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Italy is typically a beloved summer holiday destination but have you ever considered spending Christmas there? The food only gets more indulgent, the wine more plentiful and the Italian dolce vita lifestyle more authentic. In this blog we're going to unpack what Italians do at Christmas and what you can expect as well as highlight the best places to spend Christmas in Italy, covering sleepy hilltop towns to classic cities like Rome and Florence where you can marvel at breathtaking Christmas lights and bustling Italian Christmas markets. Feel free to click the links below to jump to the place where you want to spend Christmas in Italy:
- Christmas in Venice Italy
- Christmas in Rome Italy
- Christmas in Florence Italy
- Christmas in Naples Italy
- Christmas in Sorrento Italy
- Christmas in Salerno Italy
- Christmas in Turin Italy
- Christmas in Positano Italy
- Christmas in Milan Italy
- Christmas in Cortona Italy
How To Spend Christmas in Italy
Is Italy a good place to spend Christmas?
Italy is always a great place to go on holiday, but at Christmas, you can see a different side to this incredible country. The crowds are fewer to the warmer summer months and you can usually enjoy a more authentic time in Italy as you rub shoulders with the locals and taste a different variety of delicious Italian food like baked salmon, stuffed trout and octopus salad.
What do Italians call Christmas?
Italians call Christmas “Natale,” which is celebrated with a mix of religious and cultural Christmas traditions.
Does it snow in Italy at Christmas?
It snows in northern Italy and mountainous regions like the Alps and Dolomites, while southern areas typically experience milder, snow-free winters.
Are there Christmas markets in Italy?
You've heard of the German, French, Austrian and British Christmas markets but Italy is also spoiled with enchanting Christmas markets, or Mercatini di Natale, which differ from other European Christmas markets in their focus on local craftsmanship and regional flavours. Italian Christmas markets emphasise artisanal goods like handcrafted nativity scenes (presepi), especially in Naples, and regional food, from vin brulé and polenta in the north to sfogliatelle and torrone in the south.
Do trains run in Italy on Christmas Day?
Yes, trains do run on Christmas Day in Italy, but services may be limited, especially for regional routes. Be sure to check timetables and book in advance.
The Most Popular Christmas Traditions in Italy
When is Christmas Day in Italy?
Christmas Day in Italy is celebrated on December 25th, but the festive season kicks off earlier, starting on December 8th with the Day of the Immaculate Conception (L'Immacolata Concezione). On this public holiday, cities and towns across Italy light up with Christmas decorations, and many Italian families put up their Christmas trees. The day marks the beginning of the holiday season, which continues through to January 6th, the Day of the Epiphany, when Italians traditionally take down their Christmas decorations.
Traditional food for Christmas in Italy
As we all know, food plays a central role in Italian Christmas, with each region showcasing its own delicacies. The Christmas Eve dinner (La Vigilia) is a seafood feast, often featuring dishes like fried eel, baccalà (salted cod), and a variety of shellfish. On Christmas Day, the main meal varies by region, but it typically includes pasta like tortellini in broth, roasted meats such as lamb or veal, and side dishes like artichokes and roasted vegetables. For dessert, panettone and pandoro, two sweet, fluffy cakes, are holiday staples, often served with a glass of sweet wine or liqueur.
Christmas Mass in Italy
Another important Italian Christmas tradition is attending Christmas Mass, with Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve being the most attended service of the year. The Vatican in Rome hosts one of the most famous Masses at St. Peter’s Basilica, often led by the Pope, drawing thousands of visitors from around the world. Many Italians also attend local services in their hometowns, where churches are adorned with nativity scenes and festive decorations. Christmas Day Mass is another option for those unable to attend Midnight Mass, offering a quieter but equally meaningful celebration of the holiday.
1. Christmas in Venice Italy
Nearest airport: Venice (VCE) Airport or Venice Treviso (TSF)
Average temperature in Venice in December: 3°C
To kick off our list of the best places for Christmas in Italy, we go to beautiful Venice. At Christmas, you can properly explore this compact city without the throbs of tourists that fill the streets for the rest of the year. Although many usual tourist attractions will be closed, we recommend taking a scenic walk with a delicious Cioccolata Casanova (mint hot chocolate) from Caffe Florian in hand to soak up the festive magic. If you plan to eat Christmas dinner at a restaurant, we highly recommend booking a table in advance as most Venice restaurants will be closed. For an authentic Italian Christmas experience, go to Piazza San Marco to join midnight mass, remember to be respectful though as it's a religious ceremony - not a tourist attraction.
Where to stay in Venice for Christmas:
Hotel L'Orologio Venezia | Sestiere San Polo - Riva de L Ogio 1777, Venice, 30125 | ★★★★
12 minutes from St. Mark's Square, this luxurious hotel in Venice puts you right at the centre of the action.
2. Christmas in Rome Italy
Nearest airport: Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Rome Ciampino (CIA)
Average temperature in Rome in December: 9°C
At Christmas in Rome, Christmas lights and decorations hang from all the city's iconic monuments, restaurants and shops. Similar to Venice, you can expect the majority of tourists to leave the city during the week before Christmas, leaving plenty of room for you to take your holiday photos at the usually overcrowded monuments. The city’s Christmas markets are smaller compared to other European cities but are filled with unique artisanal goods and local delicacies. The Piazza Navona Christmas market is a must-visit, with charming stalls offering handmade ornaments, sweets, and toys. Rome also has a strong tradition of nativity scenes (presepi), with impressive displays found in churches and public squares throughout the city.
For a spiritual Christmas in Italy, head to the Vatican for Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s a deeply moving ceremony, attended by thousands, often with the Pope leading the service and due to popularity if you want to sit inside you need to book far in advance. But if you prefer a quieter celebration, many local churches also host services, allowing you to enjoy a more intimate side of Roman Christmas traditions.
Where to stay in Rome for Christmas:
Hotel Artemide | Via Nazionale 22, Rome, 00184 | ★★★★
A centrally located ultra-luxurious hotel that offers easy access to Rome’s Christmas highlights, including the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona.
3. Christmas in Florence Italy
Nearest airport: Florence Peretola (FLR)
Average temperature in Florence in December: 7°C
At Christmas, Florence's Renaissance architecture becomes the backdrop for festive lights and decorations and a towering Christmas tree takes centre stage at the Piazza del Duomo in front of the iconic Florence Cathedral. Next to the cathedral, you’ll also find the Baccio d'Agnolo-inspired nativity scene, which is beautifully displayed in the piazza every year. For Christmas shopping, Florence offers several Christmas markets, with the most popular being the Weihnachtsmarkt in Piazza Santa Croce. This German-style Christmas market is filled with international and local crafts, food, and classic Christmas gifts, with the stunning Basilica of Santa Croce providing a picturesque setting. You can warm up with a cup of vin brulé (mulled wine) while browsing the stalls.
Another highlight is the festive atmosphere along Via de' Tornabuoni, Florence’s luxury shopping street, where high-end boutiques and designer shops are decked out in elaborate Christmas displays. If you're in Florence on Christmas Eve, you can attend Midnight Mass at the Duomo, which is one of the city’s most important religious celebrations.
Where to stay in Florence for Christmas:
Hotel Spadai | Via dei Martelli 10, Florence, 50129 | ★★★★
A few steps from the Duomo, this Florence spa hotel offers a prime location for enjoying Florence’s Christmas magic.
4. Christmas in Naples Italy
Nearest airport: Naples International Airport (NAP)
Average temperature in Naples in December: 12°C
Naples is the heart of Italy's Christmas nativity scene tradition, known for its famous presepi (nativity scenes). Via San Gregorio Armeno, also called “Nativity Scene Street,” is bustling with artisans crafting intricate, handmade nativity figures that can range from traditional holy family figures to modern-day characters. Naples is also home to some of Italy's best Christmas markets, including the Mercatino di Natale in Piazza Municipio, where you can find delicious treats like sfogliatelle, struffoli (small fried dough balls covered in honey), and handcrafted goods. On Christmas Eve, many Neapolitans partake in a seafood feast called La Vigilia, which is followed by Midnight Mass at the Naples Cathedral.
Where to stay in Naples for Christmas:
Grand Hotel Vesuvio | Via Partenope 45, Naples, 80121 | ★★★★★
Located on Naples’ seafront, this luxurious hotel offers stunning views of the Bay of Naples and is close to the Christmas festivities in the city centre.
5. Christmas in Sorrento Italy
Nearest airport: Naples International Airport (NAP)
Average temperature in Sorrento in December: 11°C
Sorrento may be known for its sun-drenched summer views of the Amalfi Coast, but at Christmas, this small coastal town in Italy transforms into a Christmas wonderland as the streets get covered in twinkling lights, and the Piazza Tasso boasts an enormous Christmas tree, making it a perfect spot for photos. Sorrento's City Hall organises tons of Christmas-themed things to do like concerts, film nights, living nativity scenes, Christmas workshops for kids and much more! The Christmas Village at Villa Florentino runs from December 3 - 26 and is a must if you're spending Christmas in Italy with your little ones. If you’re there in December, don’t miss the Sorrento In Light festival, where buildings are illuminated in spectacular light shows. Midnight Mass at the Sorrento Cathedral is a traditional highlight for both locals and visitors alike.
Where to stay in Sorrento for Christmas:
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria | Piazza Tasso, Sorrento, 80067 | ★★★★★
This historic hotel offers unbeatable views of the Amalfi Coast, with easy access to Sorrento's Christmas events.
6. Christmas in Salerno Italy
Nearest airport: Naples International Airport (NAP)
Average temperature in Salerno in December: 12°C
Salerno, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, becomes a show-stopper at Christmas thanks to the Luci d'Artista, one of the most impressive Christmas light displays in all of Italy. The entire city is lit up with artistic light installations, transforming Salerno into a glowing wonderland. Christmas markets are scattered throughout the city, and like Naples, Salerno also has a rich nativity scene tradition. Don't miss the chance to pick up some Salerno Christmas biscuits or panettone.
Where to stay in Salerno for Christmas
Hotel Montestella | Corso Vittorio Emanuele 156, Salerno, 84122 | ★★★★
A clean, modern hotel on Salerno's main street, ideal for experiencing the city’s Christmas lights and markets.
7. Christmas in Turin Italy
Nearest airport: Turin Airport (TRN)
Average temperature in Turin in December: 5°C
Christmas in Turin is truly magical, with elegant Christmas light displays lighting up the city’s Baroque squares and avenues. Turin’s Luci d'Artista rivals Salerno’s with its dazzling array of artistic lights. The Piazza Castello Christmas market is also a highlight, where you can shop for the usual handmade Christmas gifts and enjoy local specialities like gianduiotti (hazelnut chocolate). The Alpine backdrop gives Turin a special wintery feel, and if you’re lucky, you might even see some snow. Midnight Mass at the Turin Cathedral is a popular tradition, where you can also view the replica of the famous Shroud of Turin.
Where to stay in Turin for Christmas:
Grand Hotel Sitea | Via Carlo Alberto 35, Turin, 10123 | ★★★★★
A luxury hotel in the heart of Turin, perfect for enjoying the city’s festive atmosphere.
8. Christmas in Positano Italy
Nearest airport: Naples International Airport (NAP)
Average temperature in Positano in December: 10°C
Positano is a dream European destination year-round, and Christmas adds a peaceful, reflective charm to this Amalfi Coast gem. With fewer tourists, you can enjoy a quieter experience while taking in the picturesque coastal views and festive decorations that line the winding streets but also join in on Christmas events like public bingo and concerts inside local churches. Positano’s Church of Santa Maria Assunta hosts a beautiful Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, where locals gather for a heartfelt celebration. Although Positano doesn’t have large Christmas markets, you can still find boutique shops selling artisan gifts and local delicacies. Don't miss the Nativities that are dotted around Positano, and perhaps the most impressive, the underwater Navitiy inside the Emerald Grotto in Conca dei Marini.
Where to stay in Positano for Christmas:
Le Sirenuse | Via Cristoforo Colombo 30, Positano, 84017 | ★★★★★
A chic, luxurious hotel offering breathtaking views of Positano and the sea, with cosy spaces to enjoy a Christmas break.
9. Christmas in Milan Italy
Nearest airport: Milan Malpensa (MXP)
Average temperature in Milan in December: 6°C
If you're looking to spend Christmas in Italy in the city, Milan is a great choice and offers tons of fun festive activities to keep everyone entertained. Milan is Italy’s fashion and design capital, but at Christmas, the city shows off its festive side. All year round, The Duomo di Milano is a sight to see but at Christmas, it's covered with Christmas lights and is accompanied by a grand tree Christmas in the square. You've got to try panettone, Milano's Christmas dessert that's become a symbol of Christmas throughout the country. Once you've filled your bellies with panettone, get tickets to a Christmas concert at the incredible Teatro alla Scala. Nearby, the Mercatino di Natale at Piazza Duomo is one of the best Christmas markets in Milan, offering high-quality gifts, crafts, and food. Make sure to visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for stunning festive displays and luxury Christmas shopping. If you’re in Milan on Christmas Eve, attend Midnight Mass at the Duomo or explore the many churches across the city. And remember to reserve your table for Christmas dinner if you're planning on eating out!
Where to stay in Milan for Christmas:
Hotel Principe di Savoia | Piazza della Repubblica 17, Milan, 20124 | ★★★★★
A luxury hotel that provides a festive experience with its elegant décor and proximity to Milan’s Christmas attractions.
10. Christmas in Cortona Italy
Nearest airport: Florence Peretola (FLR)
Average temperature in Cortona in December: 5°C
If you can brave the cold and fancy a low-key Christmas in Italy, Cortona in Tuscany is a sleepy hilltop town that offers a peaceful place to spend Christmas. At Christmas, the town square comes alive with lights, and the surrounding countryside provides a picturesque, serene setting. You’ll find smaller, traditional Christmas markets where you can purchase local goods and Tuscan delicacies. Cortona also hosts La Notte di Natale, a Midnight Mass event held in the town’s stunning churches. After Mass, locals and visitors gather in the square to share the holiday cheer. It's worth noting that due to the small size of Cortona, the options for Christmas dinner will be limited, so buy your goods in advance to cook at home or book a table in advance to make sure you don't go hungry! If you want to eat out, we recommend:
Where to stay in Cortona for Christmas:
Hotel Villa Marsili | Viale Cesare Battisti 13, Cortona, 52044 | ★★★★
A boutique hotel offering a cosy, intimate atmosphere with stunning views of the Tuscan countryside.
Will You Spend Christmas In Italy?
Has our list of the best places to spend Christmas in Italy inspired you to try something new for Christmas 2024? From Tuscan towns to Southern Italian gems, you're guaranteed an authentic, indulgent Christmas in Italy filled with laughter, great food and drink and authentic Italian Christmas traditions.
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