A Local’s Guide to Rome in January: Events, Exhibitions, and Festive Fun
January is a great time to visit Rome, with the city offering a unique blend of cultural events, exhibitions, and festive activities. Following the excitement of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, Rome slows down, making it an ideal time to explore the city without the crowds. The first week of January is marked by two public holidays in Italy: New Year’s Day and the Epiphany, which brings a range of free cultural events and concerts across the city.
The New Year’s celebrations in Rome kick off with a free concert at the Circus Maximus, featuring renowned Italian artists such as Alessandra Amoroso, Fabri Fibra, and Tananai. As part of the Capodarte programme, dozens of free cultural events and concerts take place across the city on New Year’s Day. One of the most unusual and thrilling events is the Tuffo nel Tevere, where daredevil divers plunge 18 meters into the icy waters of the Tiber River from Ponte Cavour.
Free Museums and Exhibitions
On Sunday, January 4th, Italy’s state museums and archaeological sites, as well as Rome’s city-run museums, open their doors for free as part of a popular monthly initiative. This is a great opportunity to explore Rome’s rich cultural heritage without incurring any costs. Some of the notable exhibitions in Rome include Cartier & Myths, featuring luxurious jewelry displayed among ancient sculptures at the Capitoline Museum, and La Grecia a Roma, which explores the legacy of Greek art within Roman culture.
The Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia classical music programme is another highlight of Rome’s cultural scene in January, with concerts conducted by Juraj Valčuha and performances by pianist Seong-jin Cho. Meanwhile, Rome’s opera house stages a production of La bohème, offering a unique opportunity to experience world-class opera in the Eternal City.
Festive Fun and La Befana
The Epiphany on January 6th marks the arrival of La Befana, a friendly witch-like character from Italian folklore. In a spectacular annual event, a firefighter dressed as La Befana “flies” into Piazza Navona from the roof of the church of S. Agnese in Agone, handing out sweets to delighted children. The festive market and carousel in Piazza Navona, Christmas World in Villa Borghese, and the Vatican’s 100 Presepi crib exhibition are all open until January 8th, offering a range of festive activities and attractions.
For more information on events and exhibitions in Rome, including the latest updates and announcements, visit our What’s On guide. With its unique blend of culture, history, and festive fun, Rome is an ideal destination to visit in January.
Discover more about the best things to do in Rome in January Here