Festival of Lights – Rome Light Experience
A luminous Christmas journey through the historic heart of the Capital
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Rome Festival of Lights
Rome lights up
Every winter, the heart of Rome turns into an open-air art gallery. The Festival of Lights – Rome Light Experience brings a luminous path to the historic center of the Capital, within the Metropolitan City of Rome (Lazio Region), weaving together contemporary installations, light sculptures, and digital projections. From the lighting ceremony on November 15, 2025, through the Epiphany on January 6, 2026, the city's most famous streets and squares become the backdrop for an evening itinerary open to everyone.
The route through the squares and the Tiber
The itinerary winds through some of Rome's iconic landmarks: Via dei Fori Imperiali, Piazza Navona, Ponte Sant'Angelo, the Trastevere district, and the banks of the Tiber along Lungotevere Ripa. Walking from one installation to the next means rediscovering the city in a new light, amidst ancient monuments and luminous works created by Italian and international artists.
Theme and installations
The 2025-2026 edition revolves around the theme "The City of Wonders," interpreted by artists from Italy, France, South Korea, and Canada. Among the most anticipated works is a large luminous arch over twelve meters tall near the Colosseum, capable of changing color in sync with original music composed for the event. At Piazza Navona, projections dedicated to the square's Baroque history are planned, while along the Tiber, light sculptures will be reflected in the water.
An event for everyone
Beyond the stroll through the lights, the festival offers night-time guided tours, creative workshops for children, and talks dedicated to contemporary art. It is an event designed for families, couples, and visitors of all ages, blending the tradition of Christmas lights with the language of digital art and installations.
Christmas in Rome
The Festival of Lights is part of Rome's rich Christmas calendar, alongside markets, nativity scenes, and illuminated trees. For those visiting the Capital during the festive season, it represents a captivating way to experience the historic center after sunset, when the Forums, bridges, and squares dress up in light.
Rome Festival of Lights — edition 2026
The documented edition of the Festival of Lights – Rome Light Experience took place in the winter of 2025-2026 with the theme "The City of Wonders." For nearly two months, from November 15 to the Epiphany, Rome's historic center hosted a trail of light involving international artists and some of the Capital's most beloved spots, from the Fori Imperiali to the banks of the Tiber.
Programme Rome Festival of Lights 2026
Highlights Rome Festival of Lights 2026
- Luminous arch over 12 meters tall near the Colosseum
- Route through Via dei Fori Imperiali, Piazza Navona, Ponte Sant'Angelo, and Trastevere
- Artists from Italy, France, South Korea, and Canada
- Light sculptures along the Tiber and projections at Piazza Navona
- Workshops for children and night-time guided tours
Prices Rome Festival of Lights 2026
Practical information — Rome Festival of Lights
When
From November 15, 2025, to January 6, 2026, daily from 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM. The inauguration took place on Saturday, November 15, at 6:00 PM on Via dei Fori Imperiali.
Where
Historic center of Rome: Via dei Fori Imperiali, Piazza Navona, Ponte Sant'Angelo, Trastevere, and the banks of the Tiber (Lungotevere Ripa), in the Metropolitan City of Rome, Lazio.
How to get there
The route is in the heart of Rome, easily accessible on foot from the main metro stops (Line B, Colosseo station for the Fori Imperiali) and numerous bus lines. We recommend using public transport to avoid traffic restrictions in the historic center.
Tickets
The walk along the luminous path in the streets and squares is free and open to the public. Some side activities, such as night-time guided tours or workshops, may require booking.
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Where does it take place — Rome Festival of Lights
Centro Storico (via dei Fori Imperiali, Piazza Navona, Trastevere)