A Guide to the First Week of January 2024 in Rome

Posted on December 25th, 2023

ACTIVITIES FOR BOTH KIDS AND ADULTS

UNTIL JANUARY 7TH

– Experience a Contemporary Circus Performance featuring Aerial Acrobatics:

Witness a contemporary circus performance filled with acrobatics presented by Circus “El Grito.” Embracing the vibrant tradition of the circus, they infuse it with a modern twist. Their shows seamlessly blend elements of circus, dance, music, and theater, offering a unique and dynamic spectacle at Auditorium Parco della Musica. Purchase your tickets here.

– Visit ‘Lights in Nature‘ in the stunning Brancaccio Gardens:

Step into the enchanting world of ‘LIFE’ as the renowned lighting event makes its debut in Italy, gracing the city of Rome and casting its luminous spell over the Brancaccio Gardens from December 14, 2023, to February 18, 2024. As night falls, the magic unfolds, offering a captivating experience to be shared with loved ones. Embark on a nocturnal journey through a realm inhabited by marvelous creatures, where light takes center stage. The Giardini Brancaccio provides the magical backdrop for this unique event.

Opening its gates from January 1st to February 18th, with varying access times, this spectacle welcomes all, including wheelchair users, individuals with reduced mobility, and families with pushchairs. Click here for more information.

– Threads of Light (Trame di Luce) at Rome Botanical Garden:
“Trame di Luce” transforms the Botanical Garden in Rome into a captivating stage for the dazzling event of the Italian winter featuring installations and luminous artworks by national and international artists, creating a unique experience for visitors starting from November 16 in Rome and lasting until January 7, 2024. It offers an enchanting winter walk through historic outdoor locations in Rome highlighting beauty and fairytale scenarios. An immersive experience from illuminated woods to magical caves and light tunnels, the event captivates both young and old. After the visit, the delightful “Luci di Gusto” area awaits visitors who want to enjoy a post-visit gastronomic experience.

– Epiphany Festival at Piazza Navona, featuring activities for children:

Experience a variety of storybook readings, workshops, games, and shows specially designed for children in English, French, Spanish, and LIS (Italian Sign Language). Each day offers a unique experience, from the heartwarming “Feliz Navidad” on December 26 to the imaginative “Du charbon et des bonbons” on January 6. Click here for more information.

– The Fantastic Castle of Santa Claus at Lunghezza Castle:

Embark on a enchanting Christmas journey at the fantastic Castle of Santa Claus! With the purchase of an entrance ticket, you gain access to the hidden chambers of Santa Claus within Lunghezza Castle. The park offers complimentary performances that vary under the artistic direction’s discretion, ensuring a magical experience at the Castle of Santa Claus. Delight in grand shows, special events, encounters, magic, acrobatics, and more. The castle’s events include the Throne Room with Santa Claus in Person, the Cheerful Post Office, the Toy Factory, the Snow Fairy, the Elf Village, Santa Claus’s Apartments, Santa Claus’s Art Gallery, Spot the Grinch, and Santa Claus’s Grand Sleigh. Meanwhile, park events feature captivating elements such as “Atmo…Spheres,” A Christmas in the Kingdom of Frozen, Dances with Elves, and the Cheerful Polar Bears, among others. Kids can send their letters to Santa Claus via email, with the anticipation of finding them on the wish board in the Toy Factory when they visit the castle. Don’t miss this captivating opportunity at the Fantastic Castle!

– The Christmas Village at Santa Severa Castle:

Embark on a magical journey at the Santa Severa Castle’s Christmas Village near Rome, Italy, from December 8th to January 7th. This festive celebration transforms the castle into a captivating space, offering enchanting experiences for visitors of all ages. With luminous installations, creative workshops, a Christmas market, and captivating performances, the castle becomes a refuge of holiday emotions. This event provides continuous, high-quality entertainment for families during the holiday season. Discover artisan markets, Santa’s House, the Befana’s House, an Innovation Lab, an Enchanted Forest, and a Fantastic Theater, all contributing to the festive atmosphere. Accessible by train from Rome to ‘Santa Severa’ station, the castle awaits with varied ticket prices, including free entry for kids under 6, €3 for ages 7 to 12, and €6 for 13 years and above. Special discounts are available, and a combined museum and village ticket offers a great family deal. Explore this magical Christmas outing, complete with ample parking, designated refreshment areas, and open daily from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm, with special hours on select days. In case of bad weather, performances move indoors.

– Christmas World at Villa Borghese:
It celebrates the enchanting Christmas atmospheres, immersing the audience in a journey through the iconic views of different cities around the world, masterfully reproduced by Italian set designers and artists. This year, the event will unfold over an area of over 60,000 square meters, and each city will have its own dedicated food district. This event will take place from December 1, 2023, to January 7, 2024.

– Christmas Village at Cinecittà World:
Cinecittà World in Rome transforms into a festive Christmas Village from November 11, 2023, to January 7, 2024. The event features Christmas markets on Christmas Street, reminiscent of 1920s New York, offering typical Christmas treats amid cinematic scenographies. The day begins with the Christmas Show at 11 am, leading to evening attractions, including the Christmas Musical at Theater 4. The Festival of Lights, Stardust, offers a captivating path through Christmas lights, decorations, and cinematic scenes, accompanied by the Cinema Drops display on a water maxi-screen. Visitors can experience traditional activities such as meeting Santa Claus, exploring his house, and witnessing the Cinema Nativity Scene. The Kingdom of Ice provides a unique indoor snow park experience, featuring activities like traditional ice skating, thrilling slides, and a winter playground. The immersive Digital Circus in Wonderland takes place on weekends, offering a blend of colors, lights, and projections. On December 25, the park opens with Christmas Mass, Lunch, Shows, and Attractions for all ages, including the debut of Christmas On Ice with 51 performers showcasing festive choreographies and music. The grand finale occurs on December 31 with the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in Italy at Cinecittà World, featuring themed dinners, attractions, concerts, live performances, and midnight fireworks, open from 6 pm to 6 am. The season concludes with a Befana weekend full of surprises.

Read more about:

Italian New Year’s Eve Traditions

Epiphany Festival at Piazza Navona, featuring Activities for Children

Free entry to museums and archaeological sites in Italy on the first Sunday of each month

15 Must-Visit Museums, Galleries, and Cultural Sites in Italy

Enjoy the holiday season with a visit to Rome’s ice skating rinks

Visit the exhibition of ‘100 Nativity Scenes in the Vatican’ for FREE

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