Posted by Theresa/CA
Greetings everyone, has anyone ever spent Christmas holiday in Rome & the Umbria region? We are a family of 5 adults and 2 young children (ages 4 yrs. & 2 yrs old) arriving on the 3rd week of December. We'll be staying 1 week at each of these places. Is It busy during Christmas and New Year season as far as crowds? How is the holiday atmosphere compare to Christmas here in the states as far as festivals, Christmas markets, restaurants open, & special events? Thank you, Theresa
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Christmas is one of the busier seasons of the year. I can't compare Rome Christmas markets to the Christmas markets where you live but the ones in Rome are really nice. It's a great atmosphere but the crowds are enormous.
Donna
Posted by
Chicago
7911 posts
I am speaking of the New Years part of the season.
We traveled last December 29 to January 4 . We went from Rome to Oriveto on New Years eve and spent New years day in Siena.
If you like live music there is an annual Umbria Winter Jazz festival in Orvieto during this period. There was a loud fireworks display in Orvieto at midnight on New years eve and the party lasted til about 2 am early by big city standards. The crowd size was ideal not too crowded. There was a great choral performance in the Orvieto cathedral on New Years Day
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I wouldn't go to Roma for Christmas markets, apart from the presepi (nativity) displays at Piazza del Popolo.
Crowds are not bad, there are some special events (check with your hotel). Your kids might enjoy the motorcycle Santa parade. Restaurants are open.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3179 posts
A few years ago, I spent the week before Christmas in Sicily and Christmas Eve to New Years in Rome (on Rick's Best of Rome) with a stop in Sorrento. In Palermo the stores and streets were decorated for the holiday. The main shopping street in Catania was pedestrians only with stores open, vendors in their stands, competing, loud Christmas music playing and a wonderful holiday vibe. When I arrived in Sorrento, the holiday parade was being celebrated. Rome was also decked out for Yuletide. Don't expect as much decoration as you see in the states. Visit the crèche in St. Peter's square, possibly attend midnight mass at Santa Maria Maggiore. The one thing about Christmas Day is that very few restaurants are open so check with your hotel and confirm with the restaurant that they'll be open. Auguri!
Posted by
Honolulu, HI
180 posts
My family of five were in Rome and Umbria over Christmas in 2015. I did a write up on it in the Trip Reports section.
Joe
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Posted by Theresa/CA
What a wealth of knowledge & insights from all, I do so enjoy reading your suggestions and memorable experiences. Excited to go this December to absorp the culture and Christmas spirits of Italy. We have pretty much took care of the flights and accommodations: an apartment in Rome and a villa in Umbria. Next on the agenda is planning Christmas Mass, sights to see, restaurant reservations, etc...Thanks everyone for your great suggestions, you guys rock! Theresa