Hi, I'm planning a family holiday for my family of 5 this year end (Dec 20-31) we hoping to visit Italy likely Rome & Florence as our base. Can I check if these two cities will shut down long for the Christmas holidays? will the city become very quiet between Christmas and the new year? Will Rome or Florence better to be in on dates like Dec 24-26? thanks in advance for sharing
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2744 posts
hey hey mtan
where are you flying in from, multi-city or into one city and out of another? do you have rooms booked already? it will be busy/crowded in both cities, don't know what will be better for you and family. if haven't booked anything yet, you are late, many have booked months to a year for the holidays. plus you have 5 which is tough at this time of year. star looking ASAP and book right away,
any activities book right away at their own website. many are day/time stamped, all passports current
good luck have a great time and enjoy. dress warm and wear comfy shoes
aloha
Posted by
Massachusetts
39 posts
We were in Rome December 24 to 27 in 2019 and there was tons to do - including seeing the Pope on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Some museums were closed but much of Rome is walking around (Spanish Steps, etc.). Many restaurants were open on the 25th - fewer on the 24th for dinner.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
12120 posts
We spent Christmas in Rome 4 times: once as travelers and 3 times as residents. It is a lovely place. Much shuts down at noon on the 24th and the 25th is quiet as well, but in the 26th, a lot of sights reopen. The afternoon of the 24th and on the you can still walk around and see a lot. Check out the walks in Rick Steve’s’ guidebook. Take two or three of those to power your sightseeing even on holidays. Make sure you have reservations for both lunch and dinner on the 24th and 25th as it gets very busy. Your hotel can help you, or turn to Katie Parla https://katieparla.com/where-to-eat-in-rome-christmas-new-year/. This is from 2024 but she will likely update it as she does every year.
As for lodging, do get a move on! You will need two rooms or check out apartment rentals so you have some room to spread out.online booking sites are the place to start. I like Booking.com.
You have 10 (or 11) nights in-country? (Not clear of the 20th is your arrival day in Italy?) Perhaps Florence the 20th-24th, transfer to Rome for nights of 24th-30th and plan a day trip or two. Orvieto, Ostia Antica, even Naples and Pompeii if you have the endurance.