I’d always dreamed of spending Christmas Eve at the Vatican, and during my winter break in December 2025, I finally made it happen.
A friend mentioned that it was a Jubilee year and that the Holy Door would be closing soon, and that was all the push I needed. I booked everything pretty quickly and set off for Europe on my own.
It was my first time traveling solo, and my first time in both Paris and Rome, so I was a little nervous about getting around, especially on public transport with luggage in tow. But once I got going, it was much easier than I’d expected.
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A Very Quick Hello to the Eiffel Tower
I landed at Paris Charles de Gaulle on December 24th, but my flight to Rome left from Orly, on the other side of the city. That meant crossing Paris with all my bags.
Since I was passing through anyway, I gave myself one small detour: the Eiffel Tower.
There was no time for real sightseeing. I hopped off, walked over, snapped a few photos, and then it was time to move again.
There was no time for real sightseeing. I walked over, took a few photos under the gray winter sky, and looked up at the tower for a little while before I had to get moving again. Even standing there for just a few minutes, I felt a little thrill. This is really the Eiffel Tower, and I’m really here.
It was probably one of the shortest visits to Paris anyone has ever made, and it went by so fast that I felt like I’d barely caught a glimpse of the city. I wished I had more time, but I was so happy I got to see it with my own eyes. Before leaving, I squeezed in a stop at a little souvenir shop and picked up two Eiffel Tower magnets. They’re on my fridge to this day, and every time I see them, I think, “I really did make it to Paris after all.” And I’m going back. Next time, I’ll stay longer than a few minutes.
It was probably one of the shortest visits to Paris anyone has ever made, but I was so happy I got to see it, even if only for a few minutes. Then it was on to Orly and my flight to Rome.
Arriving in Rom
I landed at Fiumicino later that day and took the Leonardo Express to Roma Termini. From there, I switched to Metro Line A and got off at Ottaviano, right by Vatican City.
I’d been worried about figuring out trains and the metro alone in an unfamiliar city, but getting from the airport into Rome turned out to be surprisingly simple.
My accommodation was about a 15-minute walk from the station, and by the time I checked in, it was already Christmas Eve night. I dropped off my bags, rested for a few minutes, and headed right back out. I’d come all this way to spend Christmas Eve at the Vatican, and I wasn’t about to spend it in my room, no matter how long the day had been.
Walking to the Vatican at Night
The streets were much darker and quieter than I’d imagined. In some stretches I barely saw another person, and walking alone at night in a city I didn’t know had me on edge.
But as I got closer to the Vatican walls, people began to appear. First just a few, then more and more, all heading the same way. Seeing them made me feel so much better.
Before entering St. Peter’s Square, I went through security and had my bag checked. And once I stepped inside, everything changed.
A Rainy Christmas Eve at St. Peter’s Square
The square was packed.
Even though I headed to the Vatican almost as soon as I dropped off my luggage, St. Peter’s Square was already packed when I arrived. There was still about an hour and a half before Mass, but the crowd near the front was already dense. I remember carefully squeezing my way through the people, trying to get a little closer. Some of them must have arrived at least a couple of hours earlier.
It was pouring, and everywhere I looked, people were bundled up in raincoats and ponchos or huddled under umbrellas, waiting for the Pope and the Christmas Eve Mass.
Large screens had been set up so that everyone gathered outside could follow the Mass.
The rain didn’t drive anyone away. We all stood there under our umbrellas and raincoats, watching the Christmas Eve Mass on the large screens. After a whole day of traveling from Paris to Rome, it was hard to believe that I had actually made it to St. Peter’s Square on Christmas Eve.
Before leaving the square, I took one last look at the Christmas tree. The lights kept changing colors, and against the rainy night, it looked especially beautiful. It was one of the scenes from that evening that stayed in my memory.
If you’re planning to visit for Christmas Eve Mass, check the official Vatican website for the latest schedule and papal celebration information before you go.
Walking Back After Mass
When the Mass ended, I walked back to my accommodation. The streets were dark and quiet again, and I was nervous walking alone, but I made it back safely, and my very long day was finally over.
I was completely exhausted by then. But I was so glad I went.
More from this trip
Hotel Franklin Feel The Sound: One Night Near the Vatican
Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica | Christmas Day