If you are traveling to the capital of Italy during the holiday season, there are many festivals and events that take place every December. However, while winter can be quite rainy in Rome, it can also be quite cold at night, so prepare for your trip by packing plenty of layers and warm clothing. That way, you can enjoy the many seasonal celebrations that take place throughout the month throughout the city.
Weather
Daytime temperatures in December stay in the mid-50s Fahrenheit, and many days of the month get plenty of sunshine. However, nighttime temperatures in Rome can drop to freezing temperatures. Overall, the average high in December is 54 degrees, while the average low reaches around 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
Winter is the second rainiest season after fall, and in December, Rome can average nine days of rain and a total accumulation of around four inches of precipitation throughout the month. December may also mean that you will still experience some of the pleasant fall weather, but the weather changes between cloudy periods accompanied by wind, rain and milder temperatures generated by the south winds and the cold sunny days that the north wind brings. known as the Tramontana.
Frost and snow are a rare phenomenon in the city, but you can experience it in the country just outside the city. However, heavy snowfall has happened multiple times in December throughout the city’s history, so be prepared for any weather conditions if you’re visiting this month.
What to pack
When it comes to preparing for your trip to Rome, you will need to bring lots of layers of warm clothing to avoid night chills and stay comfortable on moderately warmer days. Be sure to bring a thick jacket, plenty of sweaters, long and short sleeved shirts, and pants for your trip to properly prepare for any fluctuations in temperature you may experience. You may also want to pack a raincoat, umbrella, and waterproof shoes as December can get quite wet.
Events
Public holidays in Rome in December, while mostly Catholic and Christian, also include Jewish and secular events. Throughout the month, you will find a variety of different holiday markets, religious celebrations, and even some parties.
- Hanukkah: During Hanukkah, the great Jewish community of Rome gathers in Piazza Barberini, where candles are lit on a large Menorah each night during the eight-night holiday. The area near Campo dei Fiori is also festive during this time. Hanukkah falls during a different week each year, sometimes even late November, so be sure to check the dates before making vacation plans.
- Christmas Markets in Rome: From early December to January 6, visitors will find festive markets in Piazza Navona packed with people at stalls selling handmade gifts, handicrafts, children’s toys, and seasonal treats.
- Nativity Exhibition: 100 Presepi, an exhibition of nativity scenes from around the world, is in the Sala del Bramante, near Piazza del Popolo until January 6. Nativity displays are also organized in most churches in Rome if you plan to attend Mass or Service.
- Immaculate Conception: On this holy day, December 8, the Catholic faithful celebrate the day of the conception of Jesus from the Virgin Mary. Traditionally, the Pope celebrates this day by driving a caravan from the Vatican to Piazza di Spagna, where he lays a wreath of flowers on the Colonna dell’Immacolata in front of the Trinita dei Monti Church.
- Saint Lucia or Saint Lucia Day: Although the feast day of Saint Lucia (December 13) is celebrated more widely in Sicily, in Rome, it is observed with a large procession from Castel Sant Angelo to Saint Peter’s Square.
- Christmas Eve: In addition to being a time to spend with the family, Christmas Eve (December 24) is also the night when the nativity displays are traditionally completed by adding the baby Jesus or unveiled in its entirety, such as the nativity in size. natural in Saint Saint Peter’s Square.
- Christmas Day – You can expect everything to be closed on Christmas Day (December 25) as the Romans celebrate one of the most religious holidays of the year. Of course, there are many ways to celebrate Christmas in Rome, from attending midnight mass in St. Peter’s Basilica to visiting Christmas nurseries around the city.
- St. Stephen’s Day: This holiday is celebrated the day after Christmas (December 26) and is usually an extension of Christmas Day, when families venture out to see nativity scenes in churches and visit Christmas markets. The feast day of Santo Stefano, which is also celebrated on this day, is celebrated in churches that venerate Saint Stephen, such as the church of Santo Stefano Rotondo, near the Colosseum.
- New Year’s Eve (Festa di San Silvestro): Like all over the world, New Year’s Eve in Italy (December 31), which coincides with the Feast of San Silvestre (San Silvestro), is celebrated with much fanfare in Rome. The Piazza del Popolo celebrates the largest public celebration in Rome with music, dancing, fireworks and, of course, huge crowds.
Travel tips
- Before booking your plane ticket, it is important to note that December 8, 25 and 26 are national holidays in Italy, so you should expect that most companies, museums and other government facilities are closed.
- As you can normally experience the autumn weather throughout the month, but it is also the beginning of the low season for tourism in Rome, December can be an ideal month to visit the city. You won’t have to fight so many crowds, but you can still enjoy the many outdoor attractions of this ancient city.
- Hotels and travel costs should be cut at this time of year, especially if you are traveling at the beginning of the month. However, since Christmas is one of the most important holidays in the country, prices usually increase during that time until New Year’s Day.
