Table Of Contents
If you really want to experience Christmas in Rome this year, get ready for an itinerary that combines Christmas illuminations, twinkling trees and art installations. Discover the neighborhoods that are transformed into little worlds of light and walk around the city enjoying its best corners.
Christmas Lights 2025/26 in Rome will be lit from December 8 (with some previews as early as late November) and will create a true path of light from the historic center to EUR, all the way to Cinecittà.
Take advantage of the Immaculate Conception bridge to take a nice walk around the capital and fully immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas.
Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo is the perfect starting point for a Christmas tour: here shines the most anticipated Christmas tree by Romans, over 20 meters high and 100,000 golden LED lights. The December 8 lighting marks the start of the holidays and is one of the most exciting moments of the year.
The square will remain decorated until January 12, 2026, and is a true symbol of illuminations in Rome in 2025: sustainable, large and tremendously scenic. If you want the classic “wow effect,” start here.
Via del Corso
From the big tree go down Via del Corso, which as every year becomes a light gallery designed to enhance the perspective of the street. For Christmas in Rome 2025, the luminaries integrate geometric shapes, classic Christmas elements and energy-efficient lights.
The installations were assembled on the nights of Nov. 18-20 and officially light up on Dec. 8. Get ready to walk among glowing arches, projections, and a crowd that looks like something out of a Christmas movie.
Via dei Condotti and the Spanish Steps
No designer labels at the Spanish Steps this year: the set-up is entrusted to merchants along with Lpgled, a Tivoli-based company specializing in lights and light design, which is illuminating Via dei Condotti with hand-decorated resin spheres and bright streamers at Via del Babuino.
The tree in Piazza di Spagna is a 12-meter eco-friendly fir tree on the Spanish Steps, lit by LEDs and neon circles. The official lighting is scheduled for Dec. 2, following the nighttime installation that began Nov. 30. It is one of the most photographed spots of Christmas lights in Rome, perfect for those looking for a chic, cinematic and sustainable atmosphere: take the photo at the blue hour, it will be memorable.
Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina
This square has a more intimate charm and this year will host an interactive tree: a letterbox that lights up small glowing hearts with each message left by visitors.
It is the ideal spot on the itinerary for those who like a more intimate and engaging Christmas illuminations, less “touristy” and perfect for those who live the city every day.
Navona Square
The wonder continues at Piazza Navona, where luminarias are intertwined with the city’s most famous market. From morning to 1 a.m. (and until 2 a.m. on weekends), stalls are filled with sweets, crafts and traditional games.
In the evening, light projections transform the square into a dynamic spectacle: lights, sets and installations that make Christmas here a must-see.
If you are looking for special Christmas decorations , you will find them here.
Lungotevere and Ponte Sant’Angelo
Continuing on to the Tiber, one of the most atmospheric stops on the itinerary awaits you: light installations floating on the water, plays of light reflected on the bridges and a romantic atmosphere perfect for those who like to stroll unhurriedly.
Rome’s Christmas lights take on a more artistic tone here, amid light sculptures and the unique panorama of the river.
St. Peter’s Square
Christmas is not complete without a stop at St. Peter’s Square, where a large fir tree arrives each year from the Alps. The December 7 lighting marks the beginning of the Vatican celebrations, and the 2025/26 nativity scene will be dedicated to the Neapolitan tradition.
It is an ideal area for those who enjoy a more classic, solemn and symbolic Christmas, and a perfect break before getting back into the rhythm of the city.
Villa Borghese – Christmas World
Christmas World is back again for 2025/26 at Villa Borghese: a Christmas park with light installations themed “Christmas in the World,” skating rink, street food and shows.
Here the Christmas trails become an all-encompassing experience: if you have children, it’s the easiest and most fun stop. If you’re an adult, it still remains irresistible.
EUR – Roma Eye and Christmas Spread
EUR is truly transformed this year: the tree on the Viale Europa Steps, the lights at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, and above all the giant Roma Eye, a 50-meter Ferris wheel.
From Nov. 22 to Jan. 6, the district hosts markets, shows and thirteen light stages distributed in parks and squares.
It is the perfect part of the itinerary for those who want a more modern and photographic Christmas with “big city” vibes.
Milvian Bridge
Outside the center, Ponte Milvio offers a more local atmosphere: the Municipio XV tree lights up on December 6 and every week there are parades, family shows and initiatives spread among Fleming, Vigna Clara, La Giustiniana, Cesano and the other neighborhoods of the municipality.
A simpler and more authentic Christmas, ideal for those looking for an evening without crowds.
Cinecittà World
For those who want to end the itinerary in “amusement park” style, Cinecittà World dedicates an entire area to Christmas illuminations: the Christmas Street with Santa’s house, market and themed shows.
A great option especially if you are planning a Christmas weekend away from the center.