A Guide To The Best Events In December 2025 In Rome

Discovering the best things to do in Rome in December

Holiday decorations, window displays and wintery jingles are everywhere in Rome in December. Between the street lights and countless Christmas markets, it can be hard to figure out the best places to go and the most exciting events to attend in such a short time — but that’s exactly what this guide will help you do! 

Here is our list of the best events in December 2025 in Rome.

Exhibitions this December in Rome

Mark on your calendar both the ongoing and brand-new art shows in Rome this month.

The Historic Infantry Museum has two shows, one showcasing works by Gauguin and the other dedicated to Picasso. Other highlights include the extensive Alphonse Mucha retrospective at Palazzo Bonaparte, three exhibitions at Castel Sant’Angelo, and “Treasures of the Pharaohs” at the Scuderie del Quirinale.

For contemporary art lovers, Flowers exhibit at Chiostro del Bramante runs until January 18, 2026. Also running until January, Palazzo delle Esposizioni presents Restituzioni 2025, a major exhibition showcasing restored works from across Italy as part of the national program to safeguard and promote the country’s artistic heritage.

Not to be missed at Palazzo Cipolla, “Dalí. Revolution and Tradition” the exhibition that puts Dalí’s surrealism center stage, bringing to Rome over sixty works—including paintings, drawings, documents, and audiovisual materials—by one of the twentieth century’s towering masters.

Finally, the Museo del Genio, a venue of over 4,000 square meters, has reopened to the public with two major exhibitions: one dedicated to Vivian Maier, the much-loved American photographer, and the other, “Pop Air” by Ugo Nespolo, showcasing the celebrated artist’s imposing sculptures.

Best events in December in Rome

Live music

In the Eternal City, music is also eternal, as you can see by the wide range of performances this month. Rock and roll, jazz, pop and classical music all fit right in with the eclectic nature of Rome, so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect concert for you.

Until 6 January 2025 | Trame di Luce (TO BE CONFIRMED)

An immersive and multisensory journey where light takes center stage, celebrating Christmas and beyond. This is Trame di Luce (Weaves of Light), returning to Rome this year with a trail of 22 stops that reimagine the spaces of the Botanical Garden through contemporary creativity and light art.

From November 30 to January 6, 2025, Trame di Luce transports visitors into a dreamlike dimension right from the start, with its entrance at the outdoor spaces of Palazzo Corsini, home to the National Academy of the Lincei and the starting point of the journey. The installations have been created by national and international artists, as well as talented students from various Italian universities.

Until 11 January 2026 | Christmas World at Villa Borghese

The Christmas World at Villa Borghese is returning for another round of holiday joy. With replicas of cities around the world, musical performances, a carousel, a chocolate factory, an ice-skating rink and even a model of Santa’s house, there’s something for every member of the family. And if that wasn’t enough, each city replica will also have its own food court for your tasting pleasure. The Christmas World at Villa Borghese is open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM.

4 – 8 December | Più Libri Più Liberi

Più Libri Più Liberi is the fair dedicated to independent publishing: five days to discover the latest releases and catalogs from over 500 publishers, meet authors, enjoy musical performances, readings, and debates. An opportunity not to be missed for both avid readers and industry professionals.

8 December 2024 – 6 January 2025 (TO BE CONFIRMED)

Celebrate the holiday season from December 8th to January 6th at the Auditorium Parco Della Musica, where Christmas magic is in full swing. In addition to the programming of pop, jazz and rock music concerts, there is the usual Rome Gospel Festival, one of the most important gospel festivals in Europe, which features some of the best ensembles from the United States. Completing the chilly Christmas vibe, performances for children and guided tours for families will guarantee fun for people of all ages.

8 December 2025 – 6 January 2026 | 100 Presepi in Vaticano

Depictions of the birth of Jesus appear worldwide at Christmastime, but Italians have a special pride in their nativity scenes—presepi in Italian. This exhibition makes that clear, showcasing some of the most beautiful presepi along the Colonnade of St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. More than 300 works were nominated from various countries, and 100 were selected for display. Whether you’re a craftsman or a casual admirer, you’re invited to come and see these masterpieces up close.

17 – 31 December | The Nutcracker at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma

The quintessential Christmas ballet opens the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma’s 2025/26 dance season: Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, in Paul Chalmer’s fairy-tale vision, will run from December 17 to 31, 2025.

20 -31 December 2025 | Gospel Festival

Door-to-door caroling isn’t much of a thing here in Rome, but you can still get your Christmas chorus fix by snagging a seat at the Gospel Festival, hosted by the Auditorium Parco della Musica. These holiday concerts are performed by a range of singers, choirs and bands which are all sure to turn any Scrooge’s frown upside-down.

Christmas Markets

With the Christmas season in full-swing and the Eternal City already illuminated in festive displays, what better time to sip some mulled wine and pick up some eclectic gifts at one of the many markets happening this month in Rome.

New Year’s Eve

It’s always a bit difficult to decide what to do on New Year’s Eve. Whether you prefer to ring in the New Year in a crowded club, in one of the major piazzas in Rome, or at home with a glass of champagne and some friends, there’s many things you can do to make your New Year’s in Rome unforgettable. 

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