It’s the most magical season of the year… Unlike any other season in Rome, winter brings a serene beauty to the city. The city becomes less crowded and the crisp air fuses with the soft lights to create a unique festive atmosphere. Warm meals, quiet alleys and holiday decorations will create the perfect stage for you this winter in Rome.
Winter Delights – What to Eat?
Winter is all about comfort. Rome’s unique location in Italy and its rich history make it a unique location to experience Winter meals in Europe. Here are some must-tries:
Coda alla Vaccinara: A slow-cooked oxtail stew enriched with tomato, celery, and herbs. It’s a classic Roman dish that pairs beautifully with a glass of Italian red wine.
Puntarelle: A crisp winter vegetable served with anchovy dressing. This Roman specialty can only be enjoyed a few weeks every year. The perfect way to enjoy the puntarelle season is in the comfort of our new restaurant Da Mariolino, a couple of steps from the Spanish Steps.
Panetonne Artigianale: During the holiday season, Rome’s bakeries come alive with artisan panettone—a light, sweet bread studded with candied fruits, raisins, chocolate or even pistachio for those with a sweet tooth.
Medaglione di Agnello: A lamb shank with bell pepper cream, demi-glace and red chard. A must you can experience in our restaurant, Emme. Ask the reception for a table in our intimate restaurant with a hidden garden.
Unique Experiences – What to Do
Even if the temperatures are dropping, winter remains a magical period to experience Rome during and after the holiday season. Here are our recommendations:
Christmas Markets: From Piazza Navona to Parco della Musica, Rome sets the festive tone with a curation of Christmas markets throughout December. Explore them to find handmade gifts, sip mulled wine, and embrace the holiday spirit under the magical lights of the city.
Visit the Vatican for Midnight Mass: The grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica reaches a peak at Christmas. An unforgettable experience. If you’re lucky enough to be in town for Christmas Eve, join the Romans for Midnight Mass, or simply enjoy the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square. This year’s Giubileo will also bring its own calendar of special events.
Ice Skating at Castel Sant’Angelo: Glide across the ice with the stunning backdrop of our beloved Roman fortress. It’s a fun activity for all ages, with festive music and hot chocolate stalls to keep you warm.
Epiphany Celebrations (6 January): Epiphany is officially marking the end of the holiday season in Rome. The Celebrations bring one last time an array of parades, concerts, and a truly magical atmosphere to the city. Don’t miss the Piazza Navona Befana Market, where the old witch brings sweets to children according to the Roman legend.
Cozy Up in a Roman Cafe: Winter is the ideal season to linger over a cappuccino or a gourmet hot chocolate. Head to Caffè Greco on Via Condotti or Ciampini in Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina for a coffee experience surrounded with locals. Try the newly opened Marzapane after Piazza del Popolo for a more modern offer.
No matter how you choose to spend your winter days in Rome, the city offers endless opportunities to explore, taste, and experience its magic.
