The Italians truly know how to celebrate Christmas in style. This long-lasting affair in Italy takes place over 12 days, and each region boasts unique and time-honoured traditions. Here’s what to expect when visiting Italy at Christmas…
Delicious Food & Drink
This is Italy after all. You will be spoilt from cioccolata calda (hot chocolate) and vin brulé (mulled wine) to plenty of delicious regional specialities. You’ll find an abundance of panettone, pandoro, chocolate, and the classic Italian nougat, torrone in the window displays of local pasticcerie (traditional bakeries). Be sure to sample Sicilian desserts such as cannoli (the tube-shaped filled pastry) and Tuscan treats such as befanini (traditional biscuits) and cavallucci (biscuits traditionally eaten on Twelfth Night). We also recommend the traditional South Tyrolean Christmas cake of zelten.
Christmas Markets
Even in the smallest of villages, you’ll find beautiful markets galore selling handmade Christmas gifts. The most impressive market is Christkindlmarkt in Bolzano in Northern Italy at the base of the Dolomite mountains, which features gifts and decorations made by local wood craftspeople, glassblowers, and potters.
Nativity Scenes
Like you’ve never seen before. The traditional presepi are a craft, with a complete set of figurines representing the birth of Jesus. Many of these enthralling nativity scenes represent life in ancient times with many featuring animated figures and impressive creativity. Children will be fascinated by these magical installations. Some villages and towns feature life-size scenes or theatrical events in which locals in impressive costumes play out the nativity in the streets. Various candlelight processions lead to churches and cathedrals, and street performances are common in Sicily.
When & How is Christmas Celebrated in Italy?
From the 6th December, Italy is dressed and ready for Christmas with cities, towns and villages adorned with pretty lights and giant Christmas trees feature in piazzas throughout the country.
Christmas begins in early December, and Novena—the nine days leading up to Christmas Eve are particularly festive. The celebrations continue well after the New Year until Epiphany on January 6, 2025.
A few key events occur during this time:
- 6th December—La Festa di San Nicola: The day that Italian children begin to write their letters to Santa and hang their stockings.
- 8th December— L’Immacolata Concezione: A national holiday when most towns and cities are decorated and light up their Christmas trees.
- 13th December—Festa di Santa Lucia: A day where families light candles in their homes and tuck into a family feast. In Sicily’s Syracuse, where the saint hails from, you’ll find a religious procession.
- 24th December—La Vigilia di Natale: Christmas Eve is the most important day, as families attend Midnight Mass and children await a visit from Babbo Natale (Father Christmas). Traditionally, this was a day of fasting. The evening typically features a celebratory seafood and vegetables meal known as the Festa dei Sette Pesci (Feast of Seven Fish).
- 25th December—Natale: Christmas Day is a feasting event centred around the cenone (big meal), which lasts hours and includes over a dozen courses. The main course often features Porchetta Natalizia (roast pork).
- 26th December—La Festa di Santa Stefano: This public holiday honours St Stephen and is usually when friends get together.
- 31st December—La Festa di San Silvestro: New Year’s Eve is an evening filled with fireworks, feasting, and wearing clothes with the auspicious colour of red!
- 1st January—Il Capodanno: This is a day to relax with loved ones. In southern Italy, the game of tombola (bingo) is often played.
- 5th January—Giorno della Befana: La Befana – the good witch – delivers sweets to children who have been good or ‘coal’ (liquorice lumps) to those who have been naughty.
- 6th January—La Festa dell’ Epifania: The final day of Christmas celebrations when the families and friends exchange more gifts with one another.
Where to stay for a memorable Christmas in Italy?
ADLER SPA RESORTS and LODGES offer beautiful locations throughout Italy, from the heady mountains of the Dolomites to the stunning shoreline of Southern Sicily, with the breathtaking beauty of Tuscany sitting gently in between. Perfect for families and couples, ADLER Spa Resorts and Lodges offer an enticing blend of comfort and style for a festive break to remember.
