TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A visit to Vatican City in December brings a truly magical experience. The echoes of Christmas carols, shimmering lights, and ancient rituals transform the smallest state in Europe into a center of faith and artistic celebration. As the spiritual heart of the Catholic world, Vatican City offers a profound Christmas experience.
Vatican City transforms into a sea of light when Christmas arrives. St. Peter's Square is adorned with a giant tree and a life-sized Nativity Scene, while the surrounding streets often feature Christmas market stalls selling local crafts, hot chocolate, and warm calzones.
Attractions and Activities During Christmas
Reported by Travel and Leisure Asia, the Christmas season in Vatican City officially starts on December 8 with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, marking the official unveiling of the giant Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square. This tree, the center of attention, is adorned annually with ornaments typical of different European countries, a tradition initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1982.
The peak of the celebration is the Midnight Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, celebrated directly by the Pope. Despite its name, the event actually takes place around 7:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Entrance tickets are free but are extremely difficult to obtain and must be requested well in advance through the official Pontifical Household website. For those who fail to secure tickets, alternative options include attending the afternoon Mass at the same basilica or watching the live broadcast on the Vatican's YouTube channel.
Additionally, the annual Christmas Concert, held in collaboration with international artists, enriches the season. Its proceeds are donated to charity, featuring a repertoire of various cheerful music genres. In 2025, the concert is scheduled for December 13 at the Auditorium Conciliazione in Rome. Not to be missed is the exhibition of 100 Nativity Scenes from around the world, which takes place from December 8, 2025, to January 6, 2026, showcasing stunning vintage and contemporary handmade works.
Visitors are also encouraged to watch the Pope's Urbi et Orbi speech at 12:00 p.m. on Christmas Day (December 25) from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. Another unique tradition is La Befana on the night of January 5, where a friendly witch figure gives gifts to children, toys for the good and coal for the naughty, similar to the Santa Claus story.
Vatican Museums Closure
It should be noted that the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are closed on Christmas Day (December 25) and St. Stephen's Day (December 26), as part of the Vatican's annual holiday closure. As reported by Headout, this closure also applies to most Sundays (except the last Sunday of each month), New Year's Day (January 1), and the Epiphany on January 6.
Practical Tips for Celebrating Christmas in Vatican City
Coping with the hustle and bustle is a bittersweet reality during Christmas in Vatican City, where locals and tourists jostle for space. It is advisable to book skip-the-line tickets to expedite the queuing process, although security checks remain mandatory. On Christmas Day and the following day, many shops and restaurants close early or for the entire day, so be prepared with emergency snacks if necessary.
Furthermore, it is essential to wear modest attire covering shoulders and knees, especially when attending Mass. For those who do not have tickets for the service, the giant screen on St. Peter's Square broadcasts the Mass live, so arrive early to secure the best viewing spots.
Putri Az Zahra Suherman contributed to this report
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