24 25 and 26 of December

Getting a taxi should not be a problem. The Vatican museums will be closed on the 25th and 26th. The colosseum will be closed on the 25th so will most other museums. Most other sites will be open at least part of the day on the 24th and all day on the 26th. You'll still be able to walk the city and enjoy the beautiful fountains and piazzas. You'll certainly be able to enjoy a church service if you're so inclined. Donna

You don't say where you'll be. Is it Rome? If so, check out Ron in Rome's input on the subject: Roman Holidays

Yes, thank you, it is Rome.

We were in Rome last Dec 22-31 and traveling in Italy the entire month of December. (We moved here last May). The 24th - 26th take some planning, but there's plenty to do. The 24th we spent the morning at the Borghese, shopped, had lunch, rested up, went to church at 6:30PM, then dinner at 8:30, followed by a nice walk to see more lights. The city is so decked out at Christmas! A very nice day. A very Roman thing to do is have a fish-based multi course feast on the 24th. The 25th we cooked a nice American breakfast, then took a walk through the Ghetto where it was pretty much business as usual. Lots of people were out and about . The ghetto was a great choice for dinner, too, but make a reservation because a lot of Italians dine out for Christmas! There are two precipi (nativity scene) museums open on Christmas Day so we visited one in early evening, taking in the lights at Piazza Venezia as well.

Part II The 26th we took a self-guided walking tour up the Gianicolo to Villa Doria Pamphilj, then toured the Palatine and Forum in the afternoon. We were exhausted! The point is, with planning, there is plenty to do even if some sites aren't open. Just walking (check out the book "24 Great Walks in Rome" for ideas ) is entertainment. As the holidays approach there will be lists of restaurants open, special exhibits, etc. One blog to watch is www.parlafood.com. Katie always lists great ideas especially for dining. I also like www.romerevealed.com for ideas and current events. On the 26th, Via Fori Imperiali is closed to traffic and is thronged with Romans enjoying the passagiata. Quite the scene. Also take a look at http://www.italylogue.com/planning-a-trip/everything-you-need-to-know-about-spending-the-holidays-in-italy.html.

Just read an article that the Colosseum will be under renovations starting Dec. 2012 but it looks like it will still be open for tourists. Renovations to complete in 2015. A leading designer company Tod's will finance it. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/officials-set-colosseum-repair-date-december-16894677

Hi Christine, My family of 3 were in Rome for Christmas 2011 (Dec 22 - 30th). There was plenty to see and do each of those days. We visited the market at Campo di Fiore and the Christmas market at Piazza Navona on Christmas Eve, and the Pantheon, stopping for an espresso at Tazzo D'oro nearby. Contact the Vatican now for tickets to Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter's...it is worth the time and effort, if for nothing more than the people watching experience.
Christmas Day is a good day to take in the free sites around Rome...start at Piazza del Popolo and make your way up via del Corso, making trips off that main road to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, ending at the Colosseum. Sections of the dei Fori Imperiali get closed to traffic for pedestrian use in the afternoon. There is not a lack of people around and places to stop for omething to eat. The 26th of December we did the Caesar Shuffle, but the Colosseum may not be open that day this year. There will be no problem getting a taxi on any day...subway runs until 1pm on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, you can get the subway out to the Vatican and buses would still be running after Mass ends at Midnight. Enjoy the planning!