Romans have been trading in Piazza Navona since it was Domitian’s stadium in the 1st century AD, and the tradition continues each December. The Rome Christmas Market, known locally as the Mercatino di Natale or the Befana Market, fills the piazza with stalls selling presepe (nativity scene) figurines, torrone, and seasonal sweets.
Rome Christmas Market 2026
Dates
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Rome dates: 1st December to 31st December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Update: Last year’s dates were announced in October. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.
Source: Verified by Ultimate Christmas Markets via the City of Rome.
Note: Rome has several winter markets, but the Piazza Navona market is the most interesting for international visitors. Scroll down for details on the other events.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Piazza Navona.
Opening times: 11am to 7pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: Walking tour of ancient Rome or this incredibly fun Vespa tour.
Public transport: Widely available and accessible.
Parking: Please take public transport or walk to help limit congestion.
Where to stay: Hotel Martis Palace is a highly-rated hotel near Piazza Navona.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Tree: Switch on date is 5th December in Piazza Venezia (unconfirmed).
Light Show: Botanical Gardens: 30th November to 12th January 2026 (confirmed). Plan your visit.
Befana: Arrives on the 6th January at 10am.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Piazza Cavour (see below).
Reason to visit: Historic location, musuems and attractions.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, but limited.
Gluten-free: Limited. However, there are several GF bakeries and restaurants in Rome.
Specialties: Classics like pandoro and freshly baked panettone.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes, although there are cobblestones.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Convenient Hotels
I like staying in the Rione VI Parione district, as it’s one of the most central areas and just steps from Piazza Navona. In this area, I recommend Hotel Martis Palace, as it’s central and very stylish.
For a more affordable stay, you might like Suite Art Navona.
Interesting Tours
I’ve been to Rome many times, so I understand it can be a little overwhelming for first-time visitors. It’s a big city with lots to do, which is why I recommend taking a tour to get an overview of the highlights, such as the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.
This city tour of Rome is a great option, and it ends at Piazza Navona, where you can walk around the market stalls.
Alternatively, this food tour is a delicious way to experience Rome. I’ve taken a couple of food tours in Rome, and you can’t go wrong with this one.
Finally, I must mention this Vespa tour I took several years ago. It’s the absolute best tour I’ve ever taken in all my years as a travel blogger.
Read my complete list of Italian Christmas Markets.
Event Location
From twinkling lights to festive foods, we love seeing your holiday adventures. Use #UltimateChristmasMarkets to share your moments with us!
List of Other Events
Ice Park
A unique experience in Rome where you can skate at the beautiful Piazza Cavour.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Dates: 30th November to 6th January 2027
Location: Piazza Cavour
Opening times: 10am to midnight.
Villa Borghese
Christmas World is a family-friendly event featuring musicals, folklore shows, replica cities, and other forms of entertainment. It’s a bit like Disneyland, but for Christmas, so it’s not a traditional market and is geared towards younger kids.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Villa Borghese dates: 28th November to 10th January 2027
Location: Galoppatoio Avenue, Villa Borghese.
Opening times: 10am to 8pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 6pm.
Christmas Day: 2pm to 8pm.
New Year’s Eve: 10am to 6pm.
New Year’s Day: 10am to 8pm.
Attractions: Double-decker carousel, chocolate factory, Santa’s House, ice skating.
Tickets: Book online.
Cinecittà World
Another event is Cinecittà World, a movie-based amusement park just outside the city at the famous Cinecittà film studio. Scenes from movies are projected on a giant screen in the main square at the Gocce di Cinema.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Cinecittà World dates: 7th November to 6th January 2027
Location: Cinecittà World Amusement Park, Via Irina Alberti.
Opening times: 11am to 6pm.
How to get there: Shuttle Bus from Roma Termini. Price: €7.
Source: Cinecittà World.
What to Expect
Christmas in Italy is marked by traditions such as Midnight Mass in local churches and family gatherings. The official Pinellian nativity scene is displayed at the Spanish Steps, and the city’s decorated tree stands in Piazza Venezia.
Italian Specialties
- Pangiallo Romano: A traditional Roman festive cake that is dense and packed with nuts and dried fruits, and topped with pastel-coloured icing.
- Pizzelle: Pizzelle are thin, crisp biscuits cooked in a special iron that imprints a snowflake or floral pattern. These are often dusted with powdered sugar and can be eaten plain or sandwiched with chocolate or jam.
- Gelato: Despite the cold, Romans enjoy their favourite frozen treat, often in seasonal flavours like panettone or pandoro. It’s always a good time for gelato.
- Vin Brulé: Italian red mulled wine.
- Cioccolata Calda (Hot Chocolate): Italian hot chocolate is notably thick and rich, often so dense it’s enjoyed with a spoon. Get it from a cafe so you can linger and people-watch.
- Panettone: The Milanese specialty.
- Pandoro: Originally from Verona, this star-shaped bread is dusted with powdered sugar to resemble the snowy peaks of the Italian Alps.
- Cannoli: Originally from Sicily, these tube-shaped pastries filled with sweet ricotta are popular throughout Italy.
- Castagne (Roasted Chestnuts): A quintessential winter street food snack.
- Ciambelle: Ring-shaped biscuits that have a crunchy texture and are flavoured with wine.
What to Buy
- Presepi (Nativity Scenes): Elaborate nativity scenes in all kinds of variations.
- Glass Ornaments: Many are made from Murano glass, a centuries-old Venetian tradition.
- Limoncello: Traditionally made in southern Italy, especially around the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri.
- Artisanal Pasta: Locally made, high-quality pasta in various shapes and flavours.
- Cioccolato Artigianale: Italian chocolatiers have stalls at the markets.
Sustainability Tips
- Renewable Energy: Many hotels in Rome have begun implementing solar panels, while others also utilise wind power.
- Food Waste: I know it can be tempting to want to try everything, but to reduce waste, consider carefully how much you order.
- Ethical Consumption: Only purchase what you truly need. Look for alternative shopping spots, like Mercato Monti, one of Rome’s trendiest markets.
- Sustainable Diets: Rome has a growing number of organic, vegetarian, and plant-based restaurants that focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
- Transport: Rome’s historic centre is best explored on foot. For longer distances, consider renting a bike or using the city’s public transport system, which includes buses, trams and the metro. Rome also has electric scooters and Vespa rentals, a fun way to zip around the city.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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