We just booked a trip to Italy today for December. Super excited!! My mother in law said she's heard it's nearly impossible to get into the Vatican during this time due to the Christmas holiday??? Anybody know anything. Maybe just for masses?? Like you need reservations to go? Any info would be appreciated!

no info but I am jealous!

What are you trying to visit? There are 2 different parts of the Vatican people usually visit.

When in December are you going? Dec 1 is a lot different than Christmas week.

The Vatican museums (with the Sistine Chapel at the end) can get very busy.

St. Peter's is also very busy, requires a security screening before entry, but lines move quickly (15min at the height of tourist season in July). If you are trying to visit for Christmas mass, I have no idea but I would not expect to get in.

Though it was Thanksgiving time while we were in Rome the Vatican was a madhouse (no offense) you just have to do it the Roman way, PUSH PUSH and more PUSH. To me it was very chaotic, I was sorta freaking out thinking I wasn't going to get in and do the Mass thing, but we did. Then I was freaking out because getting out to see and hear the pope for the blessing was even more wild. But we did and it was worth every bit of pushing and shoving. That was on a Sunday. We came back wed and did the sistine chapel and the rest.

Have the time of your life. You'll Love Roma. I did a trip post here on Fodor's. ROME, I loved it. Check it out.

Theresa in Detroit

My wife (isu_steph) and I are mainly interested in the Sistine Chapel. We'll take the advice of pushing and shoving for mass... thanks! Look forward to reading your post sometime soon. Now that the trip is booked the nerves and excitement are definately here! So much to think about and I know it'll be here very very soon!!

FWIW, you'll probably get a lot more responses if you post on the Europe forum instead of the US one.

Don't worry the Vatigan has plenty of room and it's beautiful! Please don't miss the Sunday mass outside of the Vatican -there's always room for everybody, crowded, but well organized. There's no reservations and they always prepare for a large crowd. I totally enjoyed the whole of the Vatican, the basement and the climb up to the top. It isa most memerable experience and very accessible any time of the year.

Thanks ggreen. We already knew it had accidently gotten posted on the US link not Europe:Italy link. And already reposted immediately. Just couldn't remove this one. Surprisingly we have actually gotten more feed back on the US question!

Wow, that's so odd that you didn't get many hits on the Europe forum - so indeed it's lucky that you mis-posted here! Just goes to show that being logical isn't always the right answer.

Have a great time in Italy! I hope you post a trip report, especially with your experiences at the Vatican during the holiday season. My sister recently moved to Italy, and while an overseas Christmas isn't in the cards this year, I'm hoping it will be by Dec '08.

If you are trying to go to a high mass with the pope during Christmas week speak to your local clergy about the process of being sponsored? or requesting passes. If they have no answers they will be able to steer her in some direction.

My mom went a few years ago and managed to attend 2 services with the Pope, due to diligence and meeting the right people.