Christmas in Rome and Vatican City

Piazza Navona, one of Rome's most beautiful and popular squares, becomes a huge Christmas market in December with stands selling nativity figures, Christmas treats, and toys. For the kids there's a merry-go-round and Babbo Natale, Father Christmas, shows up for photos, too. Italian Notebook has good pictures and more about Christmas in Piazza Navona. More Italian Christmas Markets

Piazza Navona is also home to a life-size nativity scene. Presepi, nativity scenes, are erected in many squares and churches throughout the city. Some of Rome's most elaborate presepi are in Piazza del Popolo, Santa Maria in Trastevere, and Santa Maria d'Aracoeli, on the Capitoline Hill. More about Italian Nativity Scenes

One place that doesn't have a traditional Christmas crib this year is St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. The Pope decided to go with a nativity taking place in Joseph's house rather than in a manger. There's still a very tall Christmas tree in the square, though, and the Pope will say traditional midnight mass in Saint Peter's Square on Christmas Eve.

Read more about Christmas Eve celebrations, including a skiers torchlight parade and illuminated canoes on the Tiber River, in Christmas in Italy.

Related Italy Travel: A Walk Around Piazza Navona | Rome Visitors Guide | Vatican City Visitors Guide

_{Photo of Piazza Navona © Martha Bakerjian, licensed to about.com | Photo of St. Peter's Square © by James Martin, Europe Travel}