Up until the early 2000s, most restaurants in Rome would close for the holidays, leaving tourists wandering the city in search of something decent to eat. Thankfully, times have changed. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy some delicious meals while spending Christmas in Rome.
The Holiday Season in Rome
The Christmas season in Rome begins on December 8th, with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and ends on January 6th, with the Epiphany. During this time, the city comes alive with Christmas lights and decorations.
Take a stroll through Piazza Navona, where you’ll find the annual Christmas market. While smaller than in years past, it remains a fun spot to visit, especially for a late afternoon walk when the piazza is aglow.
Rome’s churches, of course, also play a significant role during the holidays, displaying elaborate and artistic nativity scenes. Step inside any church you pass to admire their unique interpretations of the nativity.
A Special Christmas: The Start of the Jubilee Year
Christmas 2024 will be particularly special as it marks the beginning of the Jubilee Year, an event that happens every 25 years. On Christmas Eve at 7 pm, the Pope will open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica before celebrating mass, officially inaugurating the Holy Year.
Dining in Rome During Christmas
If you plan to eat out over the holidays, reserve early! Contact restaurants as soon as possible to confirm their hours, learn about their holiday menus, and secure your table. Don’t worry—most restaurants in Rome have English-speaking staff, so don’t hesitate to pick up the phone.
Here are our recommended restaurants for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day:
December 24: Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, it’s traditional to enjoy a seafood feast. Many restaurants offer a set menu for the occasion, and it’s wise to book as soon as possible.
Tempio di Iside
Via Pietro Verri 1, 00184 Roma RM
+39 06 7720 4025
tempioisideristorante@gmail.com
Osteria la Gensola
Piazza della Gensola 15, 00153 Roma RM
+39 06 581 6312
prenotazioni@osterialagensola.it
Il SanLorenzo
Via dei Chiavari 4/5, 00186 Roma RM
+39 06 686 5097
info@ilsanlorenzo.it
La Torricella
Via Evangelista Torricelli 2, 00153 Roma RM
+39 06 574 6311
Flavio al Velavevodetto (great for non-seafood options, too)
Via di Monte Testaccio 97, 00153 Roma RM
+39 06 574 4194
Reservations
Chinappi
Via Augusto Valenziani 19, 00187 Roma RM
+39 06 481 9005
Reservations
Casa Bleve
Via del Teatro Valle 48, 00186 Roma RM
+39 06 686 5970
Reservations
December 25: Christmas Day
Christmas Day calls for a long, hearty lunch—often centered around meat. After your meal, join the locals for a leisurely passeggiata (stroll) through the historic center.
Romanè
Via Cipro 106, 00137 Roma RM
+39 340 784 5281
Reservations
Osteria Fratelli Mori
Via dei Conciatori 10, 00154 Roma RM
+39 331 323 4399
Reservations
Hosteria Grappolo D’Oro
P.za della Cancelleria 80, 00186 Roma RM
+39 06 689 7080
Reservations
Checchino dal 1887
Via di Monte Testaccio, 30, 00153 Roma RM
+39 333 585 5055
Pastificio San Lorenzo
Via Tiburtina, 196, 00185 Roma RM
+39 06 504 2669
Reservations
Giggetto
Via del Portico d`Ottavia, 21/a, 00186 Roma RM
+39 06 686 1105
Reservations
Enjoy the holidays in Rome, and buon appetito!
Molly Angel says
I believe that Epiphany is January 6. We always celebrated this occasion as the Feast of the Three Kings.
Judy Allpress says
Ciao Sophie and Elizabeth e buon Natale!
My family and I will be in Rome over Natale and wonder if you can recommend a ristorante, trattoria or hosteria for near Pz di Spagna and near pz del Poppolo
Elizabeth Minchilli says
Sorry, just saw this. Hope you had a wonderful trip!