Rome ushers in the festive season with a busy month of Christmas markets, exhibitions, opera, concerts and parties, with the holidays offering the chance to meet old friends for a cocktail or head off on a winter day-trip. Here are our tips for events and things to do in Rome for each day of December 2018.

1 Dec. Stop by The Drunken Ship for food and drinks and get 20 per cent off total bill with your WiR card.
2 Dec. Take a friend to the see the Picasso sculptures exhibited at Galleria Borghese but book in advance.

3 Dec. Explore the often overlooked Domus Aurea, the buried golden palace of Emperor Nero.
4 Dec. Check out the limited-edition street art prints, on sale, by Obey at Galleria Rossoventisette.

5 Dec. Rent a scooter from Cooltra and receive 30 per cent off with your WiR card.
6 Dec. Sit in on the monthly Old-Time and Bluegrassmusic session at Chakra Bar in Trastevere.
7 Dec. Fans of The Sound of Music will enjoy the Arts in English musical Do Re Mi in Garbatella.

8 Dec. Go early to see Pope Francis mark the Immaculate Conception at Piazza Mignanelli.
9 Dec. Experience one of the most festive events on the expat calendar: the Irish College Advent service.
10 Dec. Update your holiday look with salon services at Toni & Guy. 15 per cent off for WiR cardholders.

11 Dec. Check out the underground illustrations by comic artist Zerocalcare at MAXXI.
12 Dec. Admire ancient weapons and armour from the Renaissance era at Castel S. Angelo.
13 Dec.Scholars Lounge Irish pub hosts its annual Christmas party with live music until late.

14 Dec. Wonder at the beautifully-decorated Christmas tree in St Peter's Square.
15 Dec. Visit the exhibit Dream at Chiostro del Bramante. Use your WiR card for €2 ticket discount.
16 Dec. Kids can enjoy a special guided tour at the Auditorium Parco Della Musica. Reserve ahead!

17 Dec. Order a Carbonara Sour at the hip Pigneto cocktail bar Co.So.
18 Dec. Admire Michelangelo's Crouching Boy at the new Fondazione Alda Fendi - Esperimenti.

19 Dec. See Roman history come to life with the 3D Ara Come at the Ara Pacis museum.
20 Dec. For elegant holiday decorations try Vertecchi, at locations around Rome.

21 Dec. Campo Felice begins its €4 discount on lift tickets for WiR cardholders.
22 Dec. Look for unique last-minute presents at the Mercato Monti.

23 Dec. Extra special Christmas gifts are waiting to be found at Ponte Milvio antiques fair.
24 Dec. Attend the Christmas Midnight Mass at 21.30 in St Peter’s Basilica.
25 Dec. Celebrate Christmas Day Mass in English at St Patrick’s American Church at 09.00 or 10.30.
26 Dec. Kids always enjoy the crib exhibition 100 Presepi which has moved to Via della Conciliazione.

27 Dec. Catch The Harlem Gospel Choir with the Roma Gospel Festival at Auditorium Parco della Musica.
28 Dec. Hear long-lost sounds of ancient Rome at the Baths of Caracalla with Alvin Curran's installation.

29 Dec. Escape Rome and head to the relaxing hot springs of Saturnia in Tuscany.
30 Dec. Enjoy bespoke cocktails at Rome's coolest new cocktail bar, Drink Kong in Monti.

31 Dec. Ring in the new year in good shape by running through the city with We Run Rome.