Christmas in Italy isn’t just a holiday—it’s a whole season of traditions that blend family, food, faith, and folklore. Italians take their Christmas traditions seriously (and we have a lot of them!), filling the weeks before and after December 25 with warmth, laughter, and, of course, a few surprises.
From the first candle of Advent to the family feast on Christmas Eve, every part of the Italian holiday season has its own special meaning. And if you’re wondering about Santa Claus, Italy has its own version, Babbo Natale—but he’s not the only gift-bringer. Depending on the region, Italian kids look forward to visits from La Befana, Santa Lucia, or even San Nicola, each with their own day to shine.
Curious to learn more? Here’s a look at seven Italian Christmas traditions that capture the magic of the holiday season in Italy!
Let’s start with a classic: the Calendario dell’Avvento, or Advent calendar.
In Italy, kids (and plenty of adults too!) eagerly open a little window or drawer on their calendar each day from December 1st until Christmas. And while you can find Italian advent calendars in stores, filled with treats or chocolates (and more recently with toys, skincare, tea samples and much more), many families like to take the DIY route and make their own. These homemade calendars can get pretty creative—think little envelopes hanging on strings, each hiding a sweet, a small toy, or even a holiday activity for the day. And surprises can get even more special, revealing family photos from past Christamses or a small note with special plans for the day, like baking biscotti or decorating the Christmas tree.
It’s easy to understand why everyone loves this tradition, even when grown up. It really is a wonderful way to build excitement for Christmas and create lasting memories, day by day. And it helps everyone savor the season a little more each time they open a door!
Next up is the Corona dell’Avvento, or Advent wreath. Just like the Advent calendar, it helps Italians build excitement and anticipation as they countdown to Christmas. Unlike the calendar, however, this Italian Christmas tradition brings the family together every Sunday and not everyday.
The corona is typically made from evergreen branches and adorned with four candles—one for each Sunday before Christmas. It’s placed proudly in the middle of the table or sometimes hung on the door, adding a cozy, festive touch to any home.
They can be anything, from simple wreaths with just the candles and branches to wreaths decked out with red ribbons, pinecones, or even small holiday figurines. And as soon as they are ready, Italian families begin their tradition. Each Sunday, mostly at lunchtime, they light a new candle, often sharing a small prayer or a moment of reflection with the family. It really becomes a time to pause from the holiday hustle and reconnect with what Christmas is truly about!
In Italy, Christmas tree decorating isn’t just something that happens whenever you get around to it—it has its own special day. And December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, marks the official start of the Italian Christmas season. It’s on this day that Italian families traditionally gather to decorate their Christmas tree, making it a beloved and festive occasion.
December 8th is, indeed, more than just a religious holiday—it’s a time to officially kick off the holiday spirit. The day is completely devoted to the Christmas tree, and families often come together to adorn it with ornaments, lights, and other festive decorations. It’s a tradition that signals the beginning of the Christmas celebrations, with homes across Italy becoming a bit more magical and filled with holiday cheer.
Santa Claus, or Babbo Natale, isn’t the only one in town when it comes to delivering presents in Italy. Different parts of the country indeed have their own unique traditions for holiday gift-giving, and some of these figures have roots going back centuries.
In some cities of northern Italy, kids look forward to Santa Lucia (St. Lucy) on December 13 as she arrives with her little donkey to bring gifts and sweets while they leave out hay and carrots as a thank you for her hard work. Meanwhile, in southern regions like Puglia, San Nicola (St. Nicholas) is celebrated on December 6. In Bari, for example, where San Nicola is especially beloved, families celebrate his feast day with special events and sometimes small gifts for kids.
Then there’s La Befana, Italy’s “Christmas” witch! This friendly old lady flies around on a broomstick delivering candy and small gifts on the night of January 5, the eve of Epiphany. Italian children hang up stockings, hoping to find treats in the morning (or sugar coal if they’ve been naughty!).
Attending the Messa di Mezzanotte, or Midnight Mass, on Christmas Eve is a long-standing tradition in Italy. For many Italian families, it’s more than just a religious service—it’s a heartfelt way to mark the holiday, celebrate the deeper meaning of Christmas, and come together as a community. So, in big cities and small villages alike, churches fill up with families who gather to sing carols, say prayers, and experience the season together. The beautiful sense of unity that fills the air is a hallmark of the night!
The most famous of these Midnight Masses takes place at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where the Pope himself leads the service. Pilgrims and visitors from all corners of the globe gather to witness the grandeur of this occasion. And even for Italians who may not attend church regularly throughout the year, Messa di Mezzanotte holds a very special place in their Christmas celebrations.
Once the Mass is over, families often head home to continue the celebration. Some enjoy a slice of panettone, Italy’s famous Christmas cake, or sip on a warming cup of vin brulé (Italian mulled wine) to ring in Christmas Day!
In Italy, Christmas Eve dinner—the so-called cenone di Natale—is a feast worth waiting for! Known as a “pasto di magro” (literally "lean meal"), this festive dinner traditionally skips the meat in favor of a seafood and vegetables extravaganza, making it a unique and flavorful way to celebrate the holiday.
The custom of abstaining from meat on Christmas Eve is rooted in Catholic tradition, but Italians turn it into a grand celebration with a multi-course spread that could make your taste buds dance. And depending on where you are in Italy, the dishes can vary a lot. From baccalà (salted cod), to spaghetti with clams and fried calamari without forgetting the delicious side dishes like stuffed artichokes.
This cenone is the perfect time for families to come together, share stories, laugh, and—of course—sip on plenty of wine and sparkling wine. And the celebration continues late into the night, as families celebrate the season with food, drink, and the kind of togetherness that only an Italian holiday meal can bring!
If there’s one Italian Christmas tradition that really highlights the country’s creative spirit, it’s the presepe, or nativity scene. Italy’s love for nativity scenes goes way back, and in many towns and cities, these displays aren’t just simple setups—they’re intricate works of art. Some are so detailed that they include moving parts, twinkling lights, and entire miniature villages, making each one a little world of its own that captures the magic of Christmas!
If you’re looking for the beating heart of Italy’s presepi tradition, Naples is where you have to go. The city’s artisans are indeed famous for crafting nativity figures by hand, using materials like clay, wood, and glass. And these figures can include not just the Holy Family but also a whole cast of characters, from shepherds to animals, and even celebrities.
And for an extra touch of magic, many Italian towns host living nativity scenes, where locals dress up and act out the nativity story. These events are often set in historic squares or countryside spots, bringing the story to life in a way that’s completely unique to Italy. They are a lovely tradition to visit!
There you have it—seven Italian Christmas traditions that are full of heart and holiday cheer. Whether you’re gathering around the Corona dell’Avvento to light the candles, unwrapping a sweet surprise from the Calendario dell’Avvento, or preparing a mouthwatering seafood feast for Christmas Eve, these Italian customs always bring a sense of warmth and togetherness that really makes the holiday season feel magical.
So why not add a little Italian flair to your Christmas this year? Whether you’re trying out a presepe in your living room, or just enjoying a slice of panettone with your family, you can bring the magic of Italy into your own home.
Buon Natale, and here’s to a holiday season full of joy, love, and a whole lot of Italian spirit!
Take your chance and shape your future in the “Bel Paese”!
Explore our programs!
.webp){kind=small}
.webp){kind=small}
.webp){kind=small}
What is Italianforawhile?
Your gateway to life-changing journeys to Italy: join us and create memories that last a lifetime.
Enrollment and admissions
Help center
