What to do in Rome at Christmas 2025 and when the tree in the square is lit

Preparations for Christmas 2025 in Rome are now in full swing and, as tradition dictates, it will be the lighting of the festive illuminations that officially ushers in the holiday season. The decorations in the historic centre will be switched on by the beginning of December, though certainly not before 28 November, transforming the capital’s most iconic streets into a vast open-air Christmas showcase.

The main shopping streets, from Via del Corso to the Tridente, along with the city’s major squares, will be adorned with energy-efficient light installations, reflecting a growing focus on environmental sustainability. Among the most atmospheric places to admire the lights are the historic and commercial squares in the city centre and, of course, Piazza Venezia, where one of Rome’s most eagerly anticipated and photographed Christmas trees is set up each year.

When the Christmas Tree in St Peter’s Square will be lit in 2025

An impressive 27-metre spruce, sourced from the Valley of Ultimo in the province of Bolzano, will be erected in St Peter’s Square for Christmas 2025. The tree is a gift made possible through the collaboration between the municipalities of Lagundo and Ultimo and the Autonomous Province of Bolzano. The official lighting of the tree, along with the inauguration of the Vatican Nativity scene, is expected to take place in the first days of December, following the long-standing tradition of welcoming Advent with a solemn ceremony attended by both ecclesiastical and civil authorities.

Alongside the tree, a Nativity scene from the Diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno will be displayed. Inspired by Campanian spirituality, it will be crafted using materials and symbols that reflect the local heritage and identity.

Christmas trees in Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Navona

In 2024, Rome illuminated two of its most symbolic Christmas trees in Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Navona, both of which quickly became festive gathering points for residents and visitors throughout the season. Accompanied by dazzling lights and scenic decorations, the installations helped transform the historic centre into a spectacular open-air Christmas setting.

For Christmas 2025, there has not yet been any official confirmation regarding the locations or the exact dates of the tree lightings. However, it is reasonable to assume that, following tradition and aligning with the city’s festive lighting schedule, the ceremonies will likely take place during the first week of December.

EUR Christmas Village 2025

“Natale Diffuso” (Christmas Spread) returns to EUR for its fifth edition. The initiative features a route of thirteen themed stops spread across the territory of Municipio IX, with a permanent Christmas village serving as the main hub of the festivities. The focal point will be Viale America, near the EUR Lake, around which the various activities will take place throughout December.

The village will be open from 22 November 2025 to 6 January 2026 and will introduce an exciting new attraction: a 50-metre Ferris wheel installed on Viale Oceania, the tallest and most spectacular ever built in Rome. The main locations involved will be the Central Lake Park, the EUR Lake and the Japan Promenade, all transformed for the occasion into a truly open-air Christmas wonderland.

Santa’s Enchanted Castle at Castello di Lunghezza (16 November 2025 – 6 January 2026)

Just outside Rome, Lunghezza Castle will once again be transformed into Santa’s magical kingdom. One of the most eagerly awaited Christmas events of the season, it will open from 16 November 2025 to 6 January 2026, with selected opening days at weekends and on public holidays. Inside the theme park, children and adults alike can explore Santa’s rooms (including the Throne Room, the Elves’ Post Office and the Toy Workshop) and enjoy live shows, creative workshops and performances led by elves and fairy-tale characters.

Opening hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the ticket office closing at 5:00 p.m. The experience follows an immersive route that brings together illuminated sets, music and interactive installations.

Navona Square Christmas Market (1 December 2025 – 6 January 2026)

Among the most cherished events of the Roman festive season, the Piazza Navona Christmas market returns in 2025 with its timeless, fairy-tale atmosphere. It is set to open on 1 December 2025 and will run until 6 January 2026, coinciding with the traditional Feast of the Epiphany. The stalls, arranged beneath the Baroque arcades and around the Fountain of the Four Rivers, will feature Christmas decorations, toys, traditional sweets and local handicrafts, along with performances, music and attractions for children.

Visiting the square at dusk is unquestionably the best way to soak up the atmosphere: the warm lights, the aroma of sweets and mulled wine, and the monumental setting create an unforgettable experience right in the heart of Rome. To fully enjoy a relaxed stroll among the stalls, it is advisable to avoid peak hours at weekends.

Campo de’ Fiori Christmas Market

Historic and authentic, the Campo de’ Fiori Christmas market is another highlight of the festive season in Rome. Although the official dates for 2025 have not yet been announced, the event is confirmed among the key seasonal appointments in the city. Here, the atmosphere is more intimate and genuine: exhibitors offer handmade sweets, panettone, jams, decorations and locally crafted creations, making the square a perfect spot for finding an original gift or a charming Christmas souvenir.

A recommended itinerary is the one linking Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori, two iconic landmarks of the historic centre, ideally explored on foot in the late afternoon, surrounded by lights, music and a stop at one of the area’s historic cafés.

Villa Borghese Christmas Market (early December 2025 – 6 January 2026)

Villa Borghese will once again host the renowned Christmas World for Christmas 2025, one of the most eagerly awaited events of the festive season in Rome. The opening is scheduled for early December, with the event running until 6 January 2026, in line with previous editions.

The historic park will be transformed into a vast open-air Christmas village featuring international stalls, ice-skating rinks, live performances, children’s play areas and food stands serving culinary specialities from around the world. The atmosphere, made enchanting by luminous installations nestled in the greenery, blends the magic of Christmas with the charm of one of the capital’s most beloved locations.

Vatican Christmas Concert 2025 at Auditorium Conciliazione (13 December)

The traditional Vatican Christmas Concert will also return in 2025, taking place on Saturday 13 December at the Auditorium Conciliazione in Rome. Now a staple of the festive calendar, the event brings together music, solidarity and spirituality, featuring well-known Italian and international artists in a highly evocative setting.

Organised in collaboration with the Dicastery for Culture and Education of the Holy See, the concert is considered one of the most anticipated moments of the Roman Christmas season, a unique occasion to experience the magic of Christmas through music in one of the capital’s most prestigious venues.

Article translated by Agnese Giardini

Tag

Events

Share article

Subscribe to our newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with our latest news Subscribe with your email address to receive the latest news, updates and practical tips from the real estate world directly in your inbox

Subscribe