Rome In December - Planning Tips For A Perfect Trip To Italy

Rome in December is an amazing time of year and the perfect time to visit the Eternal City with great weather, fun holiday events and very manageable crowds.

Rome In December - Christmas Market — Christmas Market

Is Rome In December A Good Time To Visit?

If you really want to feel the Christmas spirit, how can visiting Rome not be on your short list of things to do on your winter vacation? For me, autumn and winter are the best times to visit Italy, and Rome in particular, because the crowds are much smaller and it is not too cold which will allow you to walk around all day without freezing.

If your soul is drawing you towards the Eternal City or the Vatican and you were wondering if there are things to do in Rome in December, the answer is “Yes, Of Course!”. Anytime is a great time to visit Rome, but December might be the best!

What Is The Weather Like In Rome In December?

The weather in Rome in December is continuing to cool, but it is still my favorite weather of the year and an enjoyable temperature for walking around. The average low temperature in Rome in December dropped a bit from the previous month, but is a restful 39°F (3.9°C) and the average high temperature is an even more comfortable 55°F (12.8°C). These are great temperatures for walking around all day, but even though the rainy season has passed, rain or snow is still possible.

Rome In December - Angels — Angels (Sort of)

When Is It Dark In Rome In December?

For me, the amount of daylight this time of year is really a big deal because I much prefer going out when I can see things. Rome in December is no exception because it has the least amount of daylight of the entire year, as you might expect. There are about 9.2 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:25 AM and subset around 4:38 PM. If there is a positive to the short days, at least from this point they are getting longer!

Is Rome In December Very Crowded?

For me, late fall and early winter are amazing times to visit Rome. According to ItaliaRail, December is no longer the shoulder season for travel to Rome, but it can still be a little crowded because tourists flock to Rome all year round due to its popularity. Determining if it is too crowded is really up to you, but if you don’t like being in any crowds at all, then Rome might not be a good place for you.

What Foods Are Seasonal In December?

The selection of seasonal foods that are available in December don’t change much from November. There are no new fruits available in December and there is only one new addition to your choice of vegetables: Beets. Here is a more complete list of the fruits and vegetables you should be able to find in Rome in December:

Fruits: Oranges, Chestnuts, Clementines, Persimmons, Kiwis, Lemons, Tangerines, Apples, Pears, Grapefruit, Grapes.
Vegetables: Beets, Carrots, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Chicory, Fennel, Salads, Potatoes, Radicchio, Turnips, Spinach, Pumpkins.

Rome In December - Chestnuts Roasting — Chestnuts Roasting

Are There Important Italian Holidays In December?

Of course there are important Italian holidays in December! The Christmas season is in full swing, but unlike in the US it starts at the beginning of December and ends in early January.

The season kicks off with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th, which is the official start with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Rome, holiday markets and sales fervently kick off, but much like in the US, these are starting to drift a little bit earlier. If you are more interested in the meaning of the holiday, it celebrates the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary for those of the faith.

The Christmas season hits its zenith on December 25th, of course, but like some other European countries, the holiday is extended through the celebration of St. Stephen’s Day on December 26th.

What Events In Rome In December 2023 Are Worth It?

There are many interesting Rome events in December 2023 and you can see below that the major concert season is dwindling but Laura Pausini is a big deal here in Italy. A very good list of cultural events can be found on the RomeToday website. Here are some events in December that you might also want to be aware of:

Laura Pausini World Tour – From December 12, 2023 until December 13, 2023 at Palazzo dello Sport. The “honeymoon” of the most awarded Italian singer in the world is enriched with three new concerts. This follows the success of #Laura30, the live marathon which saw her perform three special performances in 24 hours on the stages of New York, Madrid and Milan, to celebrate thirty years of career.
The World Of Babbo Natale (All Month) – From November 18, 2023 until January 6, 2024 in Tivoli. A Christmas event suitable for the whole family: shows, Christmas markets, ice rink, elves, creative workshops and sudden snowfalls. You will be able to meet Santa Claus in his throne room, send the letter to the post office, build games, watch shows with Minnie and Mickey Mouse, take the train and visit the city of Tivoli.
100 Presepi In Vaticano (All Month) – This exhibit of 100 Presepi, also known as Manger Scenes and a Creche, celebrates the entire Christmas season in Piazza San Pietro in Vatican City. The show lasts from December 8, 2023 until January 7, 2024.

Rome In December - Xmas Tree — Rome’s Christmas Tree

More Information On Things To Do In Rome In December

You should never hesitate planning a trip to Rome in December, but if you are uncertain which month would be right for you, check out some of these other posts that can assist you with your planning:

More Information On The Rome Climate And Across Italy For The Entire Year.
Enjoying Fruits And Vegetables In Season In Rome Is A Treat.
A Recommended Itinerary Of Things To Do On Your First Trip To Rome.
Cool Things To Buy In Rome for your gift-buying needs any time of the year.
Largo Argentina’s History Up Close.
There Are More Important Holidays In Italy To Be Aware Of.
Here Were The Christmas Markets In Rome In 2022.
Buying Tickets For The Colosseum And Other Places To Visit In Rome.
Here Is A Collection Of Posts About Italian Culture That You Might Enjoy.

More Information On Things To Do In Rome All Year

You should never hesitate planning a trip to Rome in December, or any time of the year, but if you are uncertain which month would be right for you, check out some of these other posts that can assist you with your planning.