There is something so magical and unique about celebrating Christmas in Italy, and here is our guide on what to expect from the Italian festive season.
Countries across the globe hold their own traditions, customs and beliefs, which is especially apparent at Christmas when the culture comes alive.
Italy is a country which takes Christmas very seriously. If you visit during the festive season, you will have plenty of events to attend, traditions to observe and, of course, lots of delicious food.
Christmas in Italy is something special. We have put together a guide to how the Italians celebrate Christmas, unmissable events and more, so you can really get to know Italy.
Let’s take a look.
The World Bucket List’s top tips for spending Christmas in Italy:
- Italian Christmas markets are amazing. Be sure to visit a few!
- The Nativity Scene is a huge part of Italian Christmas. Check out the many nativity displays around the country.
- There are so many beautiful Italian churches. Attend Midnight Mass around Christmastime in Italy, it’s a really stunning experience.
- Famous landmarks like the Vatican, the Colosseum, and the Duomo di Milano are a sight to behold around this time of year.
- Take part in La Befana celebrations – an Italian witch who gives out gifts to children on 6 January.
Celebrating in Italy – Italian celebrations
Christmas in Italy begins on 8 December when almost every family will erect their Christmas tree and begin to prepare for the festive season with lots of decorations, nativity scenes (presepe) and the yule log.
Italians are well known for their incredible cuisine; it receives many international visitors yearly, which is no different.
Italians take great pride in their food, and throughout the festivities, an array of delicious foods is always prepared up and down the country in each household in the lead-up to Christmas Day when a huge lunch is served.
Lights adorn cities and villages from the mountains in the north to the toe of the boot and the islands, making the country glow with festive joy.
The Christmas holidays always involve family time. Italians love to spend time unwrapping gifts, sharing meals and attending events with their family members, making this the biggest festivity in Italy.
The Christmas holidays end on 6 January, and Italians celebrate Christmas between 24 and 26 December.
Families observe the Vigilia (Christmas Eve) in various ways, but it almost always involves a big feast and midnight mass.
Christmas Day is when gifts are unwrapped, more food is enjoyed, and games are played at home, but traditions can vary from family to family, with some opening their gifts the evening before.
RELATED: Italy Bucket List
Popular traditions – what makes Christmas in Italy so special
One of the main reasons Christmas in Italy is so special is because of their long-standing traditions, and it was Italy brought the tradition of the nativity scene in 1223, something which has spread worldwide.
In Naples, the Museo Nazionale di San Martino has a collection of presepe that date back to the 1800s. Via San Gregorio Armeno has a market dedicated to them.
Of course, other traditions include gathering in large cities on 8 December to watch the tree being lit, eating leftovers on St. Stephens Day and La Befana (6 January), which sees children await the arrival of an old witch who brings sweets and treats on 6 January.
Believe it or not, a significant Christmas tradition in Italy involves the bagpipes, which sees bagpipe players dressed as shepherds from the mountains playing all types of Christmas songs, dating back to the nineteenth century.
There are four bearers of Christmas gifts in Italy, La Befana (the old witch), Baby Jesus, Santa Lucia and Santa Claus (Babbo Natale), which varies from region to region throughout the country.
We cannot talk about Christmas in Italy without mentioning the fantastic Italian markets at the Austrian border, which are the best in the SouthTyrol region.
Here you can browse for handcrafted gifts, eat delicious food, drink mulled wine and marvel at the gorgeous wooden huts that ooze Christmas’s magic. Burraco is a card game typically around the Christmas season.
Many families will play this in the lead-up to Christmas; Christmas in Italy is all about family time and enjoying fun activities together.
When it comes to typical Christmas food in Italy, it depends on the region. Still, most tables will include panettone (Christmas cake), meat dishes, pasta dishes and lots of seafood. Food is a massive part of the Christmas tradition in Italy, and this is the time to indulge.
Significant events – the unmissable festive attractions
During the holiday season in Italy, you will encounter plenty of extraordinary events to get you in the holiday spirit.
Some of the best events to attend include the Lights Festival in Turin, Christmas Markets in South Tyrol, Nativity Scenes in San Gregoria Armeno and the biggest Christmas tree in the world, which is in Gubbio.
Other incredible Christmas events include the Umbria Jazz Winter Festival in Orvieto, the live nativity scene in the Sassi of Matera and the Christmas lights in Salerno, all of which ensure a magical time and a magical atmosphere.
Notable mentions
Where to celebrate: The best places to celebrate Christmas in Italy are Rome, with its Christmas markets, South Tyrol, Florence, Naples and Venice. All of these places are full of festive charm. The Dolomites are also a great destination for festive skiing.
Food to try: Some sumptuous delicacies during the festivities include the typical Italian Christmas cake called Pannetonne, Ricciarelli (almond cookies), Struffoli (deep-fried dough) and Torrone (Italian nougat), standard in northern Italy.
READ MORE: WBL’s top 5 Italian Christmas Cake recipes
Christmas Eve Dinner: As Italian Christmas tradition would have it, meat must not be consumed for Christmas Eve dinner. Instead, people like to eat eel, seafood and various types of other fish.
Closures: The Vatican is closed in the afternoon of Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Best Christmas Market: The Christkindlmarkt in Bolzano in South Tyrol is the best and the most famous market in Italy. It’s located at Piazza Walter from the end of November to the beginning of January.
Your questions answered about Christmas in Italy
Where is the best place for Christmas in Italy?
South Tyrol is the best place to celebrate Christmas in Italy.
Is Christmas a big deal in Italy?
Yes, this is the biggest festivity of the year, followed closely by Easter. It involves lots of food, traditions, family time and gifts.
What is unique about Christmas in Italy?
The Befana tradition of giving gifts, the incredible live nativity scenes and the biggest Christmas tree in the world make Christmas in Italy unique.
Italy is a wonderful country to visit anytime. However, if you can visit during Christmas, you are in for a treat. With exciting events, charming towns, and delicious food, Italy has everything you could want for a memorable festive season.
