Rome 12/26 to 12/31

Have you checked your copy of Rick Steves' Rome? Or if you don't have one or don't want to buy one, you can probably check one out at your library. There is, quite close to the beginning of the book, a table showing what is open on which days and the hours they are open.

I checked out fodor's Italy 2013 from the library but can't find the info I am interested in. Guess I'll have to check out another as u have suggested.

Don't know abut Italy 2013, but the Rome 2013 (should be very similar) book has a section in back listing Holidays and Festivals. And in the front under Orientation to Rome (about page 25) is a section with a black border for attention called, Daily Reminder, which lists which sites are open or closed on which days.

We were in Rome Dec 22-31 of 2011, before moving here. (We moved here May 2012). 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. 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. Via Fori Imperiali is closed to traffic and is thronged with Romans enjoying the passagiata. Quite the scene. As to accommodations, we rented an apartment near Campo dei Fiori and it was perfect! Great to have a small kitchen, washer, and space to hang out. Also take a look at www.italylogue.com/planning-a-trip/everything-you-need-to-know-about-spending-the-holidays-in-italy.html. (Sorry I could not embed the links. They would not publish.)