Christmas in Italy- What would you do?

Great question Sarah. Am going to Rome in 8 days but my boss is going around Xmas and she was asking me to do research on what would be available. Hope you get lots of answers!

Christmas is beautiful in Rome. On Christmas Day, you can walk over and see the Pope give his annual address from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. I did not find it crowded in St. Peters - nothing like Easter Mass! But after that, Rome - and most of Italy - is pretty much shut down on XMAS day. Churches are open, a few restaurants, but all sites - including the Colosseo, are closed on XMAS day. No matter where you are in Italy, it's a good day for just walking around, dropping into a few churches, and seeing the city. You might try the website inromenow ** a few weeks before you depart. They publish a calendar of the many events going on in Rome the weeks before XMAS - and there are plenty! This post will show you some pictures of XMAS and New Year's in Rome *** http://tinyurl.com/ycda3w3 *******

we'll be there around christmas as well. we had talked about going to the midnight mass on christmas eve. anyone done this? how much of a cluster is it?

I was there two years ago and went to Santa Maria Maggiore for Xmas eve mass. It is a Vatican church near the termini, not in Vatican City. Supposedly first midnight Xmas mass was said there. I went early and got a seat when the doors opened-around 11pm I think. It was a stunning experience. At one point everyone in church lights a taper from their neighbor (the process starts at the altar and goes through the congregation). They then dim the lights and there are all these candles. It is very moving. I would also recommend going to the Xmas market at Piazza Navona.

I think Rome is the perfect city to spend Christmas day. All the museums and sights will be closed throughout Italy, but Rome's piazzas are always open and at that time of year they will be decorated for the holidays. Spend the day roaming Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona.

We plan to be there at that time too. Is the Christmas Market open on Christmas day?

is there a place to have a Christmas Dinner somewhere in Rome? does anyone have a recommendation for a restaurant?

My wife and I will be in Italy around the same time (Dec 18-29), but will be in either Florence or trying to travel to Venice on Christmas Day. Sounds like we we are better off staying in Florence, even though the sites will be closed. Wondering if we will have any difficulty finding places to eat?

My husband and I will also be in Italy over the holidays. Florence on Christmas. Any recommended services to attend? Also, any resturants for Xmas day? We have been planning a picnic in our hotel room, but it would be nice to have an alternative :).