Travelers often choose to visit Rome during Christmas to be a part of the celebrations. And needless to say, the city is absolutely magical during this time.

Most of the museums, galleries, shops and restaurants close from 24th to 27th December. Public transportation including taxies reduce their services and is uncertain at best. Having said that, Rome has enough entertainment to keep you busy during your vacation with lots of festivals, religious events and loads of activities to enjoy.

Piazza Navona comes alive during Christmas, with booths and stands selling locally made items like laces, handkerchiefs and tiny nativity figurines. You can also buy home baked cakes, biscuits and nougats. At this time of the year the smell of roasted chestnuts fill the air and adds greater flavour to the Christmas activities. Try and spot Old Saint Nick patiently having his picture taken time and again with various children. The Presepio in this Piazza is enormous. The sound of bagpipes dominates the air, played by pifferai, the shepherd pipers. Many Christmas markets afford shoppers an opportunity to stack up on gifts and festive knick knacks for the season.

For some, Christmas means the Vatican. The Papal midnight mass is one of its major attractions which is over around 2 a.m. You may find yourself stuck for transport as public transportation comes to a standstill on Christmas Eve. Tickets should be requested well in advance to avoid disappointment.

For others, Christmas means shopping. The streets of Rome sparkle with festive decor, and shopaholics spend a great time browsing through Christmas goodies.

Annually a tall Christmas tree is displayed in Piazza S. Pietro. The main Piazzas too have Christmas trees that are beautifully decorated. Presepi are elaborate nativity scenes that are on view all over town and in churches as well and the oldest is believed to be housed in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The Pope visits the Presipio at the Spanish Steps on the 8th of December on the feast of the Immaculate Conception and places a veil over the figure of Mary before proceeding to perform a mass at the Basilica.

Christmas in Rome can be a wonderful and memorable experience. Buon Natale!