{"id":932,"date":"2017-12-14T06:54:00","date_gmt":"2017-12-14T06:54:00","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-12-15T10:58:26","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T10:58:26","slug":"italian-christmas-traditions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/romancandletours.com\/blog\/2017\/12\/14\/italian-christmas-traditions\/","title":{"rendered":"ITALIAN CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Italian Christmas Traditions<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

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It is truly special to celebrate Christmas in a country where family, sharing, and warmth are already so important and ingrained in everyday life. Rich with Catholic traditions, Christmas in Italy is usually an intimate celebration filled with food, loved ones, and simplicity.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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Unlike many countries where English is the native language, there is less of a focus on buying the perfect Christmas tree, writing all-encompassing wish lists, shopping for piles of gifts, and decorating neighborhoods with countless wreathes and lights. Instead, neighbors, friends, and families continue to spend quality time with each other. They prepare to cook and enjoy the typical Christmas dishes and sweets for days. Italians will exchange gifts, but no more than one or two each.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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Also different from native English speaking countries, you will not hear a whisper of \u2019Buon Natale\u2019 until after December 8th, the day that the Christmas season in Italy emphatically begins. As autumn ends and winter begins, you will sense delightful hints of Christmas, but less in less obvious and extravagant way. Slowly, brought on by smells, sounds, and sights, they are beautifully subtle reminders of the true nature of the holiday. When walking around big cities and smaller towns, the Christmas spirit is present in the sweet aroma of roasting chestnuts on many street corners, the sound of church bells cheerily clanging, and the eventual evolution of Italian daily life into one that involves caroling, candles, Christmas markets, and holiday cheer.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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Let Christmas Begin: The Day of Immaculate Conception<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
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Murillo’s Immaculate Conception<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
As a nationally recognized public holiday, December 8th, the day of Immaculate Conception, marks the official beginning of the Christmas season in Italy. Religiously this day celebrates Mary whose soul was decided to be immaculate and free from original sin.<\/span><\/div>\n
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December 8th is usually the day that towering Christmas trees are lit in the main \u2018piazze,\u2019 shopping areas and restaurants are illuminated with decorative lights, and Christmas markets appear in full swing. Every bakery and supermarket begins bursting with \u2018panettone\u2019 and \u2018pandoro,\u2019 Italy\u2019s two famously traditional Christmas cakes.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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There are truly spectacular trees in <\/span>Florence<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u2019s Piazza del Duomo and outside the striking \u2018Duomo di Milano\u2019 in Milan. Decide which Roman tree you like best by admiring them throughout the city. There is one in Piazza Venezia, another in Piazza San Pietro, and a third in front of the <\/span>Colosseum<\/span><\/b><\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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The Nine Days of Celebration: \u2018La Novena\u2019<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
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Journey of the Three Magi to Bethlehem<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
The nine days before Christmas, known as The Novena, mark the journey of the Wise Men to baby Jesus. Religious Italians do a lot of praying during this period. In more rural areas, Italian children may dress up as the Wise Men or other biblical characters. Then they go door to door caroling or reciting Christmas poems in exchange for some sweets or a few coins.<\/span><\/div>\n
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During the days leading up to Christmas, there are a lot of holiday performances in prized theaters of major Italian cities as well as in churches throughout Italy. In <\/span>Rome<\/span><\/b><\/a>, The Nutcracker at Teatro dell\u2019Opera running from December 31st to January 7th will inspire. In any city or town, head to a local church to hear some traditional hymns and Christmas music.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Where to Eat and Shop: Christmas Markets<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
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People Florence Italy Outdoor Market Architecture<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Outdoor Market In Florence<\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
A favorite of visitors and Italians alike, Christmas Markets spring up in main squares of Italian cities at the beginning of December and usually continue through January. Go in the morning or afternoon to shop for artisanal Christmas gifts like handmade jewelry and Christmas figurines and to eat tasty Christmas themed \u2018biscotti\u2019 and other sweet treats. In the evening, warm your hands and sip on hot \u2018vin brul\u00e9\u2019 or mulled wine. Many Christmas markets in Italy are inspired by German markets. Market frequenters can enjoy both fresh Italian and German cuisine.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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In <\/span>Florence<\/span><\/b><\/a>, walk around the German style market in \u2018Piazza di Santa Croce\u2019 where the stunningly white Gothic church is the backdrop for the hustle and bustle of the many wooden stalls selling crafts, sweets, and savory goods. Look out for live music performances.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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For the most romantic experience, go to \u2018Piazza dei Signori\u2019 in Verona, the home of the fated lovers Romeo and Juliet, where the market is ethereally lined with star-shaped lights and atmospheric bars with cozy tables for two.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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Rome<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u2019s<\/span> <\/b>iconic \u2018Piazza Navona\u2019 holds the best Christmas market in the Eternal City. Along with<\/span> <\/b>stalls selling handmade crafts and traditional Italian gifts, you can find vibrantly colored nativity scenes and lively street performers. Soak up the beauty of the piazza\u2019s grand surrounding architecture, which includes the Egyptian-style obelisk and captivating \u2018Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi\u2019 or the Fountain of the Four Rivers.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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The Most Popular Decoration: \u2018I Presepi\u2019<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
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Presepi Decorations<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\u2018I presepi\u2019 or nativity scenes are taken very seriously in Italy. Almost every church and many Italian households display them. Even bigger ones can be found in main areas of Italian cities.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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The practice originated in <\/span>Naples<\/span><\/b> <\/a>where artisans continue to construct the most ornate nativity scenes. The pedestrian street in the \u2018centro historico\u2019 of <\/span>Naples<\/span><\/b> <\/a>called Via San Gregorio Armeno has been nicknamed Christmas Alley, because every December it is full of artisans <\/span>hand-making every type of \u2018presepi\u2019 figurine you can image. Plan your visit to <\/span>Naples using this<\/span><\/b><\/a> guide on how to have the perfect weekend there<\/span><\/b>.<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
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Every year in <\/span>Rome<\/span><\/b><\/a>, the Pope oversees an impressive life-size nativity scene in front of \u2018La Basilica di San Pietro\u2019 in the <\/span>Vatican<\/span><\/b><\/a>. Also, \u2018Piazza del Popolo’ in <\/span>Rome<\/span><\/b> <\/a>hosts an exhibition of one hundred different \u2018presepi’ from different areas of Italy and around the world. Some of baby Jesus\u2019s mangers are even made of pasta! Baby Jesus in every \u2018presepi\u2019 is always put in his manger on Christmas Eve. Typically, the Three Wise Men are moved closer to the manger as they search for him.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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A City of Christmas Lights: Salerno<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
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Christmas Lights Salerno<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
If enchanting Christmas lights are more your taste, head to Salerno, just south of <\/span>Naples<\/span><\/b><\/a>, which hosts the annual \u2018Le Luci d\u2019Artista\u2019 or The Lights of Artists festival. Every Christmas season, the city organizes mesmerizing light installations in public squares and streets so visitors can enter a magical winter wonderland every evening after sunset.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/a>Start at the \u2018Villa Comunale’ public garden, where you can find a lovely light installation called \u2018Il Giardino Incantato\u2019 or The Enchanted Garden. There is also a month-long Christmas market in Salerno on the \u2018Lungomare Trieste\u2019 along the seafront.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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An Alternative Way to Celebrate Christmas: Skiing and Snowboarding<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
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Belluno, Veneto, Northern Italy<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
Italy is full of glorious ski slopes in the Alps, Dolomites, and other smaller mountain resorts. Read more about the best places to ski and snowboard in Italy <\/span>here<\/a>. Celebrate Christmas with a thrill at \u2018Cortina d\u2019Ampezzo\u2019 in the Dolomites where daring individuals welcome Christmas Day by skiing or snowboarding down the slopes carrying torches at midnight on Christmas Eve.<\/span><\/div>\n
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Fish and Festivities on Christmas Eve: \u2018La Vigilia\u2019<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n
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Christmas Mass Ceremony<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

According to Italians, Christmas Eve or \u2018La Vigilia\u2019 is the most important day of the Christmas period. At midnight in <\/span>Rome<\/span><\/b> <\/a>on December 24th, church bells are rung throughout the city at the same time as cannons are fired from \u2018Castel Sant\u2019Angelo\u2019 to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Traditionally for Catholics, Christmas Eve was a day of fasting and celebrations usually only started after evening mass. Nowadays, not all Italian families observe this, but they do usually continue the tradition of purify themselves before Christmas Day by eating the \u2018Esta dei Sette Pesci\u2019 or Feast of Seven Fish on Christmas Eve. This meal is meatless and full of seven types <\/span>of fish for the seven sacraments. <\/span>Learn more about Italian Christmas delicacies and<\/span><\/b><\/a> Christmas Eve traditions here.<\/span><\/b><\/a><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
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On Christmas Eve, hundreds of people gather in a serene \u2018Piazza San Pietro\u2019 to hear the Pope\u2019s evening mass. The Pope will also ceremoniously lay baby Jesus down in his crib in the <\/span>Vatican<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u2019s<\/span> <\/b>life-size \u2018presepe.\u2019<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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Meat and Merrymaking on Christmas Day: \u2018Il Giorno di Natale\u2019<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
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Babbo Natale<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
If you miss the Pope on Christmas Eve, his mass can be witnessed again at midday on \u2018Natale\u2019 again in \u2018Piazza San Pietro.\u2019 To celebrate Jesus\u2019s birth, Italians kiss the hand or foot of a statue of baby Jesus as they exit the church at Christmas Day mass.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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After what is thought of as a light dinner on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day is all about feasting. Italians cook a large lunch called \u2018cerone\u2019 of roasted meats, \u2018pasta in brodo\u2019 or pasta in broth, grilled vegetables, and the traditional Christmas cakes for a big group of friends and relatives. The cake \u2018panettone\u2019 is filled with nuts and candied fruits to symbolize the fertility of the new year ahead. Eating and merrymaking lasts the entire day.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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Most Italian families exchange gifts on December 25th after they feast. Beliefs vary from family to family depending on what region of Italy they are from, but traditionally it was thought that Jesus, not Santa Claus, brings the gifts. However, nowadays many Italian families celebrate Christmas with gifts from \u2018Babbo Natale,\u2019 Italy\u2019s Father Christmas. Some families wait until the \u2018Epifania\u2019 or Epiphany on January 6th to exchange gifts. Many celebrate on both days.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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Wrapped presents are not the only items exchanged on Christmas Day. Italian children write letters of love to their parents and wrap them like gifts. Parents unwrap them along with the other presents and read them aloud at the table.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Continued Eating and Enjoying with Loved Ones: \u2018Il Giorno di Santo Stefano\u2019<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
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Cathedral Interior<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
Christmas celebrations continue the day after Christmas and, of course, so does the eating. The day after Christmas, \u2019Il Giorno di Santo Stefano\u2019 or Saint Stephen\u2019s Day is another public holiday in Italy, so many shops and restaurants are closed for this period.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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After enjoying heaps of leftovers, Italians wrap up and go out with their families and friends. The streets become full of acquaintances wishing each other happy holidays. Many people visit their local church to see the nativity scene and make a small charitable donation.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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A Friendly Witch Ends the Christmas Season: \u2018La Befana’ on \u2018L\u2019Epifania\u2019<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
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Joan Reixach – Epifania<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
On the eve of Epiphany, on January 5th, Italians believe that an old lady, \u2018La Befana,’ comes down their chimneys to fill the stockings of good children and give coal to naughty children. Similar to Santa Claus, families leave this friendly witch some milk and cookies or a glass or wine and a bite to eat. She flies around on a broomstick, except in <\/span>Venice<\/span><\/b> <\/a>where she arrives by boat. The Befana is especially celebrated in <\/span>Rome<\/span><\/b> <\/a>and Bologna where many main squares host fun events for children.<\/span><\/div>\n
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According to Italian legend, the Three Wise Men came to the Befana\u2019s house as they were searching for baby Jesus. When they asked her if she wanted to help, she declined claiming to be too busy with housework. After they had left, she changed her mind and she said to be still searching for baby Jesus to this day. This is why when she encounters good children, she gives them presents.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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The Epiphany on January 6th marks the end of the Christmas season for Italians. On this day, the Three Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem and reached baby Jesus.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
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From all of us in Italy, buon natale e buon anno!<\/span>
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\n<\/span>Written by: <\/span>Heeley Becky<\/a><\/span>
\nIf you liked this article, you can also read <\/span>“5 Wondrous Ways To Add A Bit Of Christmas Magic To Your Italian Trip”<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Italian Christmas Traditions It is truly special to celebrate Christmas in a country where family, sharing, and warmth are already so important and ingrained in everyday life. Rich with Catholic traditions, Christmas in Italy\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":1135,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-932","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-italy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/romancandletours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/932","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/romancandletours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/romancandletours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/romancandletours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/romancandletours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=932"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/romancandletours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/932\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4687,"href":"https:\/\/romancandletours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/932\/revisions\/4687"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/romancandletours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1135"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/romancandletours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=932"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/romancandletours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=932"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/romancandletours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=932"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}