In Rome, most major tourist sites are still open daily except for Christmas and New Year’s Day. (The Vatican is also closed in the afternoon of Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.) From late November to early January there is a large Christmas market in Piazza Navona; however, it’s become quite touristy and lacks the authentic traditions of an Italian market. For a more typical, local experience, head to Piazza Mazzini. Have a walk through Piazza Barberini as well, where an enormous menorah stands during Hanukkah, and on Christmas Day, be sure to head over to the Vatican to hear the Pope’s Christmas message while standing beside the massive Christmas tree erected there. There will also be a huge Christmas tree in Piazza Venezia and Christmas lights all around the historic center neighborhoods.
