Fed up with doing all the holiday decorating, shopping, present wrapping and cooking when it seemed as though no one actually cared about any of it. I decided I was over it! “That’s it! I’m quitting Christmas!”, I announced to my family!
The following year we spent Christmas in Rome! “Don’t worry. Santa will find you wherever we are.” I told the boys and it was true! 😉
If you’re wondering, the holiday season is a great time to visit Rome. Fantastic even! The Christmas and holiday decorations are beyond compare, the weather is temperate and the lines are short. In fact with the exception of a few places there were almost no lines for anything. It turned out to be the simplest and best Christmas I think we’ve ever had.
The Holiday Decor
I think I can safely say that I have never visited a city with more holiday decorations than Rome! There was scarcely a corner left untouched by festivity. It’s simply spectacular! Where you might think that the streets would be deserted on the eve of a major holiday, it was the exact opposite. The amount of people who are out and about strolling and enjoying the lights and atmosphere is simply amazing.
Visiting the Colosseum was a highlight of our visit!
Creshes were everywhere this one is on the Spanish Steps
Decorations like this were around just about every corner
These lights were incredibly impressive and stretched for blocks and blocks.
Many streets had red carpets on them!
Trees in front of the hotel
The Westin Excelsior Christmas Tree
The Christmas Market in the Piazza Navona
We visited the Christmas market in Piazza Navona one evening and had such a lovely time. There were all sorts of holiday themed treats and it was incredibly festive. We picked up a tiny tree for our hotel room and each of us picked out two mini ornaments to decorate it with. A small strand of lights and a little angel tree topper finished it off! We set it up on our hotel room desk! When it was time to leave we brought all of our ornaments home with us and we hang them on our tree every year!
Items for sale at the Piazza Navona Christmas Market
Piazza Navona is also a great place to explore during the day. There is a beautiful fountain and many cafes where you can people watch and grab a coffee.
The Vatican
No trip to Rome would be complete without a trip to the Vatican and it was especially lovely decorated for the holiday season. Not only were their multiple creches on the inside of St. Peter’s, but a large portion of St. Peter’s Square was filled with the biggest nativity scene I’ve ever seen. No pun intended!
an iphone4 can’t do this justice, but you get the idea
This tree was nice surprise when entering the building for our Sistine Chapel tour
Looking out from St. Peters
We visited on Christmas eve and it was so crowded. duh!
Via dei Condotti
Complete with red carpet and “crystal chandeliers” the Via Dei Condotti was all dressed up for the holidays! One of Rome’s most fashionable streets it is located at the foot of the Spanish Steps. Many of fashion’s biggest names have shops here, Dior, Gucci, Valentino, Armani, Jimmy Choo, and Prada, to name just a few. It’s no surprise that the holiday decorations on this street were nothing short of stunning.
Via dei condotti view from the Spanish Steps
Santa? Is that you?
Traditionally we have our big holiday meal on Christmas Eve. Rather then go out for dinner we decided it would be more fun to order room service! After all we were taking a break from the usual holiday traditions this year! A little while later when the food arrived, Elliot, who was only 31/2 at the time, heard the knock at the door and yelled out, “It’s Santa!”
Yep! The holiday magic had followed us to Rome! I think we enjoyed that Christmas Eve dinner more than any other. At least I know I did!
Later that evening after the boys were asleep Santa stealthily put the tiny packages she had hidden in my suitcase as well as the Italian candy she’d discovered during the week into the boys stockings also hidden in the suitcase. Under the tiny tree they went!
Santa brought tiny presents so they would fit under our tree.
Santa was here!
The boys seemed just fine with an International xmas
“Mommy! Daddy! Wake up! Santa was here, he found us!” “Didn’t I tell you “he” would find us wherever we are…”
Jenni
Wow, what an incredible way to spend Christmas x #mainyloveschristmas
Hilary
It was amazing! Definitely going back someday! With a better camera! 😘
Mainy - myrealfairy
Oh simply stunning! How beautiful it looks in Rome. I’ve always wanted to go to the vatican city and now seeing your pictures it makes me want to go even more! Thank you so much for bringing this wonderful post to #mainyloveschristmas party. I look forward to visiting your blog more:)
Hilary
Thanks! It was amazing!! Thanks for hosting such a fun link up!
differentshoresblog
What a great experience – I had no idea they went so mad with decorations in Rome, it looks absolutely tremendous. Fab post #mainyloveschristmas
Hilary
It was amazing!!
barriebismark
Wow! What an awesome experience! The lights are so beautiful!
#mainyloveschristmas
Hilary
Christmas in Rome definitely exceeded all expectations!