The 5 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Rome You Need to Visit

Christmas is a fabulous time of year to be in Rome. The streets of the historic center are beautifully decorated, the smell of roasted chestnuts fills the air, and holiday gift giving is in full swing. And like every other European city, Christmas markets in Rome are plentiful, too.

Giant Christmas trees fill the piazzas (one of the most anticipated was the Netflix-sponsored tree in Piazza Venezia). Whether it’s a cup of hot cocoa, a handcrafted gift or a piece of holiday home decor you’re on the hunt for, you cannot miss out on these five Christmas markets in Rome. 

A large christmas tree in front of a building in Rome.
Stroll around Rome and get lost in the Christmas markets, architecture, and Christmas lights. Photo credit: Gabriella Clare Marino

Beginnings of Rome’s Christmas Wonderland

In 2019, Rome kicked off the holiday season with their first edition of Christmas Wonderland. The PratiBus District’s 5000 square meters was turned into a must-visit holiday setting, complete with an ice-skating rink, 40 stores, Santa’s House, an infinity room, and even a snow village.

The market area featured street food and craftwork reminiscent of London’s famous Portobello Market (Via Francesco Grimaldi, 78). But the surprises in store didn’t stop there: Christmas Wonderland also boasted a beautiful light zoo to snap your best holiday pictures, a neon museum,and live performances. 

Line of Christmas markets lit up with Christmas lights.
Christmas markets are a must in Rome. Photo credit: Matteo Paciotti

Piazza Navona Christmas market

The most famous Christmas market in Rome is the one in the beautiful Piazza Navona. Starting in early December and lasting till the Epiphany, every tourist and local stumbles upon this Christmas market.

Dozens of stands fill the piazza selling Christmas treats, holiday decorations and gifts. Expect to find some street performers, too, and a big Christmas carousel for the little ones. 

With its sensational location in one of the most beautiful piazzas in the world, the Christmas market in Piazza Navona is not to be missed during the holiday season. 

merry-go-round lit up at Christmas market in Rome.
Don’t miss out on the Christmas carousel at the Piazza Navona Christmas Market. Photo credit: Dim 7

V-Market: The Christmas city

If it’s artisanal products and vintage goods you’re after, you can’t miss out on The Christmas City, the much-awaited two-day Christmas flea market in the 5000-square-meter PratiBus District. 

Now past its fourth edition presented by Vintage Market and Mercatino Giapponese, The Christmas City is a huge Christmas market hosting more than 200 exhibitors. From local artisans, artists and vintage collectors, to home decor, vinyls, books and even a Japanese market area, The Christmas City has so much in store for its visitors.

Not to mention the yummy gourmet food stands selling everything you can think of—and don’t miss out on the workshops, including one where you get to create your perfect handmade Christmas gift! 

Close up of figurines hanging from it's sides at a Christmas market in Rome.
Stock up on handmade Christmas decorations at V-Market. Photo credit: Filip Mishevski

Natale all’Auditorium’s market

Get ready to dive into the ultimate Christmas atmosphere at Auditorium Parco della Musica

In this stunning space designed by architecture star Renzo Piano, you’re going to find Christmas stands selling everything from yummy holiday treats to beautifully handcrafted gifts made by Italian artisans. Little ones can leave letters at Santa’s house, and for all the ice skaters out there, there’s even a rink.

Apart from their Christmas village, Auditorium also has some great artists on their December program to spread the holiday cheer.

souvenirs hang from a Christmas market stall in Rome.
Be sure to explore the Christmas markets around the city to find artisanal gifts. Photo credit: Michelangelo Azzariti

Mercatini di Natale a Roma

Immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere in Testaccio at La Città dell’Altra Economia.

For a short few days, prepare for festive holiday music, colorful lights, and Christmas galore. From nativity scenes and typical Christmas objects to artisanal sweets like chocolate from Perugia, this Christmas market has it all. 

What makes this Christmas market a must-visit is the wonderful selection of artisans, pastry chefs, and craft workshops, but don’t forget about the classic panettone, pandoro and gingerbread to complete the Christmas vibe.

A Christmas market in Rome showcases a nativity scene in Vatican city.
Explore Rome on foot to experience nativity scenes scattered around the city. Photo credit: Gabriella Clare Marino

Magico Natale ai Parioli

At Spazio Eventi Tirso (Via Barberini, 50), you won’t just find the beautiful Frida Kahlo exhibition. Get ready to dive into the holiday spirit with Magico Natale ai Parioli. Back for another edition, it’s better than ever.

Multiple days of handcrafted decorations, accessories, Christmas desserts, perfumes, and jewelry await you at this Christmas market.

Not to mention delicious gastronomic treats, live music, and lots of entertainment. Here, you can find the perfect gift with the whole family—and as a bonus, it’s just a stone’s throw away from the Villa Borghese gardens and other parks.

water surrounding a mote in Villa Borghese gardens in Rome.
After stocking up on goodies at the Christmas market be sure to check out the Villa Borghese gardens nearby. Photo credit: Larry Koester

Update Notice: This post was updated on January 28, 2024.

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