Rome Christmas Tour: From Ancient Rituals to Holiday Magic

There’s no better place to feel the spirit of Christmas than in Rome — the Eternal City where centuries of faith, art, and festivity intertwine. As winter lights glow on ancient stones, Rome becomes a living postcard: streets sparkle with garlands, churches fill with music, and every corner seems to whisper stories from long ago. Yet beneath the magic lies a fascinating story — one that reaches back to ancient Rome.

Long before the first Nativity, Romans celebrated Saturnalia — a December feast of light, freedom, and gifts. Homes shimmered with candles, masters served their servants, and laughter filled the streets. Centuries later, Christianity transformed these pagan customs into new traditions celebrating the birth of Christ. As the centre of Christianity, Rome became the cradle from which many of the world’s Christmas traditions spread — inspiring customs, imagery, and devotion that would echo across continents.

Our Christmas journey begins at Piazza del Popolo, beside one of Rome’s grand Christmas trees and the twin churches that frame the square. Here stands Santa Maria del Popolo, home to the Renaissance Chapel of the Nativity, where art brings to life the story that shaped Christmas itself. From there, we wander through Via Margutta, a hidden gem once home to artists and dreamers, with its ivy-draped walls twinkling with garlands. Along the way, we’ll see how artists through the ages — from Dürer and Caravaggio to Dickens and even Banksy — have reimagined Christmas in their own way.

We continue to the elegant Piazza di Spagna, where luxury windows and festive decorations reflect Rome’s modern Christmas spirit — a celebration of beauty, abundance, and desire. At Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, we explore the beloved Italian tradition of the presepe, or Nativity scene, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, who created the first living Nativity in 1223. These miniature worlds tell not only the story of Bethlehem but also the story of everyday Italian life.

Our path then leads to the Temple of Hadrian, where your guide unveils how pagan and Christian celebrations merged — from Saturnalia to Christmas, from ancient offerings to today’s gift-giving. In December, this square glows with candlelight during the feast of Santa Lucia, one of Rome’s most atmospheric winter traditions.

Finally, we arrive at Piazza Navona, Rome’s most enchanting Christmas market. Baroque fountains sparkle under strings of lights, carousels spin, and the air fills with the scent of roasted nuts and sweet pastries. Here, amid laughter and music, you’ll taste the warmth of a Roman Christmas and meet La Befana, the kind-hearted witch who keeps the season alive until Epiphany.

Join us on this festive walk and discover how Rome’s Christmas magic was born. Learn how ancient rituals became timeless traditions, and see the Eternal City shining brighter than ever.