Rome’s quieter winter atmosphere provides a perfect backdrop for the Rome Christmas Market (Befana Market) in Piazza Navona, set amid ancient architecture, sculptures and bustling restaurants.
In this article, you can find the 2024 dates, opening times and additional information.
Rome Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Unconfirmed
Rome Christmas Market dates: 1st December 2024 to 6th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Expected Update: Last year’s dates were announced in October. Want to know when dates are confirmed? Sign up for our newsletter to get notified as soon as they become available.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the event organiser websites, available here and here.
Note: Rome has several winter markets, but the Befana Market is the most interesting for international visitors. Scroll down for details on the other markets.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Piazza Navona.
Opening times: 11am to 7pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: Walking tour of ancient Rome or this incredibly fun Vespa tour.
Public transport: Widely available and accessible.
Parking: Please take public transport or walk to help limit congestion.
Where to stay: Hotel Martis Palace is a highly-rated hotel near Piazza Navona.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Christmas Tree: Yes, the switch on date is 7th December in Piazza Venezia (unconfirmed).
Light Show: At the Botanical Gardens: 15th November to 6th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Befana: Arrives on the 6th January at 10am.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: No.
Reason to visit: Historic location, musuems and attractions.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, but limited.
Gluten-free: Limited. However, there are several GF bakeries and restaurants in Rome.
Specialties: Classics like pandoro and freshly baked panettone.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes, although there are cobblestones.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Convenient Hotels
I like to stay in the Rione VI Parione district as it’s one of the most central areas and is just steps away from Piazza Navona.
In this area, I recommend Hotel Martis Palace, as it’s central and very stylish.
For a more affordable stay, you might like Suite Art Navona; it’s exceptional value for money.
Interesting Tours
I’ve been to Rome many times, so I understand it can be a little overwhelming for first-time visitors. It’s a big city with lots to do, which is why I recommend taking a tour to get an overview of the highlights like the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain and St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.
This city tour of Rome is a great option and it ends at Piazza Navona, where you can walk around the market stalls.
Alternatively, this food tour is a delicious way to experience Rome. I’ve taken a couple of food tours in Rome, and you can’t go wrong with this one.
Finally, I must mention this Vespa tour I took several years ago. It’s the absolute best tour I’ve ever taken in all my years as a travel blogger.
My Italian Christmas Markets List has further insights into festivities across the country to help organise your itinerary.
Event Location
From twinkling lights to festive foods, we love seeing your holiday adventures. Use #UltimateChristmasMarkets to share your moments with us!
List of Other Markets
Ponte Milvio
Ice Christmas Village is a smaller market across the river from Piazza Navona between the Olympic Stadium and Ponte Milvio.
Ponte Milvio dates: 1st December 2024 to 6th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Location: Lungotevere Maresciallo Diaz.
Opening times: 10am to 10pm.
Villa Borghese
Christmas World is a family-friendly event with musicals, folklore shows, replica cities and other entertainment. It’s a bit like Disneyland but for Christmas, so it’s not a traditional market and is targeted towards younger kids.
Villa Borghese dates: 1st December 2024 to 6th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Location: Galoppatoio, Villa Borghese.
Opening times: 11am to 8pm.
Attractions: Double-decker carousel, chocolate factory, Santa’s House, ice skating.
Cinecittà World – Confirmed
Another event is Cinecittà World, a movie-based amusement park just outside the city at the famous Cinecittà film studio. Scenes from movies are projected on a giant screen in the main square at the Gocce di Cinema.
Cinecittà World dates: 9th November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (confirmed).
Location: Cinecittà World Amusement Park, Via Irina Alberti.
Opening times: 11am to 6pm.
How to get there: Shuttle Bus from Roma Termini. Price: €7.
Official site: Cinecittà World.
Christmas in Rome
Christmas in Italy is dominated by traditions like Midnight Mass in local churches and family gatherings.
The official Pinellian nativity scene is displayed at the Spanish Steps, and the city’s Christmas tree stands in Piazza Venezia.
Italian Specialties
- Pangiallo Romano: A traditional Roman festive cake that is dense and packed with nuts and dried fruits and topped with pastel-coloured icing.
- Pizzelle: Pizzelle are thin, crisp biscuits cooked in a special iron that imprints a snowflake or floral pattern. These are often dusted with powdered sugar and can be eaten plain or sandwiched with chocolate or jam.
- Gelato: Despite the cold, Romans enjoy their favourite frozen treat, often in seasonal flavours like panettone or pandoro. It’s always a good time for gelato.
- Vin Brulé: Italian red mulled wine.
- Cioccolata Calda (Hot Chocolate): Italian hot chocolate is notably thick and rich, often so dense it’s enjoyed with a spoon. Get it from a cafe so you can linger and people-watch.
- Panettone: The Milanese specialty.
- Pandoro: Originally from Verona, this star-shaped, bread is dusted with powdered sugar to resemble the snowy peaks of the Italian Alps.
- Cannoli: Originally from Sicily, these tube-shaped pastries filled with sweet ricotta are popular throughout Italy.
- Castagne (Roasted Chestnuts): A quintessential winter street food snack.
- Ciambelle: Ring-shaped biscuits that have a crunchy texture and are flavoured with wine.
What to Buy
- Presepi (Nativity Scenes): Elaborate nativity scenes in all kinds of variations.
- Glass Ornaments: Many are made from Murano glass, a centuries-old tradition from the Venetian island.
- Limoncello: Traditionally made in southern Italy, especially around the Amalfi Coast and islands of Capri.
- Artisanal Pasta: Locally made, high-quality pasta in various shapes and flavours.
- Cioccolato Artigianale: Italian chocolatiers have stalls at the markets.
Travel Information
For more practical information and helpful tips on Rome, turn to Visit Italia’s comprehensive section on visiting Rome. Otherwise, you can leave a comment below with questions and I’ll respond.
Sustainability Tips
- Renewable Energy: Many hotels in Rome have started implementing solar panels, but many also use wind power.
- Food Waste: I know it can be tempting to want to try everything but to reduce waste, consider carefully how much you order.
- Ethical Consumption: Only purchase what you truly need. Look for alternative places to shop, like the Mercato Monti, one of Rome’s trendiest markets.
- Sustainable Diets: Rome has a growing number of organic, vegetarian and plant-based restaurants that focus on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
- Transport: Rome’s historic centre is best explored on foot. For longer distances, consider renting a bike or using the city’s public transport system, which includes buses, trams and the metro. Rome also has electric scooters and Vespa rentals, a fun way to zip around the city.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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