We're taking our granddaughters to Rome and Venice during their Christmas vacation. How will the lines be that week for the Vatican Museum and the Colosseum and in general? Do you have recommendations on what to do for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in Venice? The girls are 13 and 15.
You will have a wonderful time and it is very festive in Italy! Rome is as busy that week as ever. It is considered "high season," so you will want to make advance reservations for any possible sites. Buy tickets for timed entry at the Vatican or arrange to join a tour group such as Walks of Italy. Their early-entry "Pristine Sistine" tour is quite nice as you get in ahead of the major crowd. Still, it will be packed. Same for the Colosseum: buy tickets in advance at CoopCulture or arrange to join a tour group.
Thank you so much Laurel for your reply and your advice which I'll use.
To see some pictures of what Rome looks like around Christmas, here's a post from Ron In Rome: http://www.roninrome.com/%20shopping-dining/roman-holidays