Christmas in Rome - What's Open or Closed?
 

My BIL is going to Rome and will be there from Dec 22 to 27th. He is not Christian, so I doubt he'll be attending Mass. But, I'm sure he will be interested in seeing the Vatican, etc. (if he hasn't seen it before - he's been to Rome once before so I'm not sure).

I'm just wondering what will be open during those days - museums (he's big museum goer), restaurants, metro/taxis? Etc.

Anyone?

Institutions in Italy are a law unto themselves -and often don;t follow stated opening hours - although that's where he should start (the web site of each place he intends to visit).

On Christmas eve and day assume everything is closed. (He should probably arrange meals in advance for those days - perhaps in hotel - to find somethng open.

Up to and including 23rd December, things prety much operate as usual. On 24th, many businesses either don't open or do but close early (by 2pm). Some restaurants still stay open that evening, but it's by their own choice so it's often just luck as to what is open. Taxis still operate but get scarce as the night goes on, and public transport (Metro, Busses) operate until around 11pm at the latest, some routes shut down earlier (around 7pm). Getting to and from Midnight Mass (not that this will be an issue for your BIL) makes for a lot of walking/driving own car as it ends at 2am.

Christmas Day public transport is scarce - the Metro doesn't run and busses are very infrequent. So stay somewhere central and do the strolling thing. Restaurants usually open in the evening for dinner, making lunch a little more difficult to source - Spizzico on via del Corso may open. Museums/monument are all closed on 25th and some also stay closed on 26th (St Stephen's Day) but not all (eg Colosseum should reopen on 26th as usual) so as suggested, check individual sights. The Vatican site is www.vatican.va, then click your way through to Vatcian Museums and their calendar/hours. Remember that the days before and after the 2 day closure of the Museums will be busy, so suggest your BIL books well ahead for tickets/entry time, and go early if possible.

There will be the usual Natale/Befana Market on in Piazza Navona until 6th January (Epiphany) which always has a good atmosphere, food and people.

I have forwarded your information to my BIL. Thanks.

Anyone else have ideas/knowledge?