosts Rome's most famous Christmas market. It features stalls with traditional gifts, decorations and food. There's also a carousel, nativity scene and street performers.

Where is the biggest Christmas market in Rome?

The largest Christmas market in Rome is the Christmas market in Piazza Navona. It offers the widest variety of stalls and attractions. But the Christmas Village at EUR (Natale a Roma) has also become a huge contender.

Are Christmas markets in Rome expensive?

Entry is usually free, but items for sale may as well be affordable as expensive. Handcrafted goods and artisanal products, especially, tend to be pricier.

Wrap up

Rome Christmas markets are an absolute delight, especially if you want to immerse yourself in the festive spirit of the Eternal City. 

From the enchanting Piazza Navona Christmas market to the family-friendly Christmas Village at Villa Borghese, each market showcases local artisans for christmas gifts, several events, a huge Christmas tree, delicious seasonal treats and beautiful holiday decorations and Christmas lights. 

It’s a great way to feel the Italian holiday spirit.