Christmas is a magical time in Rome, particularly for children. Streets in the historic centre twinkle with traditional street light displays, shops lay red carpets outside their premises, and the city's churches come to life with Nativity scenes, several of which feature real, live people.

It is a far cry from the tinselly excesses of North America and northern Europe, although Santa Claus makes an increasing presence each year in Roman shopfronts. Christmas in Rome is a much less glitzy experience, revolving instead around cultural and religious traditions, family and food.