In Italy, Christmas is a deeply cherished holiday, and anyone spending time here during this season will quickly notice how each city goes all out for the occasion.
Strolling through the historic centers, you’re immersed in the sounds of Christmas melodies and the scents of hot chocolate and panettone. Squares welcome decorated Christmas trees, and every corner, from the main streets to small alleys, is adorned with lights and decorations that create a unique atmosphere.
Each region in Italy has its own Christmas traditions, and every city offers a different experience. Let’s explore the customs and most enchanting places to celebrate Christmas in Italy.
How Christmas is Celebrated in Italy
Christmas in Italy has two main symbols: the Christmas tree and the nativity scene (presepe). The Christmas tree, originally a German tradition, only became popular in Italy towards the end of the 19th century, while the nativity scene is deeply tied to Italian culture, with the first one created in Greccio in the 1200s by St. Francis of Assisi. Both elements are prepared in homes on December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which officially marks the start of the Christmas season in Italy.
The celebration continues on December 24th with the traditional Christmas Eve dinner, followed by midnight mass. For children, Christmas Eve is a time of great anticipation for opening presents, either at midnight or, in some families, on the morning of December 25th. December 26th, known as St. Stephen’s Day, is also a holiday: Italian families spend this day together, relaxing and enjoying leftovers from the Christmas meals.
In some cities like Siracusa, Brescia, Bergamo, and Verona, December 13th is dedicated to Santa Lucia, the “saint of light,” who brings good fortune on one of the shortest days of the year.
In Milan, Christmas festivities in Italy begin on December 7th with the feast of Sant’Ambrogio and the traditional Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Fair, a historic market where visitors can enjoy local specialties and Christmas sweets like panettone, originating from Milan, and pandoro, originally from Verona. These sweets are a must on Italian tables and symbolize the unique Christmas traditions of Italy.
Where to Spend Christmas Holidays in Italy: The Most Charming Places
During the Christmas season, Italy transforms into a magical place, where cities and villages offer enchanting scenes and unique atmospheres. From large cities to small towns, streets are filled with decorations, Christmas trees, and various activities. Let’s explore the most charming places to spend the Christmas holidays in Italy.
1. Rome
During Christmas celebrations in Italy, Rome comes alive with events and activities that make the city even more fascinating. A must-visit is the Christmas market in Piazza Navona, where stalls selling toys, crafts, and traditional sweets create a festive atmosphere. The square and surrounding areas are illuminated by the lights of the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) and decorations that adorn Sant’Agnese in Agone and Palazzo Pamphili.
In Vatican City, the Pope’s “Urbi et Orbi” blessing on December 25th is a moving and unique moment, while the Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica attracts visitors from around the world. Main streets in Rome, like Via del Corso and Via Cola di Rienzo, are adorned with Christmas lights, giving the historic center a unique charm, ideal for unforgettable evening strolls.
Other unmissable experiences include visiting nativity scenes in the main churches of Rome, ice skating rinks like the one at Castel Sant’Angelo, and bus tours that offer comfortable views of the city’s Christmas decorations.
2. Gradara
Gradara, one of Italy’s most charming medieval villages, is the perfect place to embrace the Christmas spirit. Here, during the holidays, the magic of Christmas fills every corner: from dancing elves to Santa’s house, and even friendly “Befane” (traditional witches) and various shows that entertain both young and old.
Strolling through the alleys of Gradara, it’s easy to be captivated by the Christmas shops, where you can buy traditional items and savor local delicacies. The village’s restaurants also offer Christmas-themed menus, providing Italian specialties and traditional dishes from the Marche region.
3. Greccio
Greccio, a small village in the Valle Santa (Holy Valley) of Rieti, is famous for being the birthplace of the first nativity scene in history, set up by St. Francis of Assisi in a cave that reminded him of Bethlehem.
The unique tradition of creating a live nativity scene, a one-of-a-kind event worldwide, continues to this day and draws visitors from around the globe every year.
Beyond its famous nativity scene, Greccio comes alive during the holidays with Christmas markets, exhibitions of local crafts, and gastronomic products celebrating the area’s rural traditions. The village’s streets are lined with small wooden huts where visitors can purchase handcrafted nativity scenes and local treats. Additionally, visitors can explore the Museo dei Presepi (Nativity Museum) and Macs Museum, which hosts exhibitions of nativity art and painting during Christmas, becoming a cultural hub for the entire community.
4. Bolzano
The Christmas markets in Bolzano, known as Christkindlmarkt, are among the most anticipated events during the holiday season. Located in the heart of the city, these markets transform Piazza Walther into a genuine Christmas village each year, showcasing handcrafted products, Christmas decorations, and typical gastronomic specialties from South Tyrol.
5. Villalago
In Villalago, in the region of Abruzzo, Christmas is celebrated with a unique event: the underwater nativity scene. Every year, divers place ceramic statues of St. Joseph, the Virgin Mary, and Baby Jesus on the lake’s bed, creating an underwater nativity that is truly one-of-a-kind. This display is made even more magical by torches, candles, and fireworks reflecting off the water’s surface.
6. Urbino
Every year, thousands of visitors flock to the birthplace of Raphael to experience the event known as “Le Vie dei Presepi” (The Streets of Nativity Scenes). This event winds through the historic streets and palaces of Urbino, transforming the city into an open-air stage where nativity scenes can be admired everywhere: from shop windows to churches, ancient fountains, oratories, and historical buildings.
The variety of nativity scenes is remarkable, ranging from traditional to modern representations, even including creations dating back to the 16th century.
In addition to admiring nativity displays, visitors in Urbino during Christmas in Italy can explore other attractions, such as Raphael’s birthplace, Fortezza Albornoz, Piazza Rinascimento, the grand Palazzo Ducale with the National Gallery of the Marche, and the Oratory of San Giovanni—all symbols of the city.
7. Erice
During the Christmas season, this charming Sicilian village turns into a fairytale setting, where nativity scenes of all shapes and sizes decorate churches, alleys, and artisan shop windows.
The town is illuminated with festive lights, and the celebrations include concerts, performances, and markets where visitors can purchase local products and unique handcrafted items.
8. Gubbio
Every year on the evening of December 7th, Gubbio lights up the world’s largest Christmas tree: a 750-meter structure covering an area of 130,000 square meters that illuminates the entire city, creating a one-of-a-kind scenic effect visible even from miles away.
For those in the historic center, the celebrations include strolling through traditional markets, tasting local culinary specialties, and, for those who wish, admiring the tree of lights from the romantic Ferris wheel in the town square.
Tips for Those Visiting Italy During the Christmas Season
Spending Christmas in Italy is a unique and enchanting experience that allows you to admire the beautiful landscapes of the “Bel Paese” (Italy) in a completely new light and taste traditional holiday specialties.
If you’re considering spending your Christmas here, renting a villa can provide maximum comfort and privacy for your family, allowing you to explore these enchanting places with the freedom to plan each day at your leisure.
Book your villa for the holidays and get ready to experience an Italian Christmas you’ll remember forever.