10 things to do in Rome in December

With the New Year just around the corner, there is plenty to see and do in Rome in December and the city is decked out to celebrate the most important season for Italians: Christmas. Just be quick to buy your flights, as they can become impractical!

If you travel to the Eternal City at this time of year, you will notice that the Romans celebrate New Year's Eve with a good plate of lentils to keep them going all night long. It is also a tradition to throw away junk and old furniture to start the year off right, listen to concerts and skate on the fabulous ice rinks. In this guide I tell you everything you need to know to make the most of this winter month in the capital.

Can you imagine skating on ice surrounded by majestic buildings? Well, stop dreaming about it because a Christmas in Rome on skates is possible. The most emblematic rink is the one installed next to the Castel Sant' Angelo, the mausoleum of the family of Emperor Hadrian, which in the past served as the Eternal City's fortress. Take the opportunity to visit its interior!

Another 100% recommended option is the skating rink of the Auditorium Parco della Musica, installed outside the modern building by Renzo Piano. There are also activities and workshops to stimulate children's creativity.

If during your vacation in Rome, one day it doesn't stop raining, take shelter from the water at the Chiostro del Bramante, a former Renaissance convent that now serves as a venue for some of the best exhibitions, meetings and concerts in Europe, and enjoy a coffee, one of the symbols of Italy, in its restaurant overlooking the cloister. Take the opportunity to have a coffee, one of the symbols of Italy, in its restaurant overlooking the cloister. Is there anything more bucolic than watching it rain from the windows?

In addition, you will also have the opportunity to see many of Rome's museums with much less tourist crowds, another plan to escape the cold that can be in Rome in winter. Dare to buy tickets to the Vatican or to see the best works of the Capitoline Museums.

One of the best plans to avoid freezing in Rome is to take cover in its wonderful theaters. At this time of the year, moreover, the best shows are premiering and, contrary to what you might think, musicals are not only in New York or London.

In addition to the premieres that are concentrated on the stage during the winter in Rome, classical music concerts are also frequent. However, I recommend that you check the program as soon as you are sure of your travel dates and book your tickets to ensure a place in the theater.

For example, you have the opera concerts at the Palazzo Santa Chiara, a unique show in this theater in the heart of Rome with live orchestra. Are you going to miss it?

Discover the illuminated Eiffel Tower, meet Santa Claus at the North Pole and see the legendary ice rink at Rockefeller Center in New York are some of the things you can see at the 'Christmas World' exhibition at the Parco della Musica Auditorium, after skating on its fabulous ice rink.

It is an open-air museum with more than 25,000 square meters where visitors will discover the Christmas traditions of different countries around the world. If you are an inveterate traveler, thisexhibition, which lasts almost the whole month, will blow your mind!

In particular, you will be able to walk among the reproductions of the monuments of the great cities designed by prestigious Italian artists; go shopping at the Portobello Road flea market; travel through the flavors of the world with the Food Market; relive the masterpieces of cinema and attend the shows performed by international companies. The time will fly by!

Practical information about the 'Christmas World' exhibition

• Where: Auditorium Parco della Musica, Viale Pietro De Coubertin, 30.
• When: from December 4 to January 9.
• Price: tickets from €6.
• Hours: from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

If you are traveling to Rome with children, a plan they will love is to visit Santa Claus with his elves, fairies and reindeer at the castle of Lunghezza, about 20 kilometers from the Eternal City. With his good-natured face, traditional beard and red suit, Santa Claus will welcome you to his magical kingdom, an ancient royal castle, now surrounded by Christmas trees, sleighs and magical characters.

• Where: Via della Tenuta del Cavaliere, 230 - Lunghezza
• Until when: every Saturday, Sunday and national holidays until January 6, 2022.

Children will be able to see Santa Claus sitting on his throne, hand him their letter, ride a sleigh, participate in games and meet the tireless Elves working to fulfill their wishes. You will also find the cave of the witch Befana, the "Witch Queen" and a character from Italian culture who brings gifts to those who spend the night of January 5 in Rome.

If you are a music lover, take note of this original plan: the New Year's Eve concert performed by the Orchestra of I Virtuosi dell'opera of Rome. You're probably wondering what's so new about this. Well, now comes the curious part: it is held in one of the churches of Rome, specifically in the church of San Paolo inside the Walls. You won't know where to look: at the wonderful orchestra or at the impressive colorful frescoes of the chapel.

The traditional concert, which has been on stage for over twenty years, fuses art, history and religion creating a surprising acoustic effect for all spectators. In the recital they play operas by Mozart, Strauss and Verdi, among others, as well as the famous waltzes. You will think you are at the Vienna opera with their virtuosity and elegance!

If you want to discover the most unusual second-hand flea market in Rome, I recommend you to visit the Car Boot Market located in the Città dell'Altra Economia in Testaccio. It is a flea market where Italians show their objects for sale in a different showcase...the trunk of their car! As you read it. Moreover, you are in luck because it is held only during the weekends of the month of December.

Based on an English model, the aim is to give those forgotten objects (antiques, records, clothes, books...), found around the house or in the storage room, a new life, through sale, exchange or, altruistically, as a gift in the improvised four-wheeled tents. And, of course, if you are in the mood for more shopping, don't forget to visit one of Rome's Christmas markets.

Motorcycle trunks converted into walking flea markets

At the event, you will find an even more curious corner, the Scooter Boot Market, a space reserved for those who do not have a car. Can you imagine a Vespa converted into a handy store? You will see everything! Of course, in this area you will only find small items that fit and can be displayed in the trunk of the scooter.

If you want to experience a fabled Christmas like a true Roman, visit the traditional nativity scenes that are placed all over the city. In St. Peter's Square is installed the most famous, a work of art that in 2018 was made with sand from the beaches and came to weigh more than 700 tons. almost nothing!

Next to the iconic nativity scene is installed the monumental Christmas tree, which is usually a donation from some Italian town or foreign countries. The square has been decorated with pine trees from the Swiss Alps, Germany and Poland, among other regions.

Nativity scenes of all nationalities

In recent years, a very colorful exhibition has been organized near the Vatican: 100 presepi in Vaticano, which displays the works of the finalists of a crib competition, involving thousands of artists from all over the world. Don't miss it!

When autumn arrives in Rome, it is common for the historic center of Rome to be filled with street st alls with traditional roasted chestnuts. Taking a stroll and buying one of these cones is a great way to warm up, as well as an excellent source of energy to continue the day's sightseeing.

If you want to try one of these cartridges, I recommend you visit the stalls in Piazza Spagna, Via del Corso and near the Trevi Fountain. And for those with a sweet tooth, don't forget to try the chestnut cake - it's finger-licking good! You will discover that in addition to the best pizzas and the best ice cream, there is much more to try in the Eternal City.

Nuria's Traveller Tip

Don't sit and snack on chestnuts on the famous Spanish Steps, the Italians take great care of their historical heritage and you could be fined.

Hands up who hasn't dreamed of waking up on New Year's Eve in another city in the world! If you are one of those lucky ones who will spend the Capodanno in the Eternal City, away from the mother-in-law, there are options for all tastes, some very picturesque. Here are some of the most original proposals offered by the capital:

End the year with a cruise

If you want a romantic plan for Rome you can surprise your partner with a cruise on New Year's Eve, which includes all kinds of leisure activities. Waking up in a cabin overlooking the sea is priceless.

Romantic dinner in an old streetcar

If, on the other hand, you are more down to earth, you can book a special dinner on the Ristotram, a streetcar from the 50's renovated and transformed for an unforgettable evening of jazz and will travel through the most beautiful streets of Rome.

Party on a bus with DJs

Those who prefer a good party on the busiest night of the year can board the Crazy Bus, a vehicle parked in the center of Rome and equipped as if it were a nightclub with TV screens, audio systems and state-of-the-art lighting.

The weather in December can vary a lot from one year to another. Although it is not usual, even, some year the capital has been dyed white. So I suggest that before traveling you take a look at the weather forecast during your getaway in Rome in applications such as AccuWeather or eltiempo.es.

December is one of the coldest months* in the Eternal City, however, if you dress warmly you will be able to endure it perfectly. In Rome, even in winter, the sun is always out, squid! Temperatures average between 4°C and 13°C. Don't forget your umbrella because it is one of the rainiest periods of the year!

• Waterproof boots.
• Woolen hat or earmuffs.
• Warm scarf.
• Warm gloves. If you are going to skate on the ice rink, avoid wool ones, they could get wet!
• Sweater, fleece or sweatshirt.
• Thermal undershirt (my favorite item).
• Thick pants or corduroy pants, ideal for winter.
• Coat, jacket or down jacket, whatever is more comfortable for you.
• Thermal socks.
• Umbrella and raincoat.
• A small backpack for sightseeing.