Christmas at the Vatican at a glance
Christmas is the busiest and most festive time of year at the Vatican. The square gets its nativity scene and tree, the basilica fills for the Pope's Christmas liturgies, and on Christmas Day thousands gather for the Urbi et Orbi blessing from the central balcony of St. Peter's.
Most of it is free. The square, the nativity scene and the Urbi et Orbi need no ticket. Only the papal Masses inside the basilica require a free ticket requested in advance.
The Pope's Christmas schedule
The official times of the last Christmas season, 2025/26. The schedule for the coming season is usually published by the Vatican in early December.
| Date | Celebration | Time | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 December | Mass during the Night (Christmas Eve) | 10:00 pm | St. Peter's Basilica |
| 25 December | Mass during the Day | 10:00 am | St. Peter's Basilica |
| 25 December | Christmas message and Urbi et Orbi blessing | 12:00 noon | Central loggia, St. Peter's Square |
| 26 December | Angelus, Feast of St. Stephen | 12:00 noon | St. Peter's Square |
| 31 December | First Vespers and Te Deum | 5:00 pm | St. Peter's Basilica |
| 1 January | Mass for Mary, Mother of God, and World Day of Peace | 10:00 am | St. Peter's Basilica |
| 6 January | Mass for the Epiphany | morning | St. Peter's Basilica |
The nativity scene and Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square
Every year, a different region donates the tree and the nativity scene. They are unveiled at a lighting ceremony in mid-December, in 2025 on 15 December, and stay in the square until the end of the Christmas season with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in January.
In 2025, the tree was a 25-metre spruce from the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone in South Tyrol, and the life-size nativity scene came from the Diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno in southern Italy. A second nativity scene is set up in the Paul VI Audience Hall.
The square is open at all hours, so you can see both at any time. In the evening, with the tree lit and the façade of the basilica illuminated, the square is at its most beautiful. More about the square itself: the obelisk and Bernini's colonnade.
Vatican tours in December
Guided tours of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica during the Christmas season, with live prices and availability.
How to attend the papal Christmas celebrations
What needs a ticket, and what does not.
Christmas Mass tickets
Papal Masses in the basilica require a free ticket from the Prefecture of the Papal Household. Places for Christmas Eve are very limited, so request them as early as possible.
How to request tickets →Urbi et Orbi
No ticket needed. Come to the square well before noon on 25 December and pass security early, as it fills up quickly.
Daily Masses
Outside the papal celebrations, the regular Masses in the basilica continue and are open to everyone.
Mass times →8 December
On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Pope traditionally prays at the Marian column near the Spanish Steps. The Vatican Museums are closed that day.
Visiting the Vatican in December
Practical tips for the Christmas season.
Museum closures
The Vatican Museums are closed on 8, 25 and 26 December and on 1 and 6 January. The last-Sunday free entry does not take place if it falls on 25, 26 or 31 December.
Opening hours →Basilica access
On days with papal liturgies, the basilica can be closed to sightseeing for hours. Plan your visit for the days in between.
Visiting the basilica →Book early
Museum time slots, tours and hotels near the Vatican fill up between Christmas and New Year.
Where to stay →Weather
December in Rome is mild but often rainy. Bring an umbrella and a warm layer for the queues and the evenings in the square.
Christmas at the Vatican: frequently asked questions
What time is the Pope's Christmas Eve Mass?
In 2025, Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Mass during the Night at 10:00 pm in St. Peter's Basilica. Check the official schedule each December.
Do you need tickets for Christmas Mass at the Vatican?
Yes, for the papal Masses inside the basilica. The tickets are free and must be requested in advance from the Prefecture of the Papal Household.
When is the Urbi et Orbi blessing?
On Christmas Day at noon, from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. No ticket is needed.
When is the Vatican Christmas tree lit?
At a ceremony in mid-December. In 2025 the tree and nativity scene were inaugurated on 15 December and stayed until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in January.
Are the Vatican Museums open at Christmas?
They are closed on 25 and 26 December, as well as on 8 December, 1 January and 6 January. On the other days they are open, but check the official site for changed hours around the holidays.