If you are referring to the Museums, I'd take sydneynicks advice and buy your tickets on line. mv.vatican.va

The security line for St. Peters Basilica might be a little long, but it moves quickly (no tickets required). saintpetersbasilica.org/touristinfo.htm

All of the above notwithstanding, it is Christmas Eve, the crowds could be larger than normal.

The crowds *will* be larger than normal, in Rome for Midnight Mass at St. Peter's. Definitely book on line.

Hi appia670 and ocpony, thanks for your replies. Would it be better to book in the morning or in the afternoon? :)

Thanks!

Lunchtime. Otherwise on a normal day I'd say afternoon but as it's Christmas Eve people may try to visit the Museum to fill in time before the evening's events.

Our daughter went yesterday, booked on-line for 1.30 p.m. There were no queues whatsover and she took a photo of the ticket desk in case I didn't believe her.....no-one there.

That doesn't help you with Christmas Eve but may be interesting to anyone thinking of going now.

Thanks so much appia670. 130pm may be a good time for us to visit. Your reply has helped me tremendously! Thank you :D

I will be visiting the Vatican City in mid of Jan, which I believe is off peak. Is it worth to pay the extra Euro 4 for the online ticket purchase just to avoid the queue that may not be there at all?

I have been to the Vatican Museums in Dec and twice in Feb. If you go in the morning, there is a big line (before 11 am). If you are only spending a limited amount of time in the Vatican Museums (like going to the Sistine Chapel and leaving) then often there are not lines if you go after 1 pm.

Hi I'm going to Rome in June, never been before and confused on what tickets to buy online or buy when we get there etc. from what people say if you go to the Vatican museum/sistine chapel around 1pm there's hardly any queues, can I book the tickets there and then?? Or do I still have to book them online.

Thank you :)