When and where is the Christmas Concert held?

The concert takes place at the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome on December 14, 2025 at 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

Is admission free and how is seating managed?

Admission is completely free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served; arrive early as the basilica often reaches capacity.

Who performs and what repertoire is featured?

The Choir of the Diocese of Rome with the Nova Opera Orchestra, conducted by Monsignor Marco Frisina. The program includes Italian carols (e.g., “Tu scendi dalle stelle”), international classics (“Adeste Fideles,” “Joy to the World,” “Stille Nacht”), sacred motets, and select contemporary arrangements.

Christmas Concert in S. Giovanni in Laterano

Rome's most venerated ecclesiastical venue welcomes the forty-first edition of its beloved Christmas concert tradition. On December 14, 2025 at 8:30 p.m., the Papal Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano will host the Concerto di Natale, featuring the Choir of the Diocese of Rome performing alongside the Nova Opera Orchestra under the direction of Monsignor Marco Frisina. Admission is completely free and open to the public.

A Forty-Year Musical Tradition Continues

The Concerto di Natale celebrates four decades of sacred musical celebration that honors both Christ's birth and the rich traditions of Italian and international Christmas repertoire. Founded in 1984 by Monsignor Marco Frisina himself, the Choir of the Diocese of Rome has performed continuously for the Roman Church, animating diocesan liturgies and spreading evangelization through music. This year's performance celebrates not only the concert tradition but also the choir's fortieth anniversary, with singers spanning three generations performing together.

The concert remains a defining cultural event in Rome's December calendar, attracting capacity audiences who arrive early to secure seating in the basilica's historic interior.

A Distinguished Musical Ensemble

Monsignor Marco Frisina, who composed many of the world's most recognized liturgical chants and created film scores for Italian television productions, conducts this year's performance. The Choir of the Diocese of Rome brings approximately 200 singers and soloists to the concert, many of whom have participated in the choir for multiple decades. The ensemble draws musicians from across Rome's diocesan community, representing laypeople, clergy, and religious community members united by their commitment to sacred music.

The Nova Opera Orchestra, comprising over 50 musicians, provides orchestral accompaniment to the choir's vocal performances. The combination of large ensemble forces within San Giovanni's cavernous basilica creates an acoustic experience of profound spiritual and musical magnitude.

The Christmas Repertoire

The concert program celebrates the universal language of Christmas music across cultures and centuries. Traditional Italian carols including "Tu scendi dalle stelle" and "Puer Natus" sit alongside internationally beloved compositions such as "Adeste Fideles," "Joy to the World," and "Stille Nacht." Contemporary arrangements blend with classical versions, creating a musical journey through Christmas traditions spanning from medieval plainchant through twentieth-century compositions. The inclusion of "Jingle Bells" alongside sacred motets demonstrates the concert's ability to honor both reverent spirituality and joyful celebration.

The Historic Basilica Setting

San Giovanni in Laterano ranks among Rome's most significant ecclesiastical spaces and represents the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome. Built in the fourth century as the first church dedicated to Christ in the Roman Empire, the basilica underwent substantial reconstruction during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, resulting in its current baroque grandeur. The interior's soaring proportions, magnificent vaults, and carefully proportioned acoustics create an ideal setting for choral and orchestral music. The basilica's historical importance as the site of papal residence for centuries before the construction of Saint Peter's adds spiritual resonance to performances within its walls.

Performance Details and Admission

The concert begins at 8:30 p.m. on December 14, 2025. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. to allow attendees time to complete security screening procedures and locate seating. The performance lasts approximately 90 minutes without intermission. Admission is completely free and open to all visitors, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Arrival well in advance of the start time is strongly recommended, as the basilica frequently reaches capacity during this popular holiday event. The concert will also be broadcast live on Telepace and the Diocese of Rome's YouTube channel, making it accessible to international viewers unable to attend in person.

Location and Transportation

The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano is located at Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, 4 in Rome's Esquiline district. Metro Line A connects directly to the San Giovanni stop, which places you immediately adjacent to the basilica entrance. Multiple bus routes serve the area, including routes 3, 16, 81, 85, 87, 117, 160, 217, 360, 590, 650, 714, and 716. The neighborhood offers convenient access from central Rome through both public transportation and foot traffic.

The basilica remains easily accessible from the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and other major attractions located within walking distance in Rome's historic center.

Forty Years of Sacred Music and Celebration

Attending the Concerto di Natale represents a distinctive Roman holiday tradition combining spiritual contemplation, artistic excellence, and communal celebration. The concert welcomes audiences of all faiths and backgrounds, inviting shared appreciation for music's power to inspire and unite. The participating choir members, many of whom have dedicated decades to this annual tradition, bring genuine passion and commitment to their performance, creating an experience that extends beyond entertainment into genuine spiritual communication.