Viator Rome

Rome might be at its most popular in the summer months when the weather is conducive to spending long hours outside, but savvy travelers know that visiting touristy cities in the off season has major benefits. During the winter months, Rome’s weather is certainly colder, but those months also offer seasonal attractions and treats that aren’t around in the summer. Not only that, you’ll find that things like airfare and hotel rates are cheaper in the winter, often by quite a bit.

Outdoor Christmas markets are a common element to many parts of Europe during the holiday season. They’re especially typical of Germanic countries, but their popularity has made other countries adopt the tradition, too – including Italy. In Rome, there are a few places where Christmas markets spring up in the weeks before Christmas.

Rome is fascinating every time of the year, and always for a different reason but Christmas and New Year have a special impact on visitors and will certainly leave you with fond memories.

Two very good reasons to head to Rome during the Christmas season are that the first Christmas mass was said in Rome at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the city’s five large basilicas and the biggest dedicated to the Virgin Mary; and also that here are located the Vatican and the Pope, head of the Catholic Church in the world and thus epicenter of celebrations of the birth of Jesus.

Since Rome is basically the place from where Christianity was consolidated and spread, it’s no surprise that its makes a big deal out of Christmas–as it should; the Eternal city’s monuments and ancient architecture are prime for decorating, and the city does Christmas right.

What better way to celebrate Christmas than in Christendom’s holiest of cities? Even if you’re a casual Catholic or just like giving presents to your relatives, Christmas in Rome is an unforgettable experience. For example, just about anywhere you travel during the holidays is decorated for the occasion, and the Vatican is no exception.