Rome at Christmas
 

I will be traveling to Rome at Christmas this year with my husband and three children, ages 20, 16, and 14. We would like to attend a Christmas Eve mass, but not at the Vatican. Any thoughts about lovely, interesting churches to go to for Christmas Eve? The more local and authentic, the better. Also, we plan to eat dinner before mass. How far in advance should we make a reservation, how long should we expect dinner to last on Christmas Eve, and does anyone have restaurant suggestions? Someone recommended il San Lorenzo for a tradition seven fishes Christmas Eve dinner. Finally, any experiences, advice, etc. about Rome at Christmastime is welcome! We will be there a few days before and after Christmas.

This is a little dated, but perhaps it will give you some sense of the services to choose from. I personally would pick something relatively close to my apartment/hotel for both dinner and Mass, as I'm not sure what transportation options you'll find.

http://www.buzzinrome.com/2011/12/21...-on-dec-24-25/

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "local and authentic." Mass is, well, Mass. It's authentic by it's very nature IMO.

Thank you for the link and advice about location. Both are very helpful! As for the local and authentic, Mass is not just Mass at the Vatican, for example, or at St. Patricks Cathedral in New York or Notre Dame. Though I have been to services at each one. Just feel a little more a part of things, if that makes sense.

Haven't done it Rome, but when I've travelled over Christmas previously, I spend a few hours a day or two before checking out the churches and usually pick the smallest/most interesting if the times work. That might be challenging in Rome if you are looking for an English mass, but then again, Mass is pretty easy follow along in any language:)

Mass doesn't need to be in English. Are you Catholic? If so you'll know the format of Mass doesn't change.
Some small Roman churches I love are

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sant%2...dei_Portoghesi

and this one - it's so tiny it's almost a chapel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMWH0FQhrG4

The more local and authentic, the better

Look for a church in whatever neighborhood you are staying in. Chances are it will have people who live in the neighborhood attending

This is also a little dated, but when we were in Rome in '09, we visited <B>Santa Maria d'Aracoeli</B>, which was setting up for Christmas Eve mass. Beautiful church. I have some photos of it in the following link. You might want to check out this church.

<B>http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/chapter-four-roman-holiday-comes-to-a-close/</B>

((H))

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I know she posted a trip report a few years ago from her Christmas in Rome.

I'm Catholic. Maybe it me makes me odd but my favorite part is the homily, so I do tend to go to English Mass:)

Also, maitaitom, I cannot believe I did not think to check your blog for Europe TRs. Gleefully skipping off to do that now, thanks!