Experience the Magic of 100 Nativity Scenes in St. Peter’s Square
The 2025 edition of 100 Presepi, the Vatican’s international Nativity crib exhibition, is set to take place under the colonnade of St Peter’s Square from 8 December until 8 January 2026. This highly anticipated event has become a firm fixture on Rome’s Christmas calendar, attracting visitors from around the world. Each year, 100 Presepi hosts an impressive collection of Nativity scenes from across Italy and dozens of other countries, showcasing a diverse range of artistic interpretations and cultural traditions.
This year’s edition promises to be just as spectacular, with 132 cribs from Italy and more than 20 other countries on display. The exhibition will be inaugurated at 16.00 on 8 December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a Catholic holy day and a public holiday in Italy. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of contemporary replicas of traditional 18th- and 19th-century Neapolitan and Roman cribs, as well as modern versions made from wood, papier-mâché, and terracotta, and even unconventional materials such as sand, rice, and metal.
A Unique and Unforgettable Experience
One of the most unusual Nativity Scenes in the 100 Presepi display is housed inside a Rome city bus, offering a unique and quirky twist on the traditional crib. The exhibition is organised by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelisation and will be open every day for free, from 10.00 until 19.00. Visitors can plan their visit around the exhibition’s special hours, with early closure on 24 and 31 December at 17.00, and last admission 15 minutes before closing time.
According to the event organisers, 100 Presepi aims to promote the values of peace, love, and unity that are at the heart of the Christmas message. By bringing together people from different cultures and backgrounds, the exhibition celebrates the diversity and richness of human experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Rome, 100 Presepi is an event not to be missed. For full details, visit the official website.