Rome is a magical city that you must put on your bucket list. It is full of ancient ruins and architectural masterpieces. It is home to the Sistine Chapel, and it is the seat of the papacy. It also has terrific food.
The deep culture and religion of Rome makes it a terrific place to visit at Christmastime and the spirit is enhanced by its many Christmas markets. The markets are ideal destinations for finding unique gifts and they fill the city with a festive atmosphere. Here are some you will want to check out when you’re in town.
Christmas Market at Piazza Navona
The Christmas Market at Piazza Navona is one of the most famous Christmas markets in the city. It is set in one of Rome’s well-known squares, once the site of a sports arena. The Fountain of Four Rivers sits at its center with the Fountain of Neptune and Fontana del Moro seated around it.
The square transforms for the Christmas season with festively decorated stalls selling unique toys and artisan items. There are also street musicians, amusement rides and more. The air is filled with Christmas carols. It’s open from the beginning of December to the beginning of January.
Christmas Market at Piazza Mazzini
The Market at Piazza Mazzini happens the first and third Sundays of each month. During Advent, the market becomes Christmas themed with about 50 vendor stalls selling gifts that are perfect for the holiday season including clothing, accessories, wood crafts, deli items and herb products. The huts will be decorated for the occasion.
Mercato Monti
Mercato Monti is a market that is open year-round, but it is a popular place to look for Christmas gifts. It is open every weekend. It’s an indoor market that is full of everything from upscale goods to vintage items to cultural pieces.
The market is dedicated to showcasing young Roman designers. DJ’s spin to add to the festive atmosphere. It is centrally located and surrounded by Rome’s historic ruins. While there, you can check out the scenic architecture and the nearby shops and restaurants.
Mercato Marci is free to enter, and it is open from 10 AM to 8 PM.
Market at the Auditorium in Rome
The Market at the Auditorium is an ideal destination for finding fair trade and local art products. There is an outdoor ice-skating rink and bar set up as part of the event. Vendor stalls can be found both inside and outside the Auditorium. When the Auditorium is not being used for the market, it hosts concerts and other happenings throughout the year.
The market opens in early December and stays open through early January.
Christmas Market at the EUR District
This market is located between Via Oceano Pacifico and Via della Grande Maraglia. In addition to offering terrific gift items, it also hosts creative workshops, children’s entertainment and contests. There are visits from Santa and a Magic Happy Christmas Tree dedicated to John Lennon where guests can hang a thought or wish.
The market is open from mid-November to late December. It is nearby to Euroma2, one of Rome’s largest shopping malls.
Magico Natale at Parioli District
Magico Natale is one of the city’s larger Christmas markets. It features over 100 vendors and attracts over 40,000 visitors a year. It takes place over the course of two weekends in mid-December.
Christmas Market at Pizza di Spagna
This market takes place on the Spanish Steps that climb the steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna and the Piazza Trinita dei Monti. The market is not particularly large, but the picturesque backdrop gives it a festive atmosphere. It’s an ideal place to find unique artisan items.
Mercantino Giapponese: The Christmas City
The Mercantion Giapponese, or Japanese Market, transforms into a Christmas City every December. It is located in the PratiBus District and has several exhibition areas and workshops including cooking shows and martial arts demonstrations. There’s also an area for children.
Christmas Market & Christmas Giving Tree at Piazzale Ankara
The Piazzale Ankara (Flamingo Stadium) hosts a Christmas market over the course of a weekend in mid-December. It features over 150 local artists and vendors. It’s a great place to find art, decorations and other unique gifts.
The Onlus Group and various local volunteer organizations set up a Christmas Giving Tree at the market where guests can leave food baskets and gifts for the less fortunate.
Christmas Market at Piazza Caprera
The Christmas Market at Piazza Caprera is known by locals as the best place to enjoy seasonal Italian food. When you arrive, you will smell the aroma of delicious delicacies such as panettone, a sweet bread served for festive holidays, and struffoli, a Neapolitan dessert made of fried dough dipped in honey. Guests can buy and sample foods to their heart’s content.
Christmas Market at MET Concept Restaurant
The MET Concept Restaurant hosts a Christmas market every year. It takes place over the course of a weekend in mid-December. It’s a great place to find various food and gift items.
Rome is a great destination to visit. Come during the Christmas season so you can check out the many markets that fill the city with a magical vibe. Which of these are you most interested in seeing?
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