I originally intended to visit Rome over next year's spring break (I'm a high school teacher and would have nine days to do so), but various obligations would make the spring trip pretty inconvenient.

So I'm left with a trip to Rome during the school's winter break: more specifically, I'm looking at leaving for Rome on December 26 and returning January 3. It would be my first trip to Italy.

Keeping in mind that I love Renaissance art, elaborate architecture, beautiful churches, and walking throughout the cities I visit, would it be a bad idea to visit Rome during that week? I've looked up the average temperatures online, and Rome's mild winters don't seem to scare this Chicagoan, but I don't want to have a miserable time walking through the rain either. Moreover, if the city dies during this week and loses its Roman flavor (though, as a functioning metropolis, I'm not sure this could really happen...), I could probably go another time of the year.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and comments---thanks ahead of time!

We go almost every year at that time. We missed this past Christmas, but will be returning 2009. It is more expensive, but I love that time of year. Figure nights in the 30-40s, days in the 40s-60s. It is the rainy time, but we have lucked out in the past. I know that this past Christmas was a different story, with the floods.

The city is packed at that time, but the global recession may help with both prices and people.

If you want to see what it actually looks like, here is a link to some streaming videos I've been making for several years (still not done, I'm lazy). Most of the shots are done over the Christmas breaks (2005, 2006,2007)

http://www.passagetoroma.com//index....id=6&Itemid=26

My wife is an elementary teacher and I'm sort of retired.

I spend almost every Christmas in Rome but I stay later into January. After Jan. 6, Rome is practically empty of tourists. It's a very unique experience.

Rome is very much alive at this time. Even though some restaurants close for the holidays, others are open serving many a Roman family.

The churches are divine! Christmas Mass and New Year's Mass are unlike anything I've experienced elsewhere.

The weather is always iffy. I haven't seen snow yet but it can rain and rain for days. I've been in quite a few downpours. But I still love it. Romans will still try to eat outdoors in between rain drops, when they can. Many restaurants have outdoor heaters for dining in the piazza.

Museums are open and the tourists are the high quality type. I'm confident you will love your trip.

Its a great time to go. Others have said it well, I would only add that there are several wonderful Christmas markets in the downtown Rome area (they rotate locales), there are marvelous nativity pageants (learn enough Italian to find them on Church notice boards), then there are creche displays, some of historical interest and other 'living tableaus'. If you will be there for New Years Eve, get your hotel or an Italian friend to reccommend a genuine Roman multi-course meal at a local restaurant rather than the elaborate imitations of North American festivities.