Top 6 Must-Do Winter Activities in Rome
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Experience the Best Winter Activities in Rome
Winter Activities in Rome include street fairs, nativity scenes, and family-friendly festivities. The city is especially beautiful during this time of year – instead of snow-filled streets, you get crisp winter sunlight illuminating its many historical landmarks.
Check out this guide to Rome’s winter attractions if you’re planning a year-end vacation in Italy’s capital city.
1. Winter Activities in Rome: Castel Sant’Angelo, Cool but Sunny
Good for: Families, Photo
Winter activities in Rome offer a unique charm, even though snow is a rare sight. On bright, sunny days, bundle up with a scarf and gloves, and don’t forget your sunglasses for a fun ice-skating session at the rink outside Castel Sant’Angelo. From there, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the sunlit, cobblestone streets. You can easily reach Santa Maria in Trastevere, where you can admire the stunning 12th-century mosaics.
Where to Stay: The B Place Cola
Situated near the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, The B Place Cola offers numerous amenities. Additionally, guests can enjoy free in-room WiFi.
Additional perks include:
- Express check-out, smoke-free premises, and a water dispenser
- Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff and location
Hotels near Castel Sant’Angelo
2. Christmas market in Piazza Navona
Good for: Families, Shoppers
Piazza Navona is a year-round hotspot with its vibrant cafés, bars, and lively atmosphere. Yet, during Christmas, it becomes one of Rome’s most bustling spots. The former Roman stadium transforms with stalls brimming with toys, Christmas decorations, and festive red poinsettias. While carousel illuminates the square, the stalls act as a backdrop. Parents can enjoy seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts, nougat, and gingerbread, as children line up to meet Santa in his grotto. Among the many winter activities in Rome, visiting Piazza Navona during this festive season is a must.
Where to Stay: Coronari Palace
Just a short walk from the Pantheon and Campo de’ Fiori, Coronari Palace offers a free breakfast buffet, a rooftop terrace, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Additionally, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You’ll also enjoy perks such as:
- Guest reviews give top marks for the breakfast, helpful staff, and location
- Limo/town car service, express check-in, and multilingual staff
- Luggage storage, concierge services, and smoke-free premises
- An elevator, tour/ticket assistance, and a front-desk safe
3. Winter Activities in Rome: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Fireworks at Piazza del Popolo
Good for: Families, Nightlife
Discover the enchantment of Capodanno, or New Year’s Eve, in Rome, a highlight of the winter holiday season. Among the many winter activities in Rome, you can indulge in fixed-price dinners at hotels and restaurants, featuring traditional spiced pork sausage and celebratory sparkling prosecco. Additionally, join the festive crowds heading to Piazza del Popolo. Here locals set off firecrackers and the midnight sky is illuminated by a spectacular fireworks display synchronized to music.
Where to stay: Bed and Breakfast Domus Ripetta
A short walk from Piazza di Spagna and Spanish Steps, Domus Ripetta provides free continental breakfast and . Moreover, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this bed & breakfast include:
- An elevator, tour/ticket assistance, and smoke-free premises
- Luggage storage and a front-desk safe
- Guest reviews give top marks for the location
Bed & breakfast near Piazza Navona and Piazza del Popolo
4. Winter Activities in Rome: Piazza del Popolo
Good for: History, Photo
During Christmastime in Rome, you’ll encounter beautifully crafted nativity scenes known as presepi. This art form flourished in the 16th century. These intricate Christmas cribs, adorned with angels, fairy lights, straw, lambs, and donkeys, can be found in churches throughout the city. Among the many winter activities in Rome, for an extensive display, visit the 100 Presepi Exhibition at the Sala del Bramante on Piazza del Popolo. Here you’ll find a diverse collection of nativity scenes from all over Italy.
Where to Stay: Domus Popolo
A short walk from Piazza di Spagna and Spanish Steps, Domus Popolo provides free continental breakfast, an art gallery on site, and a shopping mall on site. In addition to a coffee shop/cafe and dry cleaning/laundry services, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You’ll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
- Bike rentals, airport drop-off service (surcharge), and an elevator
- Tour/ticket assistance, luggage storage, and a front-desk safe
- Smoke-free premises
Hotels near Villa Borghese and Piazza Del Popolo
5. Winter Activities in Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica at Christmastime
Good for: History, Photo
Experience the enchantment of Christmas in Rome through winter activities at St. Peter’s Basilica. Firstly, a stunning Christmas tree and a life-size nativity scene welcome visitors in St. Peter’s Square. On Christmas Eve, the basilica is filled with the fragrant scent of incense as worshippers gather to witness the Pope lead the midnight Mass. The next day, join pilgrims from around the world in St. Peter’s Square to hear the Pope’s Christmas Day message.
Where to Stay: Hotel Museum
A short walk from Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, Hotel Museum provides a rooftop terrace, a bar, and more. You can also stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You’ll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
- Buffet breakfast (surcharge), tour/ticket assistance, and concierge services
- Luggage storage, a 24-hour front desk, and a TV in the lobby
- Multilingual staff, a billiards/pool table, and a front-desk safe
- Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff and location
Hotel near Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums
6. Winter Activities in Rome: Experience the Magic of Carnevale
Good for: Families, Shoppers
As February ushers in the first signs of spring, Rome bursts into life with the vibrant celebrations of Carnevale. Visitors can delight in delectable, sugar-dusted pastries from numerous stalls scattered throughout the city while admiring the vibrant costumes and masks worn by enthusiastic participants. Moreover, tourists can experience Carnival in Rome at several lively locations. Piazza Navona, a historic square, becomes a focal point for festivities, showcasing colorful costumes, masks, and lively street performances. Additionally, Via del Corso, known for its parades, offers a perfect setting to witness traditional costumes and soak in the festive atmosphere. Another popular destination, Piazza del Popolo, hosts various events and activities during Carnival, making it a must-visit spot. These locations provide a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the joyous spirit of Rome’s Carnival celebrations.
Where to Stay: Upper View Suite
Just a short walk from Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps, Upper View Suite has plenty to offer. Moreover, stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You’ll also enjoy perks such as:
- Express check-out, express check-in, and a front-desk safe
- Smoke-free premises
- Guest reviews give top marks for the location
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