Any insight to visiting Rome and Florence during the last week of December?

I'm particularly concerned with closures, crowds, weather etc. Is the Coloseum closed during the winter months?

My other option is the first week of March.

Is there a good reference, like an almanac, that I can research weather?

Thanks in advance.

I am also interested in this topic. I will be in Rome for a week starting Dec. 19.

A friend and I will be in Rome over the Christmas holidays because I was lucky enough to arrange a home exchange.

I did ask the question about Christmas activities before and did not get much of a response. We already have our reservations for the underground excavations beneath St. Peter's.

I am really interested in seasonal music concerts and opera (preferably Verdi since we are in Italy). We are going to go to Florence for a couple of nights but otherwise will remain in Rome to take full (financial) advantage of the home exchange apt.

The apt. is near the Baths of Caracala.

Will you be there at christmas? Everything is open except for the Christmas eve.evening. things close early. Some restaurants are openbut many have a price fixe menu. We just got stuff at several delis at Campo de Fiori. Be sure to go to the papal blessing on Christmas day. It starts at noon but get there at 10:00am. The weather will be mild but on rare exeption may not be. 45-55 deg f. A long sleeve shirt and fleece are all you need and maybe a light rain top. The crowds are non existant compared to the summer. Havent been to Fl. but you can email me with any questions.

there have been many posts here about this. you may want to do a search.

I spent one Christmas in Rome, attending midnight Mass. Then I walked back across Rome to my hotel near the train station. It seemed that every cafe in Rome was open in those wee hours and they had plenty of clients.

I also spent one Christmas with in-laws near Milan. Christmas is a very special time in Italy and something you will long remember if you are with dear friends.

I'll spend the coming Christmas Eve in Italy. The only thing which I'm now worrying about is transport: I'm going to take a flight from the Fiumicino Airport in Rome at noon on 25-Dec-04. Does anyone know whether there would be any public transport services (such as the underground, train, airport shuttle, taxi, etc.).
Thanks.