Christmas in Tivoli — Christmas Village, Markets and Ice Rink

A month of festivities at the gates of Rome

Every year, from the Immaculate Conception period until Epiphany, the Municipality of Tivoli promotes a rich calendar of Christmas events spread throughout the municipal territory. The city of Tivoli, world-famous for Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa, transforms for over a month into a charming Christmas village within the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the Lazio region: lights, markets, artistic nativity scenes, concerts, and activities for children bring the historic center and its districts to life.

The Christmas Village in Piazza Garibaldi

The heart of the festivities is Piazza Garibaldi, the large panoramic terrace at the entrance to the historic center. Here, the Christmas village is set up with wooden stalls for the markets, dedicated to selling artisanal products and local and national gastronomic specialties typical of the season: gift ideas, handicrafts, holiday sweets, and street food. For the 2025-2026 edition, the period set by the Municipality ran from November 28th to January 6th.

The Ice Skating Rink

The iconic attraction of the Tivoli Christmas is the ice skating rink set up in Piazza Garibaldi, now a tradition eagerly awaited by families and young people. In the winter of 2025-2026, the rink was managed by the Roman association Ice Park Asd, with a paid entrance fee that included skate rental. Skating outdoors with a view of the Roman countryside remains one of the most beloved holiday experiences.

Artistic Nativity Scenes and Neighborhood Markets

Alongside the village, the Tivoli Christmas comes alive in the historic districts: artistic nativity scenes are set up throughout the municipal area, while neighborhood committees organize local markets. Of particular note is the Rione dei Presepi (District of Nativity Scenes) organized by the Rione Colle committee, featuring displays of nativity scenes, handicrafts, local produce, and tastings that continue even after Epiphany.

Concerts, Shows, and New Year's Eve

The calendar is enriched by Christmas concerts in the city center's churches — including San Francesco and San Biagio in past editions — as well as shows, entertainment, and scenic video projections like the video mapping on the Rocca Pia castle, culminating in the traditional New Year's Eve concert in Piazza Garibaldi to welcome the new year together.

The Befana's Descent from Rocca Pia

The grand finale is on January 6th: in the afternoon, after entertainment for the little ones, the Befana descends from the walls of Rocca Pia, the 15th-century fortress commissioned by Pope Pius II. A suggestive spectacle that attracts hundreds of families and brings the festivities to a beautiful close.

Christmas in a City of Art

Visiting Tivoli during the holidays means combining the Christmas atmosphere with a unique heritage: Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the Villa Gregoriana Park are just a few minutes' walk or drive from the village in Piazza Garibaldi. A perfect opportunity for a winter day trip from Rome, located about half an hour away by train.