Christmas in Rome
Rome Christmas markets 2025, known as mercatini di Natale, offer a festive atmosphere filled with local crafts, food, and holiday cheer. The markets typically run from early December through early January, coinciding with the Advent season.
Markets
| Market / Villaggio | Dates (2025) | Location/Accommodation | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piazza Navona Christmas Market | ~1 Dec 2025 – ~6 Jan 2026 (some sources say 8 Nov start) | Hotels near Piazza Navona, historic center | Probably the most iconic. Over 50 wooden stalls, traditional Christmas decorations, toys, nativity (presepi), roasted chestnuts, and a vintage carousel. Street artists, puppet shows, and lots of festive atmosphere. |
| Christmas World – Villa Borghese | ~30 Nov 2025 – ~6 Jan 2026 | Find Accommodation near Villa Borghese (Galloppatoio area) | A large themed village: stalls from different countries, food from around the world, ice skating rink, Santa’s House, and a pretty immersive “winter wonderland” feel. |
| Christmas Village (EUR “Laghetto”) | ~1 Dec – ~26 Dec 2025 | Find Accommodation near EUR District (Viale America / Passeggiata del Giappone) | Over 100 wooden chalets, Santa’s Igloo, ice rink, kids’ workshops, food, live entertainment. Very family-friendly. |
| Piazza Mazzini Bazaar | ~1 Dec – ~30 Dec 2025 | Hotels near Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini, Prati district | More refined and local feel; antique-style decorations, handcrafted gifts, nativity scene figurines, unique décor. |
| Mercato Monti – Christmas Edition | Weekends in December (2025) | 10 best Hotels near Mercato Monti (near Colosseum) | This is the regular Mercato Monti but with a Christmas twist — vintage, designer, handmade goods, one-off art pieces. |
| Auditorium Parco della Musica Christmas Village | ~8 Dec 2025 – ~6 Jan 2026 | Hotels near Viale Pietro de Coubertin | Cultural market: artisan crafts, musical-themed gifts, concerts, children’s workshops, and ice skating. |
| Cinecittà World – Natale | ~8 Nov 2025 – ~6 Jan 2026 | Find Hotels near Cinecittà World (theme-park) | A very “theme-park meets Christmas” experience: rides, light installations, market stalls, craft gifts, and a special lantern festival. |
| Giftland (Indoor Market) | Weekends in December 2025 (some sources) | Find Hotels near Via Tuscolana. | Over 180–200+ stalls: artisans, vintage, home décor, crafts, eco-products. Live music, food area, and kid-friendly activities. |
| CityLab Christmas Market | ~4 Dec – ~23 Dec 2025 | Find Hotels near Via Salaria 971 (CityLab 971) | Large 20,000 sqm space, both indoor and outdoor, with food stalls, craft gifts, décor, and a very modern, creative vibe. |
| Circus Maximus Christmas Market | Weekends in December 2025 (some sources) | Find Hotels near Circus Maximus (Via dei Cerchi) | Historic setting, artisanal jewelry, ceramics, vintage pieces, seasonal food — great for combining with a sightseeing walk. |
✅ What Makes Rome’s Christmas Markets Special in 2025
Blend of Tradition and Spectacle
Rome’s markets mix classic Italian holiday traditions (like nativity scenes, Befana folklore) with more “Northern European”-style festive markets.
The vintage carousel in Piazza Navona is a longstanding tradition.
Wide Variety of Experiences
From cultural and artisan markets (Auditorium) to theme-park Christmas villages (Cinecittà World).
The Christmas World in Villa Borghese is very “immersive” — country-themed zones, food, ice rink.
For more local, design-focused shopping: Mercato Monti in its Christmas edition.
Family-Friendly Activities
Ice skating (Villa Borghese; EUR Village)
Santa’s houses / igloos; elf workshops.
Music, street performances, puppet theatre (especially in Piazza Navona).
Long Season
According to the official Rome tourism site, the markets run roughly from 8 November 2025 to 10 January 2026.
This means you can catch both pre-Christmas markets and some that run through Epiphany.
Special Context: Jubilee Year
2025 is a Jubilee year for Rome, which is expected to bring more pilgrims and tourists.
That could mean extra events, more vibrant markets, and possibly some special Christmas-related programming.
💡 Tips for Visiting the Markets in Rome
Timing matters: Weekends will be the busiest, especially in the big markets (Navona, Villa Borghese).
Cash is handy: While many stalls may accept cards, small artisan vendors may prefer cash.
Dress for the weather: Rome in December / January tends to be mild (but can be chilly, especially in the evenings).
Combine with sightseeing: Use market visits as part of your walking tour — for example, after exploring the Pantheon / Piazza Navona, or on a leisurely day in EUR.
Book tickets: For ticketed events / parks like Cinecittà World, check in advance.
Use public transport: Many markets are centrally located, and Rome’s public transport is very usable in December.
- 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