{"id":7668,"date":"2024-11-07T13:14:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-07T09:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.headout.com\/?p=7668"},"modified":"2024-12-02T12:25:47","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T08:25:47","slug":"rome-in-december","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/rome-in-december\/","title":{"rendered":"Visiting Rome in December: The definitive guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Close to 2700 years ago, Rome<\/a> 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\u2019t someone want to be here, even in December?<\/p>\n

What makes Rome in December special?<\/h2>\n

\"rome<\/span> <\/p>\n

Holiday season<\/strong>: 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.<\/p>\n

Less crowded<\/strong>: Rome is a tourist hotspot. You\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n

Cheaper accommodations and commute<\/strong>: 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.<\/p>\n

Rome weather in December<\/h2>\n

December in Rome is fairly cold with spurts of rain throughout the month. The average temperature starts off at 10\u00b0C and drops to 7\u00b0C 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.<\/p>\n

\"rome<\/span><\/p>\n

Visiting Rome in December: Things to do<\/h2>\n

1<\/p>\n

St. Peter\u2019s Basilica<\/h2>\n

\n

\"rome<\/span><\/p>\n

What comes to your mind when you think of Vatican City? The answer is, St. Peter\u2019s Basilica<\/a>. 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\u2019s Baldachin, and The Piet\u00e0. A December trip to St. Peter’s Basilica will ensure maximum time to absorb all that is going on inside. December Timings<\/strong>Thur-Tue: 7am-6:30pm Wed: 12:30pm-6:30pm <\/p>\n

\"Location\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Citt\u00e0 del Vaticano, Vatican City ItalyGetting There \u203a<\/a><\/p>\n

Read More <\/a> Book Now <\/a> <\/span><\/a> Free Cancellation \"Dedicated Dedicated Access: St. Peter’s Basilica Self Guided…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac19.5 <\/span><\/a> Free Cancellation \"Exclusive Exclusive St. Peter’s Guided Tour with Dome Climb …<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac59 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Guided Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac59 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Entire Entire Vatican City Guided Tour with St Peter’s Ba…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac94.95 <\/span><\/a> Free Cancellation \"Guided Guided Tour Of St. Peter’s Basilica With Fast Trac…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac27 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Rome Rome in a Day: Colosseum, Vatican & Sistine Chapel…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac101 <\/span><\/a> Free Cancellation \"Fast Fast Track: St. Peter\u2019s Basilica and Vatican Necro…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac59 <\/p>\n

2<\/p>\n

Vatican Museums<\/h2>\n

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\"rome<\/span><\/p>\n

The city of Rome belongs to art and culture. And the Vatican Museums<\/a> 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<\/strong>Mon-Thur: 8am-7pmFri-Sat: 8am-8pm Closed on all other Sundays, December 25 and 26 <\/p>\n

\"Location\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma RM, ItalyGetting There \u203a<\/a><\/p>\n

Read More <\/a> Book Now <\/a> <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Skip Skip the Line Tickets – Vatican Museums and Sistin…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac19.9 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Escorted Escorted Exclusive Skip The Line Tickets to Vatica…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac27 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Guided Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac59 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Apostolic Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo & Pontifical V…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac14.5 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Skip Skip the Line Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums, …<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac51 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Vatican Vatican Museums & Pontifical Villas By Train<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac65 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Exclusive Exclusive Early Access Tickets – Vatican Museum & …<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac53 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Entire Entire Vatican City Guided Tour with St Peter’s Ba…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac94.95 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Rome Rome in a Day: Colosseum, Vatican & Sistine Chapel…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac101 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Semi Semi Private Guided Tour – Vatican Museums, Sistin…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac87 <\/p>\n

3<\/p>\n

Sistine Chapel<\/h2>\n

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\"rome<\/span><\/p>\n

This masterpiece by Michelangelo<\/a> can be seen at the Vatican City<\/a>, 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\u2019d be better advised to sneak in here in December. December Timings<\/strong>Mon-Thur: 9am-7pm Fri-Sat: 8am-8pm Closed on Sunday; December 8, 25, 26, and 31.<\/p>\n

\"Location\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Viale Vaticano, 100, 00136 Roma RM ItalyGetting There \u203a<\/a><\/p>\n

Read More <\/a> Book Now <\/a> <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Guided Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac59 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Skip Skip the Line Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums, …<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac51 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Exclusive Exclusive Early Access Tickets – Vatican Museum & …<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac53 <\/span><\/a> Free Cancellation \"Vatican Vatican Skip the Line & Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac58 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Entire Entire Vatican City Guided Tour with St Peter’s Ba…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac94.95 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Rome Rome in a Day: Colosseum, Vatican & Sistine Chapel…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac101 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Semi Semi Private Guided Tour – Vatican Museums, Sistin…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac87 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Small Small Group Tour of Vatican Museums, St. Peter\u2019s B…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac52 <\/span><\/a> Free Cancellation \"Vatican Vatican & Papal Tombs: Treasures of the Sistine Ch…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac69 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Vatican Vatican Museums & Pontifical Villas By Train<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac65 <\/p>\n

4<\/p>\n

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill<\/h2>\n

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\"rome<\/span><\/p>\n

No matter what time of the year it is, if you are in Rome, you need to pay a visit to the Colosseum<\/a> at least once. After a trip to the world\u2019s 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<\/strong>Mon-Sun: 8:30am-4:30pm<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\"Location\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Piazza del Colosseo, 00184, Rome, ItalyGetting There \u203a<\/a><\/p>\n

Read More <\/a> Book Now <\/a> <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Priority Priority Entrance Tickets to Colosseum, Roman Foru…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac13 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Escorted Escorted Priority Entry to Colosseum, Roman Forum …<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac24 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Skip-the-Line Skip-the-Line Tickets to Colosseum with Access to …<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac42 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Skip-the-Line Skip-the-Line Colosseum Guided Tour with Access to…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac50.67 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Skip-the-Line Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Colosseum, Roman Foru…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac34.2 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Rome Rome in a Day: Colosseum, Vatican & Sistine Chapel…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac101 <\/span><\/a> Free Cancellation \"City City Sightseeing Rome Maxi-Combo: Vatican & Coloss…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac88 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Colosseum Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour with Forum & Palatin…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac54 <\/span><\/a> Free Cancellation \"City City Sightseeing Rome: Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour + Colos…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac52 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"VIP VIP Access Tickets: Vatican Museums & Colosseum wi…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac82 <\/p>\n

5<\/p>\n

Trastevere neighbourhood walk<\/h2>\n

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\"rome<\/span><\/p>\n

A quaint medieval neighborhood just on the other side of the river Tiber awaits you in Rome. Trastevere neighborhood<\/a> 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<\/strong> Open all day<\/p>\n

\"Location\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Trastevere,Rome ItalyGetting There \u203a<\/a><\/p>\n

Read More <\/a> Book Now <\/a><\/p>\n

6<\/p>\n

Galleria Borghese & Villa Borghese<\/h2>\n

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\"rome<\/span><\/p>\n

The Galleria Borghese Museum<\/a> 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\u2019t afford to miss. December Timings<\/strong>Tue-Sun: 9am-7pm (last admission is at 5:45pm)<\/p>\n

\"Location\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Viale del Museo Borghese, 00197 Roma RM, ItalyGetting There \u203a<\/a><\/p>\n

Read More <\/a> Book Now <\/a> <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Borghese Borghese Gallery Entrance Tickets<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac21 <\/span><\/a> Best Safety \"Villa Villa Borghese Gallery and Gardens Skip The Line G…<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac54 <\/span><\/a> Free Cancellation \"Borghese Borghese Gallery & Colosseum Half Day Guided Tour …<\/span> from<\/span> \u20ac102 <\/p>\n

7<\/p>\n

Roman Catacombs<\/h2>\n

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\"rome<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/a>. 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<\/strong> 9am-12pm and 2pm-6pm<\/p>\n

\"Location\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Via Salaria, 430, 00199 Roma RM, Italy Getting There \u203a<\/a><\/p>\n

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8<\/p>\n

Legends and Ghosts Tour<\/h2>\n

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\"rome<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/strong>Thur-Sat: 8pm onwards<\/p>\n

\"Location\"<\/span><\/p>\n

S. Andrea della Valle Church, Rome ItalyGetting There \u203a<\/a><\/p>\n

Read More <\/a> Book Now <\/a><\/p>\n

9<\/p>\n

Rome Food Tour<\/h2>\n

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\"rome<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Location\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Trastevere,Rome ItalyGetting There \u203a<\/a><\/p>\n

Read More <\/a> Book Now <\/a><\/p>\n

Rome in December: Events to look out for<\/h2>\n

\"Rome<\/p>\n

Lighting of the Menorah <\/b><\/h4>\n

December 25, 2024<\/b>A giant Menoah<\/a> is lit at Piazza Barberini as thousands come to witness that landmark event. This kickstarts Hanukkah in Rome.<\/p>\n

\"Rome<\/p>\n

Hanukkah <\/b><\/h4>\n

December 25, 2024 – Jan 2, 2025<\/b>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.<\/p>\n

\"Rome<\/p>\n

Immaculate Conception<\/b><\/h4>\n

December 5, 2024<\/b>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<\/a>, where he lays a wreath Colonna dell’Immacolata.<\/p>\n

\"Rome<\/p>\n

Nativity Display <\/b><\/h4>\n

All of December <\/b>Throughout Rome, depictions of Nativity scenes are displayed during the festive season. The one that you must catch is at Sala del Bramante<\/a> near Piazza del Popolo. This display remains up well into January.<\/p>\n

Rome in December: 5-day itinerary<\/h2>\n

Need help planning your Rome vacation? Check out our detailed Rome itineraries<\/a> here.<\/p>\n

5 Days In Rome Itinerary<\/p>\n

Day 1<\/span>Morning \"Roman<\/p>\n

Colosseum<\/h5>\n

\u20ac21.51<\/span><\/p>\n

Afternoon \"Roman<\/p>\n

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill<\/h5>\n

Free Entry<\/p>\n

Late Evening \"Trevi<\/p>\n

Trevi Fountain<\/h5>\n

Free Entry<\/p>\n

Day 2<\/span>Morning \"St.<\/p>\n

St. Peter’s Basilica & Vatican Necropolis<\/h5>\n

\u20ac19.5<\/span><\/p>\n

Noon \"Vatican<\/p>\n

Vatican Museums<\/h5>\n

<\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Afternoon \"Sistine<\/p>\n

Sistine Chapel<\/h5>\n

\u20ac5<\/p>\n

Day 3<\/span>Morning \"Borghese<\/p>\n

Borghese Gallery<\/h5>\n

\u20ac67<\/span><\/p>\n

Afternoon \"Roman<\/p>\n

Roman Catacombs<\/h5>\n

\u20ac49<\/span><\/p>\n

Late Evening \"Basilica<\/p>\n

Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano<\/h5>\n

\u20ac10<\/p>\n

Day 4<\/span>Day Trip Option #1 \"Rome<\/p>\n

Rome to Naples<\/h5>\n

\u20ac126.29<\/span><\/p>\n

Day Trip Option #2 \"Rome<\/p>\n

Rome to Pompeii<\/h5>\n

\u20ac144<\/span><\/p>\n

Day Trip Option #3 \"Rome<\/p>\n

Rome to Amalfi Coast<\/h5>\n

\u20ac149<\/span><\/p>\n

Day 5<\/span>Morning \"Trastevere\"<\/p>\n

Trastevere<\/h5>\n

Free Entry<\/p>\n

Afternoon \"Roman<\/p>\n

Roman Ghetto<\/h5>\n

\u20ac82<\/span><\/p>\n

Evening \"Appian<\/p>\n

Appian Way<\/h5>\n

\u20ac70<\/span><\/p>\n

What to eat in Rome in December?<\/h2>\n

\"rome Ribollita<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

This soup is native to the Tuscany<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

\"rome Pasta Alla Carbonara<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"rome Tagliolini al Tartufo Nero<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"rome Suppl\u00ec<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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 Suppl\u00ec to enjoy your wintry outing better. I Suppl\u00ec is known for its absolutely lip smacking version of this street food.<\/p>\n

\"rome Pangiallo Romano<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Rome in December is specifically incomplete without trying Pangiallo<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Rome December essentials<\/h2>\n

\"?\"<\/p>\n

LanguageItalian<\/span><\/p>\n

\"?\"<\/p>\n

Time zoneGMT+2<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\u260e\"<\/p>\n

Country Code+39<\/span><\/p>\n

\"?\"<\/p>\n

Socket Type C, L, F<\/span><\/p>\n

\"?\"<\/p>\n

CurrencyEuros \u20ac<\/span><\/p>\n

Rome Weather in December<\/h3>\n

December is the second coldest month of the year in Rome. The lowest temperature can be around 4\u00b0C\/39\u00b0F while the highest is about 15\u00b0C\/59\u00b0F. Rains are rare with mostly clear skies and crisp days. Snows are not uncommon.<\/p>\n

Where to stay in Rome during December<\/h3>\n

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\u2019s left of the tourist crowd. However, if you want to hole up indoors, Roma offers quite a few luxurious options.<\/p>\n