Rome Christmas Markets

Rome is undeniably beautiful at the Christmastime. Large trees appear in front of the Colosseum, in Piazza Venezia and on St. Peter’s Square. And the yuletide vibes keep coming between the twinkling lights and decorations that are strung up across the city.

But one of the best things about celebrating the holidays in the Eternal City are the Rome Christmas markets. Popping up on weekends, or taking over the city’s squares, there are enough markets to keep you busy shopping up until Christmas day.

While the city does not have hundreds of wooden chalet-style shops, it does have a great array of markets to enjoy the Christmas spirit and find gifts for everyone on your list.

Best Rome Christmas Markets:

For the Classic Experience: Piazza Navona Christmas Market

The most famous Rome Christmas Market is undoubtably in Piazza Navona. The annual market was closed in previous years, but has returned to bring holiday cheer from 2 December to 6 January. There are vendors selling toys and small Christmas decor items, as well as games and carousel for kids. Adults can warm up with a bit of mulled wine, or traditional roasted chestnuts. (Update: now open).

For a Good Cause: Joel Nafuma Refugee Christmas Market

Support a great cause and finish some holiday shopping with a trip to the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center’s Christmas market. The market will be held at St. Paul Within the Walls from 12 pm to 5 pm on Saturday December 9th. More information is here.

For the Foodie: Latteria Studios Kitchen Pop Up

For one day only, Latteria Studio in Trastevere is hosting its annual Christmas Pop-up Kitchen on December 10th. Sofie is baking Danish Christmas cookies, with other goodies for sale, including Danish aebleskiver from Domenico all day. Carla is bringing homemade Christmas cakes, jams and marmalades, while Alice is making mince pies and selling Christmas marmalade from Marmellate Solidale. Some items should be ordered ahead (with contact information in the flyer below).

For a Dash of Hipster: Mercato Monti

The Christmas edition of Mercato Monti will be taking place from 7-10 December. The expanded selection of holiday goodies will take up an extra floor of space. Expect to find local designers with everything from clothes to jewelry, and a good mix of Italian vintage thrown in.

For Vintage Finds: Ex Dogana

The Ex Dogana (a reclaimed urban space located at Via dello Scalo San Lorenzo 10) is hosting a vintage Rome Christmas Market with lots of extras. The market will be combined with a cinema area, as well as food and activity labs for children during the day. In addition to vintage seller, there will also be a Japanese market with trinkets and unique pieces to place under the tree.

For the Artist: Wave Christmas Market:

More than 100 artisans will come from all over Italy for the holiday market hosted at Serra Madre (Via di Macchia Palocco, 320, Roma). This Rome Christmas Market is best reached by car or bike, but once you arrive in the farm-like setting you will be treated to street food, music and activities to keep kids entertained while you browse the unique handmade offerings.

For a Local Experience: Mercato Testaccio

Local markets are usually only open Monday through Saturday, but Mercato di Testaccio is adopting special holiday hours that include Sundays to give you more chances to shop. There will be decorations, special music and opportunities to try holiday foods. Plus, of course, it is a great excuse to stop in for a glass of wine at Chicchi e Lettere or browse some of the smaller stalls for unique gifts.