I'm planning to be in Rome for 4 nights in December, with the 3 full days being Dec. 23, 24 & 25. (On the 26th, I'm meeting up with a friend and flying back to Sicily! Hurrah!) I've been to Rome several times previously, and do not plan on going near the Vatican/Vatican Museums during that time, or trying to book tickets to the Borghese. I'm thinking maybe a day trip to Naples on the 24th, if the Archeology Museum is open? (It's been some 12 years since I've been to Naples.) Back in Rome: Will anything besides restaurants be open in Rome on Christmas Day? What would you do to enjoy (solo) those three days? Thank you!
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3159 posts
Two things to consider. Visiting St Peter’s on the 23rd wouldn’t be too bad. The crèche in the square is impressive. I don’t know if you’d be interested but midnight mass at Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is a very nice experience no matter what your religious beliefs might be. I found that many restaurants close for dinner on Christmas Eve and many more are closed Christmas Day.
When I was in Catania a few days before Christmas, the highlight of my stay was walking down the main shopping area, listening to loud competing Christmas carols (in English) as the store owners moved goods out to the sidewalk on the pedestrian only street. Just watching the families shop in that atmosphere was great. I’m sure you could find a similar experience in some Rome neighborhoods.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
6015 posts
I'm thinking maybe a day trip to Naples on the 24th, if the Archeology Museum is open? <<
The museum is closed on Tuesday- if this is 2019 then 12/24 falls on a Tuesday.
Posted by
OP
New Orleans
1206 posts
Philip, those are lovely suggestions! Thank you. And, oh my yes, ChristineH: thanks for the alert that the Naples Archeology Museum is closed on Tuesday! Guess there will be a change of plans for that day!
Posted by
163 posts
All over Rome there are hundreds of Presepe at Christmas - handmade scenes of the birth of Christ, similar to the creche here in the US, but unbelievably intricate and enormous. They’re in churches and store windows and here and there all around town. Absolutely wonderful! Make a day of it.