The holidays are always a magical time of the year, and there are plenty of things to do with kids in Italy at Christmastime. Schools and businesses may be closed, but events, restaurants and locales are going at full throttle. In Rome, while the Christmas tree in Piazza Venezia is catching heat for being a bit, well, Charlie Brownish, you will find sparkling lights, open-air markets, free museums and concerts galore. Here are some of our favorite picks for decking the Roman halls with your Children in Rome.
Vatican Christmas Spectacular / Concerto di Natale • Dec 16 La magia del Natale diventa musica
✨ An all-star cast will be belting out the hits during what is one of the most anticipated concerts of the year. Gospel, Folk, Pop Music – There is something for everyone! Nearby, in Piazza Mazzini, is a wonderful HolidayMarket – one of many popping up all around the city until December 25th.
And, speaking of Gospel Music, every year at the Rome Auditorium – Parco della Musica, an amazing gospel music festival goes thru New Year’s Eve. In addition, they deck the place out in a Winter Wonderland, often with an ice skating rink to boot. It’s always a wonderful time to catch a show, or have a treat in this magical place.
Nearby you’ll find the newly opened Guido Reni Science District, hosting a number of exhibitions for kids all at once. Right now, there are 5 interactive exhibitions going on, from BrikMania – DC Comics version made from Lego Bricks to Real Bodies from Body Worlds and more.
No trip to Rome would be complete without seeing the wonderful manger scene and Christmas Tree in St Peter’s Square, but for the full-on enthusiast, a must-see is the annual display of 100 manger scenes / 100 Presepi in Piazza del Popolo. Promoting the common language of art as an instrument of peace, the scenery is truly a treasure to behold. Nearby is the Rome Zoo, which often hosts festive events for kids in the Villa Borghese – with its train / car that takes you around the park.
In the center of town, is a playful exhibition for families, ENJOY – until February.
LunEur Amusement Park Dating back to 1953 and newly re-opened, it’s in the EUR section of Rome (be sure not to miss the Nuvola – Cloud installation at the Congress Center nearby, and Christmas markets along the lakeside as well), this tidy park promises fun for all ages (and the best Sicilian gelato & dessert shop in all Rome).
Out near the airport, at the Fiera di Roma, they are boasting a veritable Chocolate Factory for kids – until February.
The Butterfly House / Casa delle Farfalle
Nestled into the Appian Way Park, where we will be holding Arte al Sole summer camps and special sketch workshops year round, is this newly opened place, with lots of butterflies flitting about carefree. They have added a Christmas market and a bistro on location, too. Via Appia Pignatelli, 450
Le Carozze d’Epoca / Historic "Museum" Also out near the Appian Way, they may not have Santa’s sleigh (it’s getting a tune-up), but this place has pretty much everything on 2 & 4 wheels from ancient history to today. Not particularly festive, but this is one of my favorite places in Rome to visit. They supply the film industry with their original carriages, chariots, and much, much more. Via Andrea Millevoi, 693
And of course, Arte al Sole will be hosting families all year round to discover the Appian Way, Rome’s Capitoline Hill and the legends surrounding it, drawing by the Tiber, or a painting, mosaic in one of our select art labs with top artists and docents. And, for families signing up for our Summer Camp, your child will receive a special gift in the new year to get them excited for our spring & summer sessions!
SPECIAL GIFT! FOR PARENTS of students 12+, we’re offering 250 euro off our SuperCamp Italy tuition to our Teen Success Summit in the Dolomites this summer! www.supercampitaly.com
For info on all of our Summer Camp Programsclick here
Find out more about our Educational Programs at:
ArtealSole.com • SuperCampItaly.com • TestaAlta.org