Close to 2700 years ago, Rome began its journey, thanks to Romulus. The city was there during the Etruscan Dominance and slowly emerged to become a global power under Caesar. If there is one place where Rome has a set up a permanent residence, it is in history. Rome has seen evolution and has aced the test of survival. Now, the Eternal City boasts of the biggest tourist turn up in the world. It is a modern gastronomy hub, a social livewire, and a good example of a photogenic city. Why wouldn’t someone want to be here, even in December?
What makes Rome in December special?
Holiday season: The festivities are what unite us all. Every December, Rome joins the entire world in end of the year revelry. A trip to Rome in December means marveling at the sight of the city of love dressed up in pretty lights and witnessing how enthusiastic Rome can be.
Less crowded: Rome is a tourist hotspot. You’d be lucky to find your picture devoid of a photobomber in the city. We suggest you make good use of the off season and visit Rome in December. You can patiently absorb some of the perpetually busy attractions.
Cheaper accommodations and commute: Given that December is off-season, many airlines drop airfares dramatically. The hotels and lodges follow suit. These low rates stick throughout December and most of January. If you are planning a budget trip, December might be your time to score.
Rome weather in December
December in Rome is fairly cold with spurts of rain throughout the month. The average temperature starts off at 10°C and drops to 7°C by the end of the month. Rome in December experiences an average six hours of sunshine, giving you ample time to explore the city when the sun is out.
Visiting Rome in December: Things to do
1
St. Peter’s Basilica
What comes to your mind when you think of Vatican City? The answer is, St. Peter’s Basilica. This colossal beaut assumes an aura of potency, given its religious importance till date. A capacity of 20,000 is enough to hold the art enthusiasts that pour in to see legendary works like St. Peter’s Baldachin, and The Pietà. A December trip to St. Peter's Basilica will ensure maximum time to absorb all that is going on inside.
December Timings
7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Italy
Getting There ›
2
Vatican Museums
The city of Rome belongs to art and culture. And the Vatican Museums represent the the very core of this important aspect of Roma. You can explore the glorious art of Europe through the ages, or discover the timeless story behind Vatican City, without being bothered huge tour groups. That is why December might be the ideal time for you to take a Vatican Museums tour.
December Timings
9 AM to 6 PM (Monday to Saturday)
9 AM to 2 PM (last Sunday of the month)
Closed on all other Sundays, December 25 and 26
.
Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›
3
Sistine Chapel
This masterpiece by Michelangelo can be seen at the Vatican City, where it is treasured and spectated by millions every year. Its historical importance has not ceased to be, and currently popes are crowned inside this architectural marvel. Sistine Chapel immortalizes the works of Botticelli, Perugino, and Luca, apart from Michelangelo himself. Given its fame among the tourists, you’d be better advised to sneak in here in December.
December Timings
9 AM to 6 PM (Monday to Saturday)
9 AM to 2 PM (last Sunday of the month); closed on December 8, 25, 26, and 31.
Viale Vaticano, 100, 00136 Roma RM
Italy
Getting There ›
4
Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
No matter what time of the year it is, if you are in Rome, you need to pay a visit to the Colosseum at least once. After a trip to the world’s largest amphitheatre, you visit the the home of native history, the Roman Forum. Here, you can sneak a peek into the Ancient Roman way. Finally, visit the Palatine Hill, the vantage point that witnessed the birth of Rome. Unlike rest of the year, in December these sites allow you to enjoy a calmer side of them.
December Timings
8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (All three attractions)
Piazza del Colosseo, 00184, Rome,
Italy
Getting There ›
5
Trastevere neighbourhood walk
A quaint medieval neighborhood just on the other side of the river Tiber awaits you in Rome. Trastevere neighborhood is known for its humble persona, gripping history, and little food stalls selling mouth watering delicacies. A walk through the neighborhood in December would allow you to breathe in the essence of the locale.
December Timings
Open all day
Trastevere,Rome
Italy
Getting There ›
6
Galleria Borghese & Villa Borghese
The Galleria Borghese Museum flaunts a collection of sculptures, bas-reliefs, ancient mosaics, paintings and sculptures from the 15th to 19th century. Witness works by acclaimed Italian artisans like Caravaggio, Titian, Correggio and Giovanni Bellini here. Villa Borghese is a naturalistic landscape garden and the third largest public park in Rome. Attached to it is the Galleria Borghese, a treasure trove of art and history you just can’t afford to miss.
December Timings
Tuesday to Sunday 9 AM to 7 PM (last admission is at 5 PM)
Viale del Museo Borghese, 00197 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›
7
Roman Catacombs
Burial of dead bodies within city limits were prohibited in Ancient Rome. Consequently, timbs had to erected beyond the cities. Also, underground tunnel systems were used to bury dead bodies. Explore centuries worth of history literally buried in the Catacombs. Opt for a guided tour to uncover the numerous mysteries. A tour of the Roman Catacombs in December tends to get a bit chillier than usual.
December Timings
9 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 6 PM
Via Salaria, 430, 00199 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›
8
Legends and Ghosts Tour
Rome has its dark side as well. A city as old as this can be expected to be a witness of unholy tales. A Legends and Ghosts Tour of Rome familiarize you with the sinister facet of the city of love. Know about the corrupt female Pope whose apparition is still said to be visible, and many other legends from an expert guide. Taking this tour in December will surely be a little scarier.
December Timings
8 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
S. Andrea della Valle Church, Rome
Italy
Getting There ›
9
Rome Food Tour
You may come to Rome especially to take its gustatory feel and still leave absolutely satisfied. Choose among the numerous options available, from wine tours, to countryside cruise, to cooking classes, Rome has it all. Tour groups usually reduce in size around December, which can only enhance your overall experience.
Trastevere,Rome
Italy
Getting There ›
Rome in December — Events to look out for
Lighting of the Menorah 2023
December 7, 2023
This is possibly the first spectacle that Rome offers to a tourist in December. A giant Menoah is lit at Piazza Barberini as thousands come to witness that landmark event. This kickstarts Hanukkah in Rome.
Hanukkah
December 7 - 15, 2023
Rome has a rather large Jewish population, and therefore Hanukkah is a big deal in the city. Piazza Barberini becomes the focal point of celebrations, as candles are lit on all of the eight nights of the holiday.
Immaculate Conception
8th December, 2023
On this Catholic holy day, the conception of Mother Mary is celebrated in Rome. A caravan is led by the Pope himself from Vatican to Piazza di Spagna, where he lays a wreath Colonna dell'Immacolata.
Nativity Display
All of December
Throughout Rome, depictions of Nativity scenes are displayed during the festive season. The one that you must catch is at Sala del Bramante near Piazza del Popolo. This display remains up well into January.
Rome in December : 5-day itinerary
Need help planning your Rome vacation? Check out our detailed Rome itineraries here.
5 Days In Rome Itinerary
1
Colosseum
€19
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Free Entry
Trevi Fountain
Free Entry
2
St. Peter's Basilica & Vatican Necropolis
€19.5
Vatican Museums
Sistine Chapel
€5
3
Borghese Gallery
€39
Roman Catacombs
€59
Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano
€10
4
Rome to Naples
€139
Rome to Pompeii
€139
Rome to Amalfi Coast
€169.95
5
Trastevere
Free Entry
Roman Ghetto
€82
Appian Way
€70
What to eat in Rome in December?
This soup is native to the Tuscany region, but has a Roman twist. It is made from cannellini beans, seasonal vegetables, and the mixed with bread. It is said that the soup tastes better with stale bread. The simplicity and warmth of Ribollita will surely take to your heart. Try this soup at Vineria Il Chianti.
Winters are the ideal time to gorge on this signature Roman heavy pasta dish. Pasta Alla Carbonara consists of eggs and cheese in a sinful proportion to make it a delight on one of your December outings. Given its traditional value, Pasta Alla Carbonara is available at almost all renowned restaurants around Rome.
December lies in the middle of black truffle season in Roma. The prices are the lowest during this time and pasta dishes are available in abundance in restaurants throughout Rome. While taking a stroll through the Piazza Navona or Pantheon, you may drop into Osteria del Sostegno to have their speciality Tagliolini al Tartufo Nero.
Trastevere is known for its food carts and makeshift food stalls. On one of your mandatory walks around Trastevere, try this crumbled risotto ball filled with tomato ragu. You may opt for the mozzarella variation of Supplì to enjoy your wintry outing better. I Supplì is known for its absolutely lip smacking version of this street food.
Rome in December is specifically incomplete without trying Pangiallo Romano. This cake with an ancient origin pops up only around Christmas. A generous helping of almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, raisins and pistachios are added to the dough, and after baking, it is glazed in saffron. Try it from Pangiallo Romano or Pasticceria Regoli.
Rome December essentials
LanguageItalian
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+39
Socket Type C, L, F
CurrencyEuros €
Rome Weather in December
December is the second coldest month of the year in Rome. The lowest temperature can be around 4°C/39°F while the highest is about 15°C/59°F. Rains are rare with mostly clear skies and crisp days. Snows are not uncommon.
Where to stay in Rome during December
Since December is in the off season, this might be the right time save up on accommodations. Several hotels slash their rates and offer lucrative deals to attract what’s left of the tourist crowd. However, if you want to hole up indoors, Roma offers quite a few luxurious options.
- Luxury Hotels: J.K. Place Romahttps://jkroma.com/, Hotel Hassler, Hotel De Russie
- Mid-Range: Boutique Hotel Campo de Fiori, Barocco Hotel, Kolbe Hotel Rome
- Budget : Nerva Accomodation, Palm Gallery Hotel, Hotel Santa Maria
What to pack for visiting Rome in December
Considering the rising winter chills, it is absolutely essential to have warm woollen jackets and thicker clothes handy during your trip. Make it a point to carry a scarf and gloves with you at all times. A rain-hat, umbrella or a raincoat is also a must as it tends to rain erratically during November. If you’re planning to go out on an excursion, it is best to have comfortable leggings and durable shoes to last you throughout your trip.
Getting around Rome in December
Public transport in Rome is sprawling. Metro routes Linea A and Linea B can be used to get to most of the attractions around the Vatican City and Colosseum. The bus network can take you to the other spots in the city. Tram lines are also widespread throughout the city and run almost all day. There is a network of night buses the make the late tours convenient. For the overtly independent ones, there are bike and scooter rentals available.
Tips for visiting Rome in December
- Enquire about the night tours of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
- Remember that the entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is sealed two hours before closing time.
- Climb to the top of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica and enjoy a mesmerizing view of Roma.
- Beware of the overwhelming crowd at St. Peter’s Square during the Christmas period.
- Check out the winter market at Piazza Navona if you are in Rome in December.
- Enjoy the Vatican Museums free of cost on Boxing Day
Explore Rome by months
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Ready to visit Rome in December?
Here are some quick links to articles that will make your Roma vacation all the more special !
