Five Great reasons to spend Christmas in Rome
While the weather may be a little cool and rainy it adds even more the Christmas feeling
to the Eternal City. Rome is a wonderful place to spend the Christmas holiday. Here
are five great reasons why you should:
Wonderful Christmas Markets.
These wonderful markets selling Christmas decorations, toys, religious items, and lots of other fun stuff take place on different squares. The most popular of these is at Piazza Navona. Amongst the beautiful fountains, the church of Saint Agnes and other beautiful structures the market features street musicians, artists, several nativity scenes and tradition small amusement rides. Plus, many foods and drinks. The lighting at night in the square is worth the visit alone. The markets are typically open from the second week in December through the first week of January. You can enjoy from 10:00am to 1:00am.
Vatican City Celebrations.
The plaza of St. Peters square has two extradentary decorations throughout the holidays. The first is an enormous nativity scene. The second is a fabulous giant Christmas tree.A wonderful experience for many is attending Christmas Eve mass at Getting tickets to Christmas Mass is difficult but possible. To request a ticket, contact the” Prefecture of the Papal Household”. If you can’t secure tickets, they you can still join the thousands who watch it on giant screens erected in St. Peter’s Square. The finale to this experience is the Pope’s Apostolic Blessing where he emerges to bless all those on the square.
Christmas Concerts.
Attend one of the many theaters to enjoy fantastic concerts special to the Christmas season. While the programs change annually some standards are The Nutcracker at Theatro dell’Opera, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Chiesa di Ponte Sant’Angelo, and the music of Handel, Beethoven & Bruckner at Parco della Musica / Sala Santa Cecilia
Christmas Treats
While Rome features wonderful food all year long, during the Christmas holidays the restaurants go all out with specialty items. Plus, you will see stacks of boxed cakes called Panettone available only at this time of the year. This “sweet bread” tastes kind of like a cross between bread and candy floss simply melting in your mouth!
Gift Shopping
Rome has a fantastic shopping culture with the finest designer’s shops. Here on the Via Condotti, near the Spanish Steps you’ll find Versacci, Valentino, Giorgio Armani and many other luxurious brands. And when you exhaust these shops wander over to the Via del Corso for a myriad of more mainstream boutiques.
While you are in Rome, do as the Romans do, and experience the SelfTour™ GPS guided walking tour App called “Eternal Rome” to see and hear about all the wonderful sites and attractions that millions of people come to visit and see in Rome.
For more information visit Rome Eternal Tour .
