When the cold envelops the cobblestone streets of the Eternal City and the lights of the Christmas illuminations begin to shine, Rome takes on a new look: more cozy, more intimate, but no less vibrant.
If you’re looking for what to do in Rome in winter, you’re in the perfect place. Between December and March, Rome transforms into a stage for unmissable events: from the incredible New Year’s Eve concert at the Circus Maximus, to the lively Carnevale di Frascati, to romantic candlelight Candlelight concerts.
Here are 18 experiences not to be missed.
Table Of Contents
- Piazza Navona Christmas Market
- Ice skating
- Christmas World at Villa Borghese
- 100 Nativity Scenes Exhibition at the Vatican
- The largest Ferris wheel ever seen in Rome
- Food tours in Trastevere and Campo de' Fiori
- Attend the New Year's Eve concert at the Circus Maximus
- Attend the New Year's Eve 2026 Special with Edoardo Leo
- Greeting the Befana in Piazza Navona.
- Winter art exhibitions
- Sunset stroll in the Orange Garden
- Participate in the Frascati Carnival
- Relaxing at the Terme di Roma
- Go to a candlelight concert.
- Take a romantic outing around Rome.
- Running the Rome Marathon
- Going to a concert
- Attending the Six Nations Rugby at the Olympic Stadium.
Piazza Navona Christmas Market
During the Christmas season, it is hard to resist the magic of Christmas markets, and Rome truly offers many, each with its own charm. The one in Piazza Navona, with its traditional carousel with horses, is truly iconic, overflowing with wooden stalls: crafts, toys, decorations and the warm sweets of the season. The scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine mingles with the baroque lights of the fountains, creating a truly fairy-tale atmosphere.
Ice skating
If you love cold weather and want to have fun, skating rinks like the one at Christmas World are perfect: Christmas lights, snowball fights and inflatable slides are waiting to create special memories. The “Ice Kingdom” at Cinecittà World also offers an indoor area where you can go wild with friends and family, perfect for Saturday nights in winter.
Christmas World at Villa Borghese
From Nov. 29 to Jan. 11, Villa Borghese hosts Christmas World, the large Christmas park that captivates millions of visitors each year with monumental sets and fairytale-like atmospheres. As soon as you cross the entrance, you find yourself immersed in an amazing journey: light installations, original musicals, live performances and settings that reproduce capitals of the world in a Christmas version. With a single ticket – from 12.50 € – you have access not only to the park’s attractions, but also to an unprecedented show that is staged on a huge outdoor stage, created to thrill with music, choreography and storytelling designed for all ages.
100 Nativity Scenes Exhibition at the Vatican
From Dec. 8 to Jan. 6 in St. Peter’s Square you can admire the exhibition of 100 nativity scenes from every corner of the world: unique installations, handcrafted pieces and original compositions that tell the nativity story in different styles. This is a truly evocative experience for those seeking a moment of artistic and spiritual winter reflection, perfect for those who want to discover what to do in winter in Rome from a cultural and religious perspective.
The largest Ferris wheel ever seen in Rome
From November 22, 2025 to January 6, 2026, the star of the Christmas village in the EUR of the Eur district will be the 50-meter-high Ferris wheel, the largest ever seen in Rome, which will offer breathtaking views of the pond and the city skyline. Between special events, DJ sets suspended in the sky and the Christmas Concert in the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Christmas at EUR promises magic and a unique atmosphere for young and old alike.
Food tours in Trastevere and Campo de’ Fiori
In December, an interesting way to discover Rome is to follow a guided food tour through two of the most iconic neighborhoods: Campo de’ Fiori and Trastevere. You start in Campo de’ Fiori tasting a breaded hake accompanied by a glass of local wine, then cross the Tiber and immerse yourself in the flavors of Trastevere with crispy supplì, Roman pasta, the famous porchetta of the “King of Porchetta” and white pizza served with craft beer. The tour lasts about 3 hours and ends with an artisanal gelato, perfect for ending on a sweet note. Along the way, a local guide tells anecdotes and trivia, making the journey through Roman alleys, scents and flavors an enjoyable and engaging experience.
You can purchase tickets here.
Attend the New Year’s Eve concert at the Circus Maximus
On Dec. 31, the Circus Maximus is transformed into a festive arena with music, live concerts and fireworks at midnight. Admission is free, but you need to arrive early to get a seat.Celebrating the arrival of the New Year surrounded by Roman ruins, with the Eternal City at your feet, is an epic experience, perfect for those looking for what to do on January 1 in Rome.
Attend the New Year’s Eve 2026 Special with Edoardo Leo
On Dec. 31, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026, Edoardo Leo returns to Rome with the show “New Year’s Eve Special” at the Sala Santa Cecilia at the Auditorium Parco della Musica. The actor and director offers a mix of stories, anecdotes and reflections, accompanied by the musical improvisations of Jonis Bascir and the Youth Orchestra of Rome. The show offers an excellent opportunity to greet 2025 and welcome the new year in a prominent cultural context with a character who combines irony and depth.
Greeting the Befana in Piazza Navona.
On January 6, the Feast of the Befana returns to Piazza Navona, bidding a final farewell to the Christmas season with a day of celebration and tradition. The figure of the Befana, linked to myths rooted in the paganism of ancient Rome, is also beloved by Romans today. On Epiphany Day, young and old alike gather in the square to meet the friendly old lady with the magic broom, who enlivens the entire afternoon. The Christmas market, the most famous in Rome, fills the square with stalls selling sweets, games and crafts, creating a cheerful and colorful atmosphere.
Winter art exhibitions
As is often the case during the cold months, museums, galleries and cultural spaces in Rome are offering temporary exhibitions and special programming. Between January 4 and 8, for example, you can find music, theater and visual arts initiatives promoted by cultural organizations. It’s a perfect indoor activity for an artistic afternoon-a refined and stimulating way to spend time when it’s cold outside.
Sunset stroll in the Orange Garden
As the light falls, the Orange Garden provides one of the most romantic views of Rome: the illuminated Dome, a rosy sky and the tranquility of the Aventine create a moment of pure poetry. It is one of the most atmospheric walks to take in winter, ideal for relaxing, talking with friends or sharing an intimate moment with someone special.
Participate in the Frascati Carnival
Carnevale Frascatano transforms the Castelli Romani town into a lively stage of folklore and tradition. The event opens with the evocative handing over of the keys of the city to “King Pupone,” the symbolic ruler of Carnival, followed by colorful masked parades that enliven the streets of Frascati over the following days. Between events, visitors can enjoy delicious frappe and classic castagnole, the festival’s signature sweets. An unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this traditional event.
Relaxing at the Terme di Roma
The Baths of Rome offer a unique experience that blends wellness for the body with relaxation for the mind. Saunas, Turkish baths and spa packages are ideal for a day of total relaxation, while the beauty center offers Hawaiian massages and thermal mud baths for deep rejuvenation. For those looking for a special gift, a couples ritual is the perfect idea to experience a moment of pure relaxation and intimacy together. At Terme di roma, you can embark on a journey into well-being that gives moments of peace and serenity, far from daily stress.
Go to a candlelight concert.
On Valentine’s Day, Rome becomes the capital of love with the special edition of Candlelight concerts. Surrounded by a thousand twinkling candles, let the most romantic melodies ever give voice to your feelings in the most charming locations of the eternal city. An intimate and special experience, ideal for celebrating lovers’ day with the one you love
Take a romantic outing around Rome.
If you want to take a romantic getaway outside Rome, try visiting Sant’Angelo’s “Fairy Tale Land,” just over an hour from the capital, where the walls tell magical stories with more than 50 murals inspired by fairy tales and legends. Play it safe also with the Castle of Santa Severa, a fortress overlooking the sea that offers unforgettable scenery. Another spectacular destination not far from Rome is Castel Gandolfo, where you can enjoy the view of Lake Albano while savoring the traditional local porchetta.
Three perfect places to create special memories with those you love, among art, history and dreamy landscapes.
Running the Rome Marathon
On March 22, 2026, Rome will once again be transformed into an extraordinary track thanks to Run Rome The Marathon, the 31st edition of Italy’s most iconic race. Right from the start from the Imperial Forum, it is clear that this is not just a race: it is an exciting journey through history, with the heart beating in unison with thousands of runners. The route touches some of the most spectacular places in the capital – from the Vittoriano to Piazza Venezia, passing through the Circus Maximus, the Lungotevere, Castel Sant’Angelo and the imposing prospect of Viale della Conciliazione that leads straight to St. Peter’s Basilica – giving scenery that changes with every kilometer and makes the 42.195 km more epic than ever.
Going to a concert
If the Roman winter seems too cold for you, never fear: live music always warms the atmosphere! In Rome in early 2026 there are many concerts worth listening to, for a different evening than usual or to spend a Saturday night with friends.
Here are ten interesting appointments to mark in your diary now:
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Franco126 from Jan. 9 to 13 at the Atlantic
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James Senese on Jan. 17 at the Auditorium Parco della Musica
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Ex-Otago on January 22 at Alcazar Live,
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Renato Zero from Jan. 24 to Feb. 1 at the Palazzo dello Sport
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Alter Bridge on Feb. 2 at the Atlantic
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Tommy Emmanuel on Feb. 6 at the Auditorium Parco della Musica
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Giorgia on March 16 at the Palazzo dello Sport
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Gigi D’Alessio on March 17 and 18 at the Palazzo dello Sport
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The Kolors on March 17 at the Palazzo dello Sport
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Nek on March 19 at the Auditorium Parco della Musica
With this mix, between genres and locations, winter in Rome becomes warmer and above all more fun, just as those who like live music with a touch of cheerfulness like it.
Attending the Six Nations Rugby at the Olympic Stadium.
Between February and March 2026, Rome hosts the Guinness Six Nations, with Italy involved in two must-see matches: Italy-Scotland on February 7 and Italy-England on March 7. The Olympic Stadium becomes a stage for adrenaline, international cheering, flags and street food, creating a unique atmosphere that engages all the senses.