A Fun and Festive Guide to Christmas in Italy
Christmas in Italy is a gorgeous, wonderful time filled with fun decorations, delicious foods and family. The Center for Studies of New Religions estimates that about “74.5 percent of Italians and foreigners living in the country are Catholic.” As you can infer, the Christmas holiday is an important spiritual time for many Italians.
This means that the whole country gets decked out for the Christmas season. It’s a great time to visit and you can find unique Christmas gifts for friends and family back home. Read on to learn more about what Christmas in Italy looks like, where to stay and what to expect.
Jump to Section
- How is Christmas in Italy Celebrated?
- Christmas Traditions in Italy
- Italian Christmas Decorations
- What is a Traditional Italian Christmas Dinner Menu?
- Where is The Best Place to Spend Christmas in Italy?
How is Christmas in Italy Celebrated?
In Italy, Christmas traditions are rooted in family, food and faith, with less emphasis on commercialism compared to countries like the UK and the US. You’ll see Christmas trees and decorations in some Italian homes and piazzas. However, the Italian holiday season is all about coming together to celebrate traditional Catholic holidays with festive feasts.
Italians focus on creating lasting memories with loved ones, enjoying delicious meals and attending church services (rather than simply exchanging extravagant gifts).
Christmas Traditions Around the World
Let's give you some context on an Italian Christmas with insights into Christmas traditions around the world.
- Christmas in Japan: A festive, non-religious celebration with light displays and a tradition of eating KFC on Christmas Day. Christmas Eve is seen as a romantic holiday.
- Christmas in Mexico: Begins on December 16 with Las Posadas, featuring processions and piñatas. Gifts are given on Three Kings' Day on January 6.
- Christmas in Germany: Known for Christmas markets and mulled wine. Christmas Eve is celebrated with family meals like roast goose and St. Nicholas Day on December 6 brings treats for kids.
- Christmas in Australia: Celebrated with barbecues and beach trips during summer, with seafood replacing traditional Christmas meals.
- Christmas in France: St. Nicholas Day and Réveillon on Christmas Eve feature dishes like foie gras and the Bûche de Noël. Christmas markets are especially popular in Alsace.
Christmas Traditions in Italy
Christmas in Italy is a time deeply rooted in family, faith and centuries-old traditions. Each region celebrates the festive season with its own unique customs, but across the country, the focus remains on togetherness and religious observances. Here is the timeline of the Christmas season in Italy, including Fun facts about Christmas in Italy.
December 8: The Immaculate Conception
This date is when families begin setting up their presepe (nativity scenes). These nativity displays often include figurines passed down through generations, known as pastorini.
In addition to the classic nativity characters, these displays may feature entire miniature villages and even modern-day figures, including celebrities or politicians. Italian Christmas markets showcase beautifully carved decorations for families looking to add to their collections.
While other countries may start their holiday preparations earlier, in Italy, the Christmas season truly begins on the Immaculate Conception. From this point forward, bakeries across the country are filled with seasonal treats.
December 13: Santa Lucia
Santa Lucia is celebrated primarily in Sicily, especially in Syracuse, where week-long festivities include fireworks, sweets and two grand processions. During this time, locals refrain from eating pasta and bread and instead indulge in a traditional dish called cuccìa, made from wheat, honey and wine. This dish is believed to commemorate Santa Lucia’s role in delivering Syracuse from famine centuries ago.
December 16: La Novena
La Novena, which starts nine days before Christmas, honors the journey of the three wise men. During this time, religious Italians pray and in rural areas, children dress as the magi, going door to door singing carols in exchange for sweets. Christmas performances and plays are common in churches and theaters across the country. It’s a lovely, familial time.
December 24: La Vigilia
La Vigilia (Christmas Eve) is an important family celebration in Italy, marked by a seafood feast that reflects regional culinary traditions. Each region has its own variation of the Christmas Eve dinner, but one thing remains constant — it’s a pescatarian affair.
Families gather for a late-night meal and after the feast, many attend midnight mass together. Some families exchange gifts on this night, though presents are typically reserved for children, who often recite poems for their guests.
December 25: Natale
Christmas Day, known as Natale, is another day of feasting, this time with an emphasis on meat dishes. Italian families come together for a grand banquet, indulging in regional specialties and toasting to the joys of the season.
January 6: Epifania (La Befana)
The holiday season in Italy extends until Epiphany on January 6, when the La Befana tradition comes into play. La Befana, an old witch on a broomstick, visits children’s homes the night before Epiphany, leaving small gifts in their stockings. While Babbo Natale (Father Christmas) has become more common in recent years, La Befana remains the traditional gift-bringer in many regions of Italy.
Italian Christmas Decorations
Italian Christmas decorations combine elegance and tradition, focusing on religious and cultural symbols. The presepe (nativity scene) is central, found in homes, churches and public spaces, often intricately crafted and unique to each region. In Naples, for example, artisans create elaborate nativity figures that go beyond the standard characters.
Decorations like door wreaths, street and window lights and the Ceppo — a pyramid-shaped Yule log representing family warmth and unity — are also popular. Christmas trees are becoming more common, but they tend to be smaller and less elaborate. Many Italians prefer traditional symbols over flashy decor.
Public spaces feature piazza displays with Christmas trees and lights, creating a festive atmosphere that emphasizes family, faith and Italy’s rich cultural heritage. These understated yet meaningful decorations keep the holiday closely tied to its spiritual roots.
What is Rome Like at Christmas?
Rome transforms into a magical haven during the Christmas season, with an atmosphere unlike any other time of year. In the days leading up to Christmas, the streets are relatively quiet, with fewer tourists as many people choose to spend Christmas with their families in their hometowns. However, starting from December 26th, the Eternal City comes alive with activity, as travelers from around the world flock to Rome for the New Year’s celebrations.
Throughout the festive season, you’ll encounter illuminated Christmas trees in the main piazzas, twinkling street decorations and bustling Christmas markets offering local delicacies, Christmas crafts and warm drinks.
One of the highlights of Christmas in Rome is the abundance of nativity scenes. St. Peter’s Square is home to one of the most impressive nativity scenes, accompanied by a giant Christmas tree, both of which are a must-see for visitors. The tree lights up shortly after sunset, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Rome’s mild winter weather also contributes to its charm during this time of year. While temperatures are cooler than the summer months, they are generally milder than you might expect for winter, making it possible to enjoy the city comfortably with a warm jacket.
Visitors can also witness Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, an iconic event that attracts people from all over the world. Though tickets for a seat inside the basilica are hard to come by, many still gather outside to partake in the spiritual ambiance.
What is a Traditional Italian Christmas Dinner Menu?
On La Vigilia, Italians enjoy a seafood feast that may include dishes like fried fish, salt cod (baccalà) or lobster linguine. Each region has its own pescatarian specialties, such as Sicilian swordfish.
Christmas Day meals feature a variety of antipasti, including local cheeses, cured meats, olives and artichokes, followed by a main course of meat, such as braised beef or roasted veal.
Where is The Best Place to Spend Christmas in Italy?
South Tyrol: A Winter Wonderland
If you're looking for a truly enchanting Christmas destination in Italy, South Tyrol in the Dolomites should be at the top of your list. This picturesque region transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season, offering visitors an unforgettable blend of festive charm and unique cultural traditions.
South Tyrol is nestled in the Dolomite mountain range. It’s a region where ancient traditions meet the breathtaking beauty of snow-covered peaks and charming alpine villages. From late November until January 6, South Tyrol embraces the festive spirit with twinkling lights, cozy Christmas markets and a serene, almost storybook-like atmosphere.
The crisp, cold air adds to the festive ambiance, with temperatures ranging from freezing to below freezing, making it the perfect destination for those who dream of a snowy Christmas. Be sure to bundle up, as the winter chill is part of the region's cozy appeal.
Christmas Markets in South Tyrol
One of the highlights of visiting South Tyrol at Christmas is exploring the region’s famed Christmas markets. These traditional markets, filled with wooden stalls and festive decorations, are bustling with activity and offer a delightful array of handmade crafts, local delicacies and mulled wine to warm you as you shop.
Visitors can find unique gifts, including hand-carved ornaments, artisanal candles and woolen goods made by local craftspeople. This is an excellent spot to pick up your Christmas gifts for teens, family or friends. The markets also feature traditional foods like Zelten (a fruitcake native to the region) and apple strudel, adding an irresistible scent to the festive air.
Popular markets are held in the historic towns of Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone and Vipiteno, each offering its own distinct charm and selection of local treasures. In Bolzano, for example, the streets are lined with holiday lights and bustling market stalls, while Merano is known for its focus on local gastronomy and spa offerings.
Bressanone captivates visitors with its blend of medieval architecture and vibrant market life and Vipiteno charms with its quaint alpine setting and smaller, more intimate markets.
Local Festivities and Cultural Traditions
In South Tyrol, Christmas is about more than just shopping and food; it’s a celebration of local culture and traditions that date back centuries. The region is deeply rooted in both Italian and Germanic customs, creating a unique cultural blend that’s reflected in its holiday festivities.
Nativity scenes and Christmas concerts are popular attractions and visitors can also take part in traditional Krampus parades—a centuries-old tradition where locals dress up as mischievous creatures to celebrate the coming of Saint Nicholas.
The Dolomites themselves are a stunning backdrop for wintertime activities like skiing, snowshoeing and hiking, making South Tyrol an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to combine their love of nature with holiday festivities.
The Best Time to Visit South Tyrol at Christmas
The Christmas season in South Tyrol begins in late November and continues until January 6, offering plenty of time to soak in the holiday spirit. Whether you're wandering through the twinkling streets of Bolzano or sipping hot mulled wine by a crackling fire in Merano, this region offers an unparalleled winter experience.
Many visitors prefer to visit between December 1st and Christmas Eve to enjoy the festive markets at their peak, but the holiday magic lasts well into the new year, giving you ample time to explore and relax.
Italian Christmas traditions offer a beautiful blend of faith, family and cultural heritage. The festive season in Italy is truly a special time. The decorations and celebrations across the country emphasize togetherness and spiritual meaning. Wherever you go, Christmas in Italy is a magical experience steeped in history and heart.
For even more fun Christmas ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
