Rome ushers in the festive season with a busy month of Christmas markets, exhibitions, opera, concerts and parties, with the holidays offering the chance to meet old friends for a cocktail or head off on a winter day-trip. Here are our tips for events and things to do in Rome for each day of December 2019.

1 Dec. Head to your favourite museum and enter for free as part of Domenica al Museo.
2 Dec. Go to one of the growing number of Rome cinemas to show movies in English.
3 Dec. Pop into Hotel De La Ville for an afternoon cocktail inspired by a 13th-century spice route.
4 Dec. Check out a book workshop at Più libri Più liberi in the Nuvola Convention Center.

5 Dec. The Vatican switches on the lights of its Christmas tree in St Peter's Square at 16.30.
6 Dec. Marvel at the creations of silversmith Valadier at Galleria Borghese but book in advance.

7 Dec. Marc Di Martino and Moira Egan read poetry at the Anglo American Bookstore at 18.00.
8 Dec. See Pope Francis lay a wreath at the statue of the Madonna in Piazza Mignanelli at 16.30.

9 Dec. Make a pilgrimage to see Michelangelo's Moses in the Church of St Peter in Chains.
10 Dec. Keep colds at bay the Italian way and enjoy a spremuta d’arancia at your local bar.
11 Dec. Head to Piazza Barberini to see the lights of the menorah being lit in honour of Chanukah.

12 Dec. Support British theatre with Trend and see Stripped by Stephen Clark at Teatro Belli.
13 Dec. Have a fun night out at Priscilla, La regina del deserto at Teatro Brancaccio.
14 Dec. Rome's museums open late with live music thanks to Musei in Musica.

15 Dec. Enjoy food, drinks and shopping at the Christmas City at the PratiBus District.
16 Dec. Scour the wares at Mercato Monti for unique additions to your winter wardrobe.

17 Dec. Visit the virtual landscapes of Van Gogh and Monet at the Guido Reni venue.
18 Dec. Go shopping for traditional Italian holiday delicacies at Eataly in Ostiense.
19 Dec. How long has it been since you’ve seen the Trevi Fountain? Go at night for a romantic experience.

20 Dec. This year try a pandoro instead of panettone – it makes great toast with jam on Christmas Day.
21 Dec. Admire the 100 Presepi Christmas crib exhibition on Via della Conciliazione.

22 Dec. Organise a trip to Trento to visit one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.
23 Dec. Visit the Basilica of S. Maria Maggiore which has pieces of wood from the manger of Bethlehem.
24 Dec. Reserve at Marzapane Roma for an unforgettable and reasonably-priced Christmas Eve meal.

25 Dec. Take a walk through St Peter’s Square to admire the Nativity scene before lunch.
26 Dec. Head to the mountains of Abruzzo and Campo Felice for skiing and sledding.
27 Dec. Go to Chiostro Del Bramante for Bacon and Freud, stay for the homemade cheesecake at the bar.

28 Dec. Discover the Parco dei Mostri in Bomarzo, a great day outing with kids.
29 Dec. For an uplifting experience check out the Roma Gospel Festival.
30 Dec. Indulge yourself at the Said chocolate factory in S. Lorenzo.

31 Dec. Ring in the new year in style with a free dj set by Skin at the Circus Maximus.