Rome Holiday Traditions Tour

Explore the festive streets of Rome with a local expert
From US$439 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Santa Maria Maggiore
  • Santa Maria in Ara Coeli
  • Santi Cosma e Damiano
  • Monti Neighborhood
Photos & Highlights
  • Enjoy a blend of historical exploration and festive charm, gaining a deeper view of Rome's Christmas traditions.
  • Stroll with a local through Rome’s authentic Monti neighborhood, known for its twinkling holiday decorations and artisan window displays.
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Tour Description
Take a stroll through Rome’s ancient cobblestone streets, surrounded by the soft glow of golden lights and a cheerful greeting from locals passing by. With your Context expert by your side, you’ll explore the Monti neighborhood, one of the city's most authentic quarters. Here, Monti’s sense of community shines through in its charming window displays and twinkling lights, offering a more intimate and personal holiday experience away from the tourist-heavy areas.  

Your journey will take you to the magnificent Santa Maria Maggiore, Saint Cosmos and Damian, and Santa Maria in Aracoeli churches. Each is brimming with historical significance and adorned with stunning nativity scenes—masterpieces of craftsmanship that bring to life the heart of Italy’s Christmas traditions. Every figure, from the humble shepherds to the majestic kings, feels alive with history and devotion.

Your expert will share insights into the cultural significance of Rome's holiday traditions, from the nativity scenes that adorn the churches to the beloved seasonal pastries like sweet, spiced pangiallo or chewy torrone. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide for a pause to sample one of these traditional Christmas pastries.

Available only from December 8th to January 6th, this 3-hour tour offers a curated and intimate exploration of Roman holiday traditions, taking you beyond the surface to discover the deeper stories, customs, and flavors that make Christmas in the Eternal City unforgettable.
Experts
Dony Dony
Art Historian
Emanuela Emanuela
Archaeologist
Liz Liz
Architect
Chiara Chiara
Chef
Priscilla Priscilla
Archaeologist
Jose Jose
Artist

  • You seek a local’s insight into Roman holiday traditions to better understand the nativities, relics, and local customs that define Christmas in the city. 
  • You’d like to explore lesser-known sites and neighborhoods for a more intimate and locally connected setting. 
  • You crave an insider recommendation to all the best spots for holiday pastries and treats!
  • You want to experience the unique holiday atmosphere, filled with lights, decor, and a vibrant community spirit, that’s only available once a year. 
  • Santa Maria Maggiore - A Christmas visit here offers a unique connection to the nativity story, a glimpse at a relic of the original manger from Bethlehem.
  • Santa Maria in Ara Coeli - This church hosts a special Christmas Eve celebration where children from around the world recite poems and sing carols in front of the Santo Bambino, a wooden statue of the infant Jesus.
  • Santi Cosma e Damiano - Celebrated for its breathtaking early Christian mosaics, each year it crafts a giant nativity scene that artfully combines ancient heritage with contemporary artistry
  • Monti Neighborhood - During December, the Monti neighborhood transforms into a festive wonderland with its artisan shops and boutiques beautifully decorated, offering a picturesque stroll through one of Rome's most charming areas.

General Information
To ensure everyone enjoys the tour, let us know of any mobility concerns during booking. This tour entails a moderate 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) walk, including uneven cobbled streets.

Tickets
This tour does not include any advance admission ticket costs. Please note that snacks or souvenirs will be at your own expense. 

Dress Code
Please dress modestly for your tour, covering shoulders and knees. You may be asked to remove hats inside churches.

Resources
For additional information on planning your visit to Italy, explore our Context Stories

For more information about Context Tours, please visit our FAQs.

Is this a Food Tour? 
No. This tour may include a stop for a seasonal treat or coffee, but for a deeper dive into Roman holiday food traditions, we recommend our Rome Holiday Food Tour.

Is this tour appropriate for kids?
Absolutely! Please mention your children's ages and interests when booking to ensure we assign a guide who's great with kids.

What happens if there’s inclement weather on my tour date?
Rain or shine, our tour goes on! We're equipped to make your experience delightful, regardless of the weather.

Is photography allowed inside the churches? 
During the holiday season, the churches we visit are stunningly decorated, and we understand the urge to capture these moments. However, photography rules in Italian churches differ based on the season and church authorities' discretion. If photography is allowed, we kindly ask that you avoid using flash to protect the ancient artworks' integrity. Always look out for signs indicating photography policies or ask your guide for assistance.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here
Where You'll Start
(4.96) 21 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Great tour — Dony was both knowledgeable and excited about sharing that knowledge!
Excellent tour, Dony was enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable and very funny to boot. Great time spent with him
She was very knowledgeable and had many interesting and informative stories. She answered our questions. She was patient. Our tour was a good pace. We learned a lot and enjoyed walking the streets of Rome. The nativities were spectacular.

There's No Place Like Rome for the Holidays

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