Christmas in Rome 2008

Visiting Rome at Christmas is not completely different than during the tourist season in Rome, with the few exceptions being that the weather is cold (but not freezing), crowding is considerably less than in the summer months, and airfares are significantly cheaper. Below are a few ideas to get you started on the right track while planning your 2008 Christmas in Rome.

Rome sightseeing

Many will still have their agenda set for Rome sightseeing and taking in the major attractions of Rome and the Vatican. While making the rounds, we highly recommend taking a little time to visit some of the spectacular nativity scenes to be found in the Eternal City. Perhaps the most impressive is that built in St. Peter’s Square. This life size nativity scene was first introduced by Pope John Paul II in 1982. The scene takes weeks, sometimes months to prepare and is usually inaugurated on or about December 24. In 2007 Pope Benedict made a radical change to the traditional scene by replacing the usual Bethlehem manger scene with a depiction of Joseph’s carpentry shop in Nazareth.  Important nativity scenes are also located in the remaining three patriarchal basilicas of Rome: Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterano, and San Paolo Fuori Le Mura.

Getting Around at Christmas in Rome

Christmas in Rome is a very bleak day for public transport. The metropolitana (Rome’s underground railway) normally shuts down completely, and buses run on an extremely reduced frequency.  If you are lucky enough to be staying in the center of Rome, the best thing to do might be to limit your Christmas travels to places you can reach by foot.  For those destined for public transport on Christmas, consult the ATAC website for tips on the holiday public transport schedule. Taxis do provide service on Christmas, although they are usually on short supply.

Mass Schedule at St. Peter’s and the Vatican

December 24. Pope Benedict will preside over mass at midnight given from the Papal chapel at St. Peter’s.

December 25. Back by popular demand, the Pope will give mass from the high altar at St. Peter’s at 12:00 noon.

For assistance with obtaining tickets for special masses such as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, contact the Bishops Office for U.S. Visitors Office to the Vatican (English spoken). Their contact information is as follows:

U.S. Bishop's Visitor Office, Via dell' Umilta' 30, 00187 Rome, Italy

Tel. 011-3906-6900-1821  FAX: 011/3906/679-1448
Email: nacvisoffrome@pnac.org

Bear in mind that the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel will be closed on December 25 and 26, so be sure to plan any Vatican Tours around these closing dates.

Christmas Mass in English

If you aren’t able to obtain tickets for Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s, or if you simply prefer to avoid the chaos and attend a regular Christmas mass in English in Rome, the American Parish of Santa Susanna will hold mass at 10:30 AM. Santa Susanna is located at Largo Santa Susanna, between piazza della Repubblica and Piazza Barberini.

Christmas Lunch

After Christmas mass in Rome, most will want to sit down for a nice traditional Italian holiday meal.  While most restaurants in Rome will be closed on Christmas Day, one can always count on those located inside some of the larger hotels. Hotel Eden is known not only for the stunning views from its roof, but also for its prizewinning restaurant. Although not easy on the wallet, Christmas lunch at the Eden is likely to leave a lasting impression.

A more traditional Roman restaurant that generally offers Christmas Lunch is Il Pagliaccio, located at Via dei Banchi Vecchi 129A. Advance reservations are recommended at any restaurant on December 25.

Holiday Do-Gooding

Sometimes we can all benefit from the power of a little unselfish giving, especially during the holidays. Each year in Rome a massive banquet is organized by the Roman Community of Sant’Egidio at the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere. In recent years over 2,000 of Rome’s neediest citizens have been served a proper Christmas meal at this special event.  While most volunteers are organized in advance, surely last minute donations of clothes, toys and/or money would be much appreciated.

© Copyright 2008, When In Rome Tours

When In Rome tours is a small company dedicated to providing innovative and thought-provoking Vatican Tours and Rome Tours for all audiences. Native-level English speaking guides of Rome and Italy help the tourist to discern between documented history and legend,  bringing the Eternal City to life like no other tour provider.

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