We’ll be in Rome Dec. 23-31. We just read some of the posts from previous years, saying that Christmas - New Year’s week wasn’t the best time, but we parents had such a good time in Umbria and Tuscany in 2004 we wanted to go back to Italy, and that week is the only time our family of four (two teenage boys) can go-- and we bought our tickets a long time ago.
So – can anyone recommend particular activities that tourists will be able to do, or restaurants known to be open, on Dec. 25-26, when so much will be closed?
We were also intrigued by the mention of a meeting of people who frequent this site. If the Italians are all with their families, maybe we foreigners can assemble a temporary family of our own! D&L.
Posts: 3 | Location: Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC | Registered: 01 December 2005
I've never been in Rome over Christmas and New Year's, so I can't help with any of your questions, except one:
There is a special section down below on the Message Board called "Slow Travel GTGs (get togethers)", where such meetings are organized. Find a snappy title - "Christmas GTG in Rome?" or something like that - and propose a GTG. You may well get a few responses.
Rome like all major international cities closes down a bit for the holidays when people retreat to their family mode. If you are interested in participating in the Christmas celebrations in a small town come out to see the live Christmas scenes held over the holidays with hundreds of participants in 19th c. costume, artisans. The perfect antidote to commercialism . I can email you my latest Newsletter with further deatails.
Glad to hear of others planning on being there then.
I'll be in Rome on a solo trip Dec. 22-31 myself. True, the weather isn't always great, some places are closed for a couple of days, and the city is overloaded with tourists.
On the other hand, Priceline Vacation Packages briefly offered a good air/hotel deal last week and I sat in my office thinking: Christmas in Darien, Illinois (where the Denny's never closes, the weather is worse, and we have no tourists) or Rome, Italy?
Anyway ... I'd welcome the possibility of GTG, especially for Christmas Day.
The thought of enjoying small-town Christmas near Rome sounds very inviting and I'd appreciate learning more about that, Mary Jane.
Also, Maureen Fant said there are advantages to dining at the same trattoria for a number of occasions. I become a creature of routine when I slow travel and would be glad to learn of any suggestions of a trattoria that is especially welcoming to a familiar face.
I did note the recent wealth of ideas from this board on moderately-priced and inexpensive meals in Rome. What a great resource.
As for ideas for things to do, perhaps we should exchange notes. I'm coming armed with Georgina Masson's walking tour book, among others, and intend to do have serious walk-read-look-walk experiences as well as a couple of day trips and more museums.
I understand that there is a Mass at the Pantheon either Christmas Eve or Day, which could be an awe-inspiring experience.
Tim
Posts: 25 | Location: Chicago Suburbs | Registered: 03 July 2005
On the other hand, Priceline Vacation Packages briefly offered a good air/hotel deal last week and I sat in my office thinking: Christmas in Darien, Illinois (where the Denny's never closes, the weather is worse, and we have no tourists) or Rome, Italy?
HHMMMM Tough decision there Tim. Glad to see you made the right one.
Things to do in Roma over the Christmas holidays. Last year the Vatican had a display of their collection of creche - you gotta know it was fabulous. One imagines it will be reprised this year.
Just a caveat about Georgina Masson's book. It is absolutely the gold standard when it comes to describing what you are seeing, the history, etc. The downside is the original copyright is like 70 years old. It has been updated but one thing I have found in 8 years of trips to Rome is everything changes. Sometimes literally day to day. One day you can go there, the next it's blocked off or became a pile of rubble - witness the collapse of the wall at the forum near the palatine last month.
Keep yourself open for various performances and art happenings. Stuff that we never see in the papers here but you will see posters all over Rome. Last year we saw a great exhibition about portraiture at the Quirinale - never made any papers but it was probably one of the most informative art exhibitions I have ever been too.
When in Rome pick up Roma ce' and Wanted in Rome - two very good resources for what's happening.
And finally Christmas day. If a GTG falls through may I suggest you make new friends by going to the chiese bautista (baptist church) and participating in the service and joining the fellowship lunch afterward. Just walk up to the minister (Italo Benedetti) say hi from Tom and Mary in AZ and tell him we sent you. The service is in italian so unless you are proficient you will be confused. 27 Teatro de Valle. A donation is requested - we usually leave 5 - 10 euro. Since the Christmas meal is extra special I'd suggest 10 euro.
[quoted text shortened]
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Colleen,
There is (usually) a large, free concert in Piazza del Popolo on New Year's Eve. Sometimes they guests are a big surprise - although are usually famous Italian singers. Regardless, it's a fun place to be for the festivities!
Topic Closed
