A River of Light

A River of Light: Rome Welcomes the Holidays with Via del Corso’s Dazzling Christmas Illuminations

Rome has officially stepped into the holiday season, and its grand entrance is brighter than ever. With the switch-on ceremony held last night, Via del Corso—one of the capital’s most iconic thoroughfares—has transformed into a shimmering river of light. Nearly 500,000 high-efficiency LED spheres, designed and installed by Acea, now blanket the sky above the historic street, forming a continuous luminous narrative that stretches for 1.8 kilometers, from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo.

The moment marks not only the beginning of Christmas in the city center but also the inauguration of festive displays across Rome’s neighborhoods, including the lighting of the Christmas tree in Piazza del Popolo and installations in each Municipio.

A 1.8-Kilometer Tapestry of LED Light

Suspended above the stream of residents and visitors, the half-million LED spheres create an immersive canopy of light. Thanks to low-consumption technology and programmable systems, the installation features dynamic light sequences and scenographic effects that shift and dance along the length of the street.

The visual language blends traditional Christmas symbols—shooting stars, snowflakes, and classic motifs—with contemporary, social-media-friendly elements designed for modern urban storytelling. The result is a glowing corridor that aims to become one of the most recognizable images of Christmas in Rome, adding to the city’s seasonal appeal for both tourists and locals.

Galleria Alberto Sordi and the Illuminated Palazzi

The spectacle extends beyond the main street. The façade of Galleria Alberto Sordi has been illuminated specifically to echo the themes and colors of Via del Corso’s overhead lights. The coordinated display creates a visual continuity between the shopping arcade and the outdoor installation, effectively turning the entire area into a cohesive, cinematic Christmas set.

Historic buildings and palazzi along the route also take part in the show, their architectural details enhanced by warm reflections and carefully planned lighting that enhances the festive ambiance.

Christmas in Every Neighborhood

But Rome’s luminous transformation is not confined to the centro storico. Each Municipio now hosts its own Christmas tree, curated by the Department of Environmental Protection of Roma Capitale, and decorated to reflect the aesthetic of the center’s installations. The initiative aims to bring the holiday atmosphere “to every corner of the city,” reducing the perceived divide between central and peripheral areas.

Many of these installations emphasize sustainability. Energy-efficient LED technology is used throughout, and in some districts, programs are in place to ensure that Christmas trees are repurposed, replanted, or otherwise integrated into urban green projects once the festivities end—an approach aligned with the city’s broader environmental campaigns.

A City Balancing Spectacle and Sustainability

With its glowing streets, illuminated façades, and neighborhood-wide installations, Rome is striving to balance holiday spectacle with environmental responsibility. The result is a Christmas season that not only enhances the city’s international image but also reflects a thoughtful approach to energy use and urban greenery.

As the lights of Via del Corso continue to shine above the crowds, they offer more than decoration—they provide a shared experience, a sense of unity across districts, and a renewed vision of Rome as a city capable of blending tradition, innovation, and sustainability in one of the most visible moments of the year.

offered by Basilio 55 Rome