Christmas in Italy

Christmas in Italy– is it a good time to travel? The short answer is yes. But we know you feel more confident about your travel when you have more information before you go, so Nancy Aiello Tours is here to help you navigate the ins and outs of Christmas travel in Italy. There are two essential things to know: First, visiting Italy during the Christmas season can be one of the most interesting ways to get a look inside Italian culture. Second, Christmas is a very popular holiday in Italy. And that means a few things…read on.

Plan for Christmas Now

Popular can also mean crowded. For example, Christmas is such a popular holiday in Italy that you can expect more crowds in tourist cities like Venice, Florence and Rome than you otherwise might at that time of year. What this means on the ground is that for any trip you’re thinking of taking around Christmas time, you will definitely want to get as many of the details sorted out well in advance. This means everything from hotel reservations to restaurant reservations and advance tickets for popular museums and cultural attractions. Otherwise, you truly do risk disappointment, so do all you can to minimize that.

Christmas Season

The Christmas season in Italy begins with Christmas Eve on December 24 and continues until Epiphany on January 6. The Nativity Scene is the most important symbol of Christmas in Italy, even more than Babbo Natale- or as he is popularly known, Santa Claus. The Italian Nativity scene or the crib is called presepe. During the whole season, every house and every church has a Nativity Scene occupying an important position in the Christmas display. In fact, Christmas trees were not a part of the decoration in Naples and Sicily until the middle of the last century.

Christmas Markets

Christmas in Italy is an incredibly theatrical production that goes on for a month before, and several weeks after, the main holiday. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit and visit the best Christmas markets in Italy ! Every city, town and village deck out in lights and colors celebrating this time of the year with markets, events, concerts and nativity re-enactments. If you’re spending Christmas in Italy, we highly recommend that you stop by one of the local markets: chances are that these moments may become some of the most pleasant of your Italian adventure. Enjoy.

Most local markets start popping up after December 8 (the holiday of the Immaculate Conception) and remain until January 6 (the Epiphany). From the smallest towns to the biggest cities they are a great place to mingle with locals, learn about regional handicrafts, and sample seasonal delicacies.

One of my favorites is the Christmas market in Piazza Navona in Rome – it's as much kitschy fun as a Kansas state fair. Apart from the Epiphany Fair in Piazza Navona, there are many specialty markets where you'll find great holiday shopping. Here are a few I recommend, because even if you don't buy anything, a stroll around the nearby streets will amply repay your efforts.

In Florence, the most well-known market is the German market in Piazza Santa Croce, otherwise known as Mercato Tedesco di Natale. Here Florentines and tourists alike wander the aisles of decorated booths selling everything from German strudel to traditional pottery to handcrafts and Christmas candy for the kids. At the end of the market is a large “carousel” for adults (it spins very slowly): here you can partake in some hot spiced wine and a bratwurst.

Up north in Venice, the annual market in Campo Santo Stefano runs for the three weeks before Christmas -until December 24th - and features stands with handmade toys and crafts, as well as regional culinary specialties.

Christmas Food

To me winter always starts up when I see vendors on the streets roasting chestnuts. Just follow your nose and ask for a bag, which should cost about 10 euro. Pandoro, typical of Verona and panettone, typical of Milan, are buttery yeasted cakes sold in big boxes. In Naples try struffoli, which are balls of fried dough drizzled with honey and sprinkles and then stacked into a little pyramid.

Christmas Presepe

The nativity scenes are very beautiful and an important part of Christmas in all of Italy. Instead of looking for Christmas lights (though you will see those around as well), you can make a whole trip out of viewing the nativity scenes set up in various Italian cities. The nativity gets more popular the further south you go, where it seems like every store from butcher to baker has one set up.

In Rome, stop by Santa Maria Maggiore to see one of the oldest nativities in the city, carved in marble. Of course the life-sized nativity scene set up in St. Peter’s Square is also not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Basilica di Santa Maria in Aracoeli, by Piazza Campidoglio, for their nativity and, from Christmas Eve onwards, a glimpse at the Santo Bambino. Roman children come to give thanks to this oil wood sculpture of the Christ Child.

In Naples, you’ll want to be sure to visit Via San Gregorio Armeno in Spaccanapoli. This famous street of Nativity workshops is filled with artisans creating nativity figurines. Everything from your traditional figures to Bart Simpson as a shepherd can be found here.

Top Places to See Living Nativity Scenes in Italy

Everywhere you go in Italy you'll find living nativity scenes, which might be comprised of a dozen local citizens around a simple campfire, or hundreds of participants from an entire region, all dressed in colorful traditional costumes and performing in elaborate life-size recreations of the Holy Manger. Here are a few local celebrations:
Abruzzo
Rivisondoli: Living Nativity Scene with hundreds of costumed figures re-enacting the arrival of the Three Kings at the manger (January 5).
Apulia
Pezze di Greco: Living Nativity Scene (December 25-January 3).
Calabria
Celico: Living Nativity Scene (December 25).
Friuli Venezia-Giulia
Tarcento: Pignarul Giant Bonfire Festival (January 6).
Cividale: Historical Pageant and Costume Parade (January 6).
Gemona: Messa del Tallero Medieval Pageant (January 6).
Alesso: Twenty Year Festival (December 31).
Resia, Cicigolis (Pulfero): La Koleda (December 31).
Sauris, Cicigolis, Cave del Predi: Star Festival.
Paularo: La Femenate Bonfire (January 6).
Lazio
Greccio: Re-enactment of St. Francis Building the First Nativity Scene (Christmas Eve).
Vetralla: has the oldest living nativity in the region (December).
Liguria
Calizzano: Living Nativity Scene (December).
Roccavignale: Living Nativity Scene (December).
Diano Arentino: Living Nativity Scene (December).
Riomaggiore: Nativity Scene (December).
Lombardy
Milan: Epiphany Parade of the Three Kings proceeds from the Duomo to the church of Sant'Eustorgio (January 6).
Piedmont
Asti: Silver and Gold in the Night: New Year's festivities organized by neighborhood committies (December 31).
Alagna: Ice Nativity Scene (Christmas Eve).
Cessole: Living Nativity Scene with Re-Enactment of Ancient Professions, followed by hot chocolate, vin brûlé, roasted chestnuts and grappa (Christmas Eve).
Maranzana: Living Nativity Scene with Costumed Parade and Re-Enactment of Ancient Professions, followed by vin brûlé and roasted chestnuts (Christmas Eve).
Moncalvo: Santa Claus gives gifts to the children (December 22).
Roatto: Bonfire Celebration and Exchange of Gifts, followed by panettone, spumante and bruschetta (Christmas Eve).
Schierano (Passerano Marmorito): Torchlit Re-Enactment of Christmas Eve in Costume (Christmas Eve).
Sicily
Piana degli Albanesi: Greek Orthodox Ritual and Procession (January 6), incorporating traditional Albanian costumes and rituals.
Acireale: Living Nativity Scene (December).
Trentino Alto-Adige
Cavalese: Trial of the Witches (first week of January).
Tesero: The Nativity Representation (December).
Veneto
Bibione: Living Nativity Scene, Church of S.M. Assunta (December 24-25).
All Regions
In many mountain communities’ residents ski down the nearby slopes bearing torches, forming a blazing nighttime display.

Almost every small village stages a living nativity scene on Christmas Eve, followed by midnight mass and often, distribution of food and drink.

Where to Spend Christmas in Italy: Rome & Vatican City

Whether you’re keen to embrace the religious side of Christmas or simply want to see the local way of life, Christmas is a magical time of year in Rome for all. The city bustles with festive twinkling lights, outdoor markets, concerts and more. In addition, Rome churches and piazzas boast beautiful Christmas decorations focused on nativity scene and some of them are real masterpieces!

Wherever you are in Italy on Christmas Eve, go to Midnight Mass. Even if it's a tiny parish church, there'll be a presepe, hearty singing and lots of ceremonial splendor. At the Vatican, the Pope delivers a Christmas Eve Mass at 10pm in Saint Peter's Basilica (reserve tickets well in advance). My favorite Midnight Mass is the one celebrated at the Pantheon; this ancient roman temple turned into a church is so rich in energy and faith that you don’t need to be Christian to enjoy that mass here.

Tip: There are always great reasons to visit Italy's capital, but there are particular reasons to visit during the winter. The weather is cooler for sightseeing, there are fewer tourists, hotel prices are lower, Rome's cultural life is in full swing and more than ever this year you'll find great sales in the shops and boutiques, as Christmas approaches! Work with your Nancy Aiello Travel Consultant to begin planning your winter getaway to Rome.

Where to Spend Christmas in Italy: Florence

Christmas in Florence is a magical time. The city undergoes such a magical transformation that every night in December feels like a holiday. Christmas lights, in all of their elegant variety, dangle over the city’s and nearly every shop is decorated with colorful Christmas wreaths and ribbons. In the Piazza della Repubblica, a giant tree stands in the center, and next to, it spins the bright red and gold carousel.

Where to Spend Christmas in Italy: Venice

In Venice it’s easy to get swept up in the magic of Christmas. No matter how many times you have been to Venice, you’re bound to be amazed by the figure of Santa Claus arriving by gondola to distribute goodies, and Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve in St. Mark’s Basilica is enough to make any trip to Venice worth it. Thousands of people, local and tourists pour into town and the demand for accommodation is higher than usual, therefore it is advisable to check hotel prices and make reservations ahead of time.

Where to Spend Christmas in Italy: Naples

Via San Gregorio Armeno Naples’ cultural and historical pulse center,  is so named after the baroque church and monastery on this street. In the eighth century Armenian nuns fleeing from the Byzantine Empire reached Naples with the relics of the Bishop of Armenia, St. Gregory. At the centre of the city, connecting the modern vibrant city with its ancient heritage, Via San Gregorio Armeno has seen the footprints of every local of Naples and every tourist to the city for centuries.

However, its greatest attraction is what makes this already vibrant street come to an almost magical state of existence. It is the little shops selling the terracotta nativity scenes with quaint figurines. Rightfully called “Christmas Alley” year-round, a special time to visit this street, for obvious reasons, is just before and during the Christmas season.

Where to Spend Christmas in Italy: Sicily

Although the Christmas tree didn’t appear in earnest until the Second World War, the nativity scene has been around for a long time. Sicilians believe that Saint Francis of Assisi created the nativity scene to honor the Christmas spirit. Therefore, the Presepi, as it is called, is found in most homes, churches and many places in the streets.

Presents in Sicily are opened after a grand Christmas Eve dinner, and heavy eating continues for a full 24 hours, which includes delicious homemade pastries. Many families light bonfires outdoors on Christmas Eve night to symbolically keep baby Jesus warm.

Plan, plan, plan your Italy trip in advance

The period from December 24th to January 6th is one of the most celebrated in Italy (perhaps trailing only Easter, August 15th and Carnival). Whether your trip to Italy is wine-soaked, fueled by food or accompanied by a two years-old baby, Nancy Aiello Tours can take care of all the planning for you to ensure you do not miss out on the best things to see, eat and do.

Is a Christmas trip to Italy a good idea for 2024?

A trip to Italy during the holiday season is a fantastic idea. Families can experience an array of adventures to check off their bucket lists. With even lower crowds, relatively pleasant winter weather, and the joys of the Christmas season in full swing, Nancy Aiello's Italian Travel Advisors can help you enjoy all that the season offers.

Planning an incredible trip through Italy

If you're looking for a bespoke trip to Italy—including wonderful accommodations, unique experiences, as much (or little) free time as you'd like, and expertly-planned logistics—we might be perfect for each other. At Nancy Aiello Tours, we aim for authenticity, relaxation and enlightenment, all served up with plentiful attention to details. We design your private trip just for you, taking care of all the details: from arranging amazing hotels and private experiences with local experts, to coordinating your transport and trip logistics. For an idea on where to go in 2024, check out our magical Christmas adventure to Italy.

Ready to take your family to Italy at Christmas?

Nancy Aiello Tours is a boutique Rome-based tour operator with over 15 years of experience planning bespoke trips in Italy. From private tours to insider experiences, white-glove transportation options, and handpicked hotels we can craft a custom vacation that's uniquely suited to your family's needs. No matter if your travelers’ ages range from 5 to 75, we will design a custom itinerary that will take into account everyone’s preferences and must-haves.