The festive season in Rome brings a magical transformation to the Eternal City, where the historical backdrop of ancient ruins and Renaissance art intertwines with the joy of Christmas. While the most well-known time for Christmas decorations is around December, Rome's festive spirit often extends beyond these traditional dates. Here are five surprising times when Rome dons its holiday attire, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere for residents and tourists alike:
1. Early November - The Unofficial Start
As autumn leaves fall, the energy shifts towards the holiday season even before December. Retailers and homeowners in Rome often start decorating in early November, influenced by:
- Black Friday, which has become a significant shopping event in Italy.
- Christmas markets beginning to open, such as those in Piazza Navona or Campo de’ Fiori.
- The city’s desire to capture the festive spirit and increase tourism.
Walking through Rome in early November, you might spot:
- Light installations starting to pop up in shopping streets like Via del Corso.
- Window displays filled with holiday merchandise.
- Some public squares already lit up, casting a warm glow on the city's historic center.
🎄 Note: While November decorations are becoming more common, they are not as grand or widespread as those in December.
2. The Day After Halloween - Overlapping Festivities
Right after the night of eerie celebrations on October 31st, you might be surprised to see:
- Traders packing away pumpkins and skeletons to make way for Santa Clauses and tinsel.
- Stores like Coin and Rinascente transitioning to Christmas decor overnight.
This overlap can seem sudden, but it reflects:
- The commercial importance of the holiday season.
- A cultural practice where two festivals coexist, symbolizing a smooth transition into Christmas.
3. The First Week of Advent - Gearing Up for the Season
The liturgical calendar marks the beginning of Advent, which typically falls in late November or early December:
- Churches and religious institutions start decorating their interiors with Nativity scenes and Advent wreaths.
- This period sees an increase in presepi (Nativity scenes) in homes and churches, an Italian Christmas tradition.
Even secular spaces embrace the spirit:
- Boutiques and cafes might subtly change their decor to incorporate Advent motifs.
- Christmas music begins to fill the air, creating a festive ambience.
🌟 Note: Advent decorations are more about preparing the soul for Christmas than simply decking the halls.
4. Santa Lucia’s Eve - December 12th
In many parts of Italy, Santa Lucia brings gifts to children, and while not as prominent in Rome, the celebration can still be spotted:
- Small altars and shrines to Santa Lucia appear in some neighborhoods.
- Pastry shops offer occhi di Santa Lucia or Lucia eyes, a sweet treat tied to the tradition.
Though less widespread, these celebrations:
- Add a layer of festivity.
- Blend with the broader Christmas decorations, making Rome even more enchanting.
5. After the Epiphany - The Farewell to Festivities
The Epiphany on January 6th traditionally marks the end of the Christmas season:
- Most decorations stay up until then, with some believing that they should remain until February 2nd, Candlemas.
- After the Epiphany, there's a gradual, yet reluctant, removal of decorations.
This lingering festive spirit:
- Allows Rome to bid a gentle farewell to the season.
- Creates a unique opportunity for visitors to experience Christmas decorations into the New Year.
🎉 Note: The removal of Christmas decorations in Rome can be a spectacle in itself, with some locals keeping their trees up well into February.
So, while December naturally commands the spotlight for Christmas celebrations, these surprising moments reveal Rome's love affair with the holiday season extends beyond the ordinary. Whether it's the early anticipation of shoppers, the fusion of Halloween and Christmas, the spiritual preparation during Advent, the reverence for Santa Lucia, or the prolonged goodbye after the Epiphany, Rome's decorations offer a tapestry of traditions and a testament to the city's enduring holiday cheer.
When do the Christmas lights turn on in Rome?
+
The official lighting of the Christmas lights in Rome typically happens around the first week of December, though some areas might light up earlier in November.
Are Christmas decorations common in November?
+
Yes, while less prevalent than in December, November decorations, especially in commercial areas, have been growing in popularity as retailers capitalize on the holiday shopping season.
Why do decorations remain after the Epiphany?
+
Traditionally, Christmas decorations are taken down on or after the Epiphany, symbolizing the end of the Christmas season. However, many Romans keep their decorations up longer as a personal tradition or to prolong the festive atmosphere.
Is Santa Lucia widely celebrated in Rome?
+
While not as central to Rome’s Christmas traditions, Santa Lucia’s Eve on December 12th does have pockets of celebrations, mainly in communities with ties to her legacy or through culinary traditions.
