Christmas in Italy 2025: Buon Natale! Where & How to Celebrate

Christmas in Italy, known as Natale, lasts for nearly a month with celebrations, candlelit dinners, and local markets. As one of the top Italian festivals, it's a great time to visit and experience the country's festive traditions. Are you ready for your Christmas trip to Italy in 2025?

Why Spend Christmas in Italy

What makes Christmas in Italy special is the blend of centuries-old traditions and a joyful holiday spirit. Unlike in many countries where Christmas centers on gifts and entertainment, in Italy, it's deeply rooted in faith, heritage, and family gatherings.

For Italians, Christmas doesn't only mean December 25. During the holiday season, families, churches, and towns organize different events, from lighting ceremonies and markets to festive dinners and processions. Over nearly a month of celebrations, visitors have plenty of time to soak up the festive atmosphere and experience local traditions.

Important Dates for Christmas in Italy

Natale celebrations start with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 and continue until Epiphany on January 6. Below is a brief introduction to the key dates and their significance.

Weather During Christmas in Italy

December and early January are winter months. Warm clothes and good shoes are essential for comfort while traveling.

Rome and central Italy are cool but mild, usually between 5 and 13°C (41-55°F). Florence and other northern cities are colder, around 2 to 10°C (36-50°F), and sometimes rainy. Milan and the Alpine areas are often below 8°C and may have snow. Southern Italy, including Naples and Sicily, is milder at about 8 to 16°C (46-60°F).

Christmas Customs in Italy

Italy's Christmas celebrations are rich in unique customs that blend deep religious faith with joyful family traditions. Every region brings its own charm to the festive season.

Nativity Scenes (Presepi)

One of the most cherished Christmas traditions in Italy is setting up presepi, or Nativity scenes. These detailed displays can be seen in churches, homes, and town squares across the country. Naples is especially famous for its handcrafted Nativity figures and the lively San Gregorio Armeno Street, where artisans sell miniature characters all year round. Some towns even stage Presepi Viventi, live Nativity reenactments that bring the story to life.

Christmas Eve Dinner (La Vigilia di Natale)

On Christmas Eve in Italy, families gather for La Vigilia di Natale, a meal traditionally free of meat and centered around seafood. The "Feast of the Seven Fishes" is particularly popular in southern regions. After dinner, people enjoy sweet treats like panettone or pandoro before attending Midnight Mass. This special night highlights Italy's strong sense of family and faith.

Taste Wine in Italy

Midnight Mass (La Messa di Mezzanotte)

Many Italians attend Midnight Mass on December 24 to celebrate the birth of Christ. The service at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is the most famous, attracting visitors from all over the world. Smaller towns also hold moving candlelit masses that reflect the deep spiritual heart of Italian Christmas celebrations.

Gift Giving and La Befana

In Italy, Christmas gifts aren't just delivered by Santa Claus (Babbo Natale). On January 6, during the Epiphany, children eagerly await La Befana, a kind old witch who flies on a broomstick to deliver sweets to good kids and coal to naughty ones. This beloved legend is one of the most distinctive Italian Christmas traditions, showing how folklore and faith beautifully intertwine.

Christmas Markets and Decorations

Christmas markets in Italy fill town squares with lights, music, and the scent of mulled wine. Popular markets can be found in Trento, Florence, and Rome, where stalls sell handcrafted ornaments, gifts, and local delicacies. Streets and homes are decorated with twinkling lights, evergreen garlands, and Nativity scenes, creating a magical festive atmosphere throughout December.

Christmas Decoration

Christmas Foods and Desserts

Food plays a central role in every Italian Christmas celebration. Each region has its own specialties from roasted meats and handmade pasta to traditional desserts like panettone from Milan, pandoro from Verona, and torrone nougat. These festive flavors bring families together and offer travelers a delicious taste of Italy's holiday traditions.

Where to Go During Natale Festival

Rome

St. Peter's Square becomes the heart of the season with a giant Christmas tree and an impressive nativity scene. The midnight Mass at the Vatican City draws pilgrims and visitors from around the world. The main streets glow with lights, and every corner of the city feels festive.

Florence

The Tuscan capital is filled with light decorations and music. The Christmas market at Piazza Santa Croce is one of the most popular. Inside the Florence Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore), choirs perform beautiful seasonal concerts that highlight Florence's artistic spirit.

Milan

Milan celebrates with elegance. The large tree at Piazza del Duomo stands beside the Gothic cathedral. The traditional Oh Bej! Oh Bej! market fills the streets near the Castello Sforzesco with handmade gifts and local specialties. Shoppers enjoy the city's holiday sales and stylish window displays.

Naples

Naples lives and breathes Christmas. The artisans of Via San Gregorio Armeno craft detailed figurines for presepi, a tradition passed down for centuries. The city's narrow streets, music, and food make it one of the most authentic places to experience Natale.

Buon Natale! Best Things to Do to Celebrate Natale in Italy

Visit Christmas Markets

At Italy's festive markets, you can experience the lively holiday atmosphere alongside locals and travelers. Stalls offer wooden toys, handcrafted ornaments, and traditional sweets. With mulled wine in hand and live music filling the air, the festive atmosphere lets you feel like a true local.

Try Traditional Christmas Foods

During your trip, tasting Italy's seasonal specialties is a must. Panettone and pandoro are best enjoyed with sweet wine, while treats like torrone or struffoli make delightful gifts or souvenirs. Each bite reveals the festive flavors unique to the region.

Join Midnight Mass or a Concert

For an authentic Christmas spirit in Italy, there's nothing like attending midnight Mass or a sacred music concert. Imagine sitting among the congregation at a midnight Mass, where the music and prayers wrap around you; or attending concerts of sacred music in the stunning historic venues of larger cities. What a magical memory!

Watch a Nativity Performance

In some towns, living nativity scenes bring history to life. You can walk through historic squares or caves while performers in traditional costumes recreate the story of Jesus's birth.

Enjoy New Year's Eve Celebrations

As midnight approaches on New Year's Eve, fireworks explode across Italian cities, illuminating the sky and reflecting on rivers and historic buildings. Watching the display, you can feel the energy and excitement of the celebrations all around.

Tips for Spending Christmas in Italy

Book Early

December is a low season in Italy. However, hotels in major cities and popular holiday destinations fill up quickly, and train tickets may sell out during weekends or from Christmas Day to New Year's Day. Booking early ensures a smooth and relaxed trip.

Restaurant Hours

Restaurants also become crowded during the holidays. Many close on December 25 or offer special festive menus at higher prices. If you wish to enjoy a traditional Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner, make a reservation in advance and confirm the opening hours when planning your itinerary.

Restaurant in Italy

Holiday Closures

Museums, shops, and attractions may operate on reduced hours or close completely on December 25 and January 1. Checking their holiday schedules beforehand helps avoid disappointment and lets you arrange sightseeing or day trips more efficiently.

Dress Warmly

Winter weather in Italy can be cold, particularly in the northern regions and mountain towns. Pack warm clothes, including coats, scarves, and comfortable shoes suitable for walking on wet streets or cobblestones. Even in southern Italy, evenings can be chilly.

Respect Traditions

When visiting churches or attending Mass, remember to dress modestly and behave respectfully. Locals appreciate visitors who understand and follow their customs. A simple "Buon Natale!" is a warm and friendly way to greet people during the season.

Transportation Tips

Public train and bus services may be reduced on holidays. Private transfers are a convenient option for families or small groups who prefer flexibility and comfort. With a private car and local driver, it is easier to travel between cities or enjoy countryside tours at your own pace.

Make Italy Your Christmas Destination

Christmas in Italy is more than a season of lights and gifts. It is a time when every street, home, and church tell a story of faith, family, and generosity. If you are looking for a destination filled with warmth and meaning, Italy is the place to be this Christmas.