A Guide To The Best Events In December 2024 In Rome

Discovering the best things to do in Rome in December

Holiday decorations, window displays and wintery jingles are everywhere in Rome in December. Between the street lights and countless Christmas markets, it can be hard to figure out the best places to go and the most exciting events to attend in such a short time — but that’s exactly what this guide will help you do! 

And this December, Rome celebrates not just the holidays but also the beginning of the much-awaited 2025 Jubilee! On Christmas Eve, December 24th, the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica will open, marking the start of this event. This special celebration invites pilgrims to experience a year of spiritual renewal in the heart of the Eternal City.

With the Jubilee, holiday festivities, and so much more, here is our list of the best events in December 2024 in Rome.

Exhibitions this December in Rome

Mark on your calendar both the ongoing and brand-new art shows in Rome this month. The Historic Infantry Museum has two shows, one showcasing works by Mirò and the other dedicated to Antonio Ligabue. Other highlights include the extensive Botero retrospective at Palazzo Bonaparte, Roma Pittrice at Palazzo Braschi, an all-women exhibition, and “Guercino. L’era Ludovisi a Roma” at the Scuderie del Quirinale. For contemporary art lovers, the EMOTION exhibit at Chiostro del Bramante has been extended through January 2025. Also running until January, the Colosseum Archaeological Park hosts Penelope, the first exhibition dedicated to this famous Homeric figure. Finally don’t miss the pop-art exhibition at La Vaccheria in Rome’s EUR district and the extraordinary scenographic exhibition by Pietro Ruffo at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni.

Best events in December in Rome

Live music

In the Eternal City, music is also eternal, as you can see by the wide range of performances this month. Rock and roll, jazz, pop and classical music all fit right in with the eclectic nature of Rome, so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect concert for you.

Until 6 January 2025 | Trame di Luce

Get the best of both worlds — that is, stunning lights and sweeping musical scores — at Trame di Luce, an immersive sensory exhibition at the Botanical Garden of Rome. Attendees walk through parks and gardens enhanced by supernatural light displays and can even grab a magical bite to eat at their gourmet food court, Taste of Lights. The Botanical Garden, which dates back to the 1200s, partnered with the Royal Garden of Monza, the Light Art Collection and the Palazzo Corsini to create a truly otherworldly experience.

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Until 7 January 2025 | Christmas World

The Christmas World at Villa Borghese is returning for another round of holiday joy. With replicas of cities around the world, musical performances, a carousel, a chocolate factory and even a model of Santa’s house, there’s something for every member of the family. And if that wasn’t enough, each city replica will also have its own food court for your tasting pleasure. 

4 – 8 December | Più Libri Più Liberi

Più Libri Più Liberi is the fair dedicated to independent publishing: five days to discover the latest releases and catalogs from over 500 publishers, meet authors, enjoy musical performances, readings, and debates. An opportunity not to be missed for both avid readers and industry professionals.

December 6 – 10 | Villa Medici Special Opening (TBC)

Rome’s Villa Medici opens its doors to unveil spaces usually not accessible to the public: discover exhibition rooms and historic spaces as part of the Stories of Stones exhibition. The program, focused on the theme of stones, includes readings and a musical journey with Ensemble Calliopée, a film selection, and a concert by Félicia Atkinson and Christina Vantzou, curated by Vittoria Bonifati. Don’t miss this special experience!

8 December 2024 – 6 January 2025 | Christmas at the Auditorium

Celebrate the holiday season from December 8th to January 6th at the Auditorium Parco Della Musica, where Christmas magic is in full swing. In addition to the programming of pop, jazz and rock music concerts, there is the usual Rome Gospel Festival, one of the most important gospel festivals in Europe, which features some of the best ensembles from the United States. Completing the chilly Christmas vibe, performances for children and guided tours for families will guarantee fun for people of all ages.

7 December 2024 | Musei in Musica

On Saturday, December 7, the 14th edition of Musei in Musica will take place. Rome’s city museums will be open to everyone at night, from 8pm to 2am, with an entry ticket costing only 1 euro, or free for holders of the Roma MIC Card. Besides enjoying the permanent collections and temporary exhibits, visitors can also attend a variety of live concerts and shows.

8 December 2024 – 6 January 2025 | 100 Presepi in Vaticano

Depictions of the birth of Jesus Christ are found all around the world come Christmastime, but Italians have a special pride for their nativity scenes, or presepi in Italian. This is abundantly clear in this exhibit, which presents the most beautiful presepi at the Colonnade of Piazza San Pietro in the holy city of the Vatican itself. Over 300 works were nominated from different countries, of which only 100 are selected for display. Whether you’re a craftsman or just a casual observer appreciating the artistry, you’re welcome to come and see these masterpieces for yourself.

21 December – 1 January 2025 | Gospel Festival

Door-to-door caroling isn’t much of a thing here in Rome, but you can still get your Christmas chorus fix by snagging a seat at the Gospel Festival, hosted by the Auditorium Parco della Musica. These holiday concerts are performed by a range of singers, choirs and bands which are all sure to turn any Scrooge’s frown upside-down.

24 December | St. Peter’s Holy Door Opening

Saint Peter’s Basilica will open its Holy Door on December 24th. This event marks the beginning of the Jubilee, with the Holy Door serving as its most profound symbol. For pilgrims, passing through this door is a deeply symbolic act, representing a spiritual journey of renewal and forgiveness.

Christmas Markets

With the Christmas season in full-swing and the Eternal City already illuminated in festive displays, what better time to sip some mulled wine and pick up some eclectic gifts at one of the many markets happening this month in Rome.

New Year’s Eve

It’s always a bit difficult to decide what to do on New Year’s Eve. Whether you prefer to ring in the New Year in a crowded club, in one of the major piazzas in Rome, or at home with a glass of champagne and some friends, there’s many things you can do to make your New Year’s in Rome unforgettable. 

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