The Christmas season in Italy typically kicks off on the 8th of December, which is The Feast of the Immaculate Conception day, and is a public holiday. Many towns celebrate it with events and religious processions. From that moment, cities become lively with the active decoration of streets, squares, and landmarks using Christmas lights. Indeed, this is when you start to feel the magical atmosphere in the air.
Some regions may have early tree lighting ceremonies. Nativity scenes (Presepi) are unveiled in churches, piazzas, and private homes. Christmas concerts and performances take place in theaters and churches. Christmas markets start opening in various cities and towns across Italy.
The Christmas season continues through Christmas Eve to Epiphany on January 6th. Epiphany is a public holiday and marks the last day of the Christmas season in Italy.
What to do and where to go during Christmas Season in Italy:
1. Explore Italian Christmas Markets
3. Attend a Festive Concert or Opera
4. Admire the Historic Christmas Tree in Gubbio
5. Explore Nativity Scenes of Naples
7. Attend the Burning Castle Show in Ferrara
8. Enjoy Medieval Charm of Bologna During Christmas
1. Explore Italian Christmas Markets
Visit various Christmas markets that pop up in almost every city and town across Italy. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, shop for holiday gifts, and sample local seasonal treats.
Bolzano, a town in the northern region of South Tyrol, hosts one of Italy’s most famous Christmas markets. Surrounded by the Dolomites, the market offers a picturesque setting with festive lights and holiday treats. This market is famous for its traditional Alpine atmosphere. At the market you can find unique handicrafts, local food specialties, and Christmas decorations.
Go to Milan’s Christmas market, held in the Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo), to enjoy its glamorous affair. There you can explore stalls offering high-quality goods, unique gifts, and artisanal products. The city’s iconic cathedral serves as a stunning backdrop.
Discover Florence Christmas Market, known as Mercatino Tedesco di Natale, which translates to the German Christmas Market. This market brings a touch of German holiday traditions to the heart of Tuscany. There you can enjoy German-inspired food, crafts, and decorations, providing a unique and festive experience in Florence.
These markets offer diverse experiences, each with its own charm and specialties, making them ideal destinations to celebrate the joy of the holiday season in Italy.
2. Attend Midnight Mass
3. Attend a Festive Concert or Opera
Take in a festive concert or opera: many theaters and concert halls host special Christmas performances, including classical concerts and operas. It’s an opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural scene.
During the Christmas holiday period in Milan, the calendar is packed with events. One particularly notable event is the Scala Opening Night, traditionally held on the night of December 7th. In 2023, the season at the Scala Theatre will open with “Don Carlo” by Giuseppe Verdi.
If you are traveling to Milan for Christmas, check out our 1-day guide on what to do in Milan.
4. Admire the Historic Christmas Tree in Gubbio
5. Explore Nativity Scenes of Naples
A Christmas nativity scene, known as a “presepio” in Italian, serves as a representation of the biblical account of the birth of Jesus Christ. Typically featuring figures like Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, angels, and the Wise Men or Magi, these scenes symbolize the core narrative of the Christian faith.
The origins of nativity scenes trace back to the 13th century and are credited to Saint Francis of Assisi. In 1223, Saint Francis established the first nativity scene in Greccio, Italy, aiming to emphasize the true essence of Christmas and underscore the humility of Jesus’ birth.
Nativity scenes have become a widespread tradition across Italy during the Christmas season, presenting a spectrum of sizes and complexities. Displayed in homes, churches, and public spaces, these scenes act as a reminder of the central story of Christianity.
Naples holds a distinctive reputation for its nativity art, rooted in a historical legacy dating back to medieval and Renaissance periods. Neapolitan nativity scenes stand out for their diversity and realism, with artisans crafting an extensive array of characters, including everyday people, animals, and local figures. These scenes often depict lively marketplaces, intricate landscapes, and vibrant street life, contributing a unique charm to the tradition.
Notably, Naples hosts annual competitions and exhibitions dedicated to nativity scenes, drawing artists and enthusiasts from the region and beyond. This cultural celebration makes Naples a special festive destination during the Christmas season.
6. Go Ice Skating
During the Christmas season, many Italian cities create temporary ice rinks in prominent locations, fostering a festive and joyful atmosphere. Here are a few notable places where you can enjoy Christmas ice skating in Italy:
- Milan usually installs an ice rink in Piazza del Duomo, offering a stunning setting with the iconic cathedral.
- Rome frequently hosts ice skating rinks in various locations. One standout location is the ice rink at Castel Sant’Angelo.
- Florence often showcases an ice rink in Piazza della Repubblica or other central areas.
- Verona sets up an ice rink in Piazza Bra, located just in front of the Arena di Verona.
- Bolzano, renowned for its Christmas markets, typically features an ice rink as part of its festive offerings.
Ice rinks offer wonderful opportunities to embrace the holiday spirit, whether you’re an experienced skater or simply looking to enjoy a festive activity. Often, the ice rinks are situated near Christmas markets, providing the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to some mulled wine (Vin Brulé) and seasonal snacks, such as roasted chestnuts, afterwards.
7. Attend the Burning Castle Show in Ferrara
The “Burning Castle Show” in Ferrara is a spectacular event that dates back to the year 2000. It was conceived as a way for Ferrara to welcome the new millennium with a breathtaking display. Inspired by the pyro-musical shows of the Loire castles, the event is deeply rooted in the city’s history. It specifically re-enacts the historic castle fire of 1554, providing a unique and visually stunning experience without causing any actual damage.
The show combines lights, music, and fireworks to commemorate this historical event. It is an extremely exciting spectacle, featuring fountains of fire cascading down from the top of the walkways, tall glowing flames enveloping the castle walls, and fiery sprays rising from the moat. The highlight of the event is at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, with all eyes fixed on the towers as the mesmerizing display unfolds.
Planning on celebrating the New Year’s Eve in Ferrara? Check out our guide on what to see in Ferrara in one day.
8. Enjoy Medieval Charm of Bologna During Christmas
Traveling to Bologna during Christmas offers the chance to immerse yourself in its medieval charm, amplified by festive decorations and lights adorning the central Piazza Maggiore. The local Christmas markets provide an excellent opportunity to explore and indulge in traditional Bolognese cuisine.
New Year’s Eve celebrations in Bologna hold a distinctive character. The focal point is Piazza Maggiore, the city’s main square, where the ancient tradition of the “Bonfire of the Old Man” is reenacted. This involves burning a puppet on the 31st of December, that symbolizes the concluding year, signifying the superstition of leaving behind the challenges of the past year and ushering in good fortune for the upcoming one. The “Vecchione,” a giant illuminated sculpture representing the Old Man, is placed in the square from the end of December.
9. Attend the Jazz Festival in Umbria
If you are a jazz enthusiast, your New Year’s Eve can only be spent in Orvieto, where you can attend the Umbria Jazz Winter. Taking place from December 28 to January 1, this event transforms the historic center into a lively hub with numerous jazz bands and a lineup of international artists. The festivities include non-stop music from midday until late at night, featuring jam sessions and occasions where jazz harmonizes with fine food and wine.
Key highlights of the Umbria Jazz Winter in Orvieto are the gospel concert following the New Year’s Eve Mass, an afternoon filled with jazz in the Cathedral, and the Grand New Year’s Eve Dinner accompanied by concerts both before and after midnight. It’s an immersive experience where the love for jazz intertwines with the joy of ringing in the New Year in the picturesque setting of Orvieto.
10. Go skiing
Spending the Christmas season skiing in Italy is a great choice, with the peak ski season typically starting in late November and December offering optimal snow conditions and a festive atmosphere.
Italy boasts a range of ski destinations, each with its unique charm, breathtaking landscapes, and excellent ski facilities. Here are some popular ski destinations:
- Courmayeur: Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc in the Aosta Valley, Courmayeur is renowned for its picturesque setting and challenging slopes.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: Located in the Dolomites, Cortina is one of Italy’s most famous ski resorts. It provides a mix of challenging slopes, stunning scenery, and a glamorous atmosphere.
- Livigno: Situated in the Italian Alps near the Swiss border, Livigno is a duty-free zone and a favorite among budget-conscious skiers. It offers a wide range of slopes for all skill levels.
- Bormio: Famous for hosting World Cup events, Bormio offers challenging slopes, natural hot springs, and a charming old town. The resort is located in the Lombardy region.
- Pila: Overlooking the city of Aosta, Pila is a convenient ski destination with a variety of slopes and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
These ski destinations in Italy cater to skiers and snowboarders of all levels, providing a perfect blend of winter sports and the charming ambiance of an Italian Christmas.
Tips
Summary
Wherever you go in Italy for Christmas, you will have an abundance of options on how to wonderfully spend the festive season. Whether it’s strolling through cozy Christmas markets in Bolzano, skating in Piazza della Repubblica in Florence, or wandering through the streets of Naples adorned with masterfully crafted nativity scenes. We hope our Christmas guide helps you find the best way to celebrate the holidays in Italy.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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