Christmas at St. Peter’s basilica

25. Aug, 2010 0 Comments

St. Peter's square with Christmas tree. Photo by I Am Bruce via Flickr.

We said it before and we’ll say it again: a trip to Rome isn’t a trip to Rome without having visited St. Peter’s basilica. This couldn’t be any more true for Christmas season, of course.

Many people use the occasion to attend midnight mass in St. Peter’s basilica – but beware that you’ll need tickets to attend it inside the basilica. Visitors without tickets can still attend the mass from St. Peter’s square as the mass is broadcast on large screens.

At noon on Christmas day, the pope gives his Christmas greetings (urbi et orbi) from his balcony overlooking the square.

There is also a life-size nativity scene built in St. Peter’s square which is well worth a look, as well as a huge Christmas tree which is donated by a different country each year.If you’re a fan of nativity scenes we can recommend visiting the San Paolo Fuori le Mura, San Giovanni in Laterano and Santa Maria Maggiore basilica’s as well.

Please note that the Vatican City museums and St. Peter’s basilica itself is closed on Christmas and several days after.