Christmas markets in Rome

There’s no need to beat around the bush: Rome is not particularly famous for its Christmas markets. Tourists in the know prefer northern Italy for this specific seasonal shopping destination: small cities and towns in Piedmont, in South Tyrol, even in Tuscany.

Before you make plans and travel to somewhere else this holiday season, here’s something you should keep in mind: a few entrepreneurs, along with the new mayor, are trying to change the city – even in this respect. And so the Eternal City is becoming a hotspot for fans of themed handcrafted knick-knacks and beyond: curious locals and travelers alike are wandering among stalls and discovering fun, original, unusual gifts by some of the city’s best creatives.

Where are these stalls, you ask? Read on!

Piazza Navona… Returns!

This season “Piazza Navona” ceases to be just an address and becomes one and the same with the Christmas market by the same name, the oldest in the city. This year, the event finally makes a comeback and will be taking place each day until Jan. 6: among many different items, you can find candy, Christmas ornaments, candles and traditional toys here.

Europe’s largest Christmas park

An equally beloved area of the city is – of course – Villa Borghese! This year there’s an extra reason to stroll around the park: Europe’s largest Christmas Village has been set up here, complete with stalls, entertainment and food stands. It will run until Jan. 8 and it involves an entrance fee.

The biggest space for gifts

If you haven’t visited in a while Giftland may come in a surprise, but at this point it is well-known by Romans: this indoor market takes place every weekend of the holiday season in the former ATAC depot on Piazza Ragusa, a short walk from the Roma Tuscolana train station. Giftland is also within walking distance from two subway stops: Re di Roma and Ponte Lungo, respectively.

Christmas at the amusement park

And more shopping ideas, along with food and more entertainment, will be at the Cinecittà World amusement park south of the EUR district, along the Via Pontina by Castel Romano. And on Christmas Day proper, admission will be free for everyone!

A Roman classic

While not strictly a Christmas market, Mercato Monti remains a popular destination this season: on Via Leonina, a short walk from the Cavour metro station, every weekend.

Other holiday events not to be missed

The Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone, north of the Flaminio subway stop, will be an essential destination throughout the month and well into January – it hosts several holiday-themed events, among them the now classic Roma Gospel Festival. It is also the house to one of the oldest ice rinks in the city, which will only be disassembled at the end of next month: plenty of time to go check it out!

More ice rinks, as is tradition, have also been set up by Castel Sant’Angelo (look for the Grinzing Village) and midway between the Olympic Stadium and the Ponte Milvio bridge.

Finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the beautiful light works set up at the Botanical Gardens in Trastevere: the “Incanto di luci” exhibit/installation will be running until Jan. 8, to be visited strictly after dark. Admission tickets can be bought online at the facility’s website.