Things to do this Christmas in Rome
Christmas in Rome is celebrated in a very special way. The magic that takes over its ancient landmarks and patrons of the art is especially potent this festive time of year. Christmas trees are set up in the squares, multicoloured lights decorate the streets and there are bustling markets, traditional celebrations, shows and music. All this and more in Rome, the great place to go away for a Christmas break.
If you’re travelling as a family, you will surely want to visit the numerous nativity scenes set up in the major Roman Catholic churches and their squares over the festive period. The prettiest include those decorating Piazza de San Pietro, Piazza di Spagna, Santa Maria in Aracoeli and Santa Maria del Popolo. Faithful followers amongst you may want to head to Midnight Mass on the 24th of December held in the Vatican and listen to the Urbi et Orbe blessing given by the Pope on Christmas Day from the main balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
The Christmas Markets are another major attraction over the festive season in Rome. The oldest is that located on Piazza Navona. From the 1st to the 6th of January 2012, you will find delicious products and typical sweet treats, Christmas decorations, toys and all kinds of handcrafted goods there. Amongst the great presents you can buy as souvenirs, there are the little Befana figures. With her old shoes and wide-brimmed hat, Befana the witch is one of the central characters of Christmas in Rome. On the 5th of January, she mounts her broomstick and hands out presents, sweets and coal to Italian children.
Music and shows is another star of Christmas in Rome. From the 20th to the 30th of December, the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma offers fairy tales in the form of ballet including the Nutcracker by Piotr Ilich Chaikovski, one of the most popular ballets of all time and favourite at Christmas time.
Natale all’Auditorium (Christmas in the Audiorium) offers a wide range of concerts and activities aimed at families. Outside, the Auditorium is transformed into a small theme park, with a colourful carrousel and ice rink. Whilst there is no end to the shows scheduled inside. The Roma Gospel Festival, boasting the participation of some of the best gospel choirs in the United States, will be offering a great performance on the 31st of December. 
Further highlights include a puppet show by the famous Sicilian story teller Mimmo Cuticchio taking place from the 27th to the 30th of December based on the exploits of Giuseppe Garibaldi, coinciding with the year they celebrate the 150th year anniversary of the unification of Italia. And finally, to bid farewell to 2011 and celebrate the arrival of the New Year, maestro Kart Martin will be conducting the Rome Symphony Orchestra on the 1st and 2nd of January in a concert with music alternating between eighteenth century music and (waltz, polka and mazurka) and operettas and romantic repertoires.
In the En el Natale all’ Auditorium visitors will also be able to enjoy an original version of the Barber of Seville, children’s stories by Charles Perrault illustrated with music by Ravel, tarantela, cinema, literature and much more.
To conclude, there are lots do at Christmas in Rome, as well as a great festive atmosphere. Enjoy!
Laura - Marketing Team