In this post, we will show you The Best Places to Spend Christmas in Italy according to our opinion. Furthermore, we will show you what’s so special about them and why you should visit them.
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Spend Christmas in Italy for a unique festive experience!
Italy has plenty of warm places to visit in December, so don’t worry about the cold. Here are the top spots to spend Christmas in Italy:
– Rome: Experience the vibrant streets of the capital.
– Amalfi Coast: Enjoy stunning views of the coast.
– Italian Villages: Discover authentic Christmas traditions in every village and town.
This post covers locations from north to south, from the coast to the hinterland. Don’t miss traditional dishes and desserts, including the famous Italian Christmas cake, “panettone.” Italy has everything, whether you prefer warm weather on a beautiful Italian island or a village decked out in lights and nativity scenes!
Tips for planning your Christmas in Italy
- Most museums and shops are closed on December 25 (Christmas Day) and December 24 (Christmas Eve). So plan meals these days as some restaurants and huge hotels are open.
- Plan for cold and humid weather during Christmas in Italy. Expect snow, sleet, fog in the north, and rain in the south.
- Please note that in Italy, the sun sets before 5 pm in December.
- In Italy, December is generally a low season for travel, meaning that tourists can get great rates. However, it’s important to note that the week between Christmas and New Year’s is a high season, so prices may be higher during that time.
- Winter in Italy is a particular time of year with delicious foods, operas, symphonies, and fewer crowds. Participating in local traditions during a significant holiday is a great opportunity.
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The Best Places to Spend Christmas in Italy 2023
The Dolomites
The Dolomites Mountains are a stunningly beautiful part of Italy, especially during Christmas. The festive season brings the Dolomites to life with a holiday Christmas market, skiing, and cozy cafes that offer hot drinks and delicious treats. It’s truly a winter wonderland. The Dolomites have plenty of slopes for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, and there are other activities, such as snowshoeing and ice climbing, for those who want to explore beyond the ski lifts. Whether you prefer winter sports or want to take a scenic hike in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions, the Dolomites won’t disappoint you if you spend Christmas in Italy.
Famous Christmas markets are in Bressanone, Brunico, and San Candido. But you can also visit them during your winter skiing vacation. In that case, you will find plenty of fun in one of its many famous ski resorts, such as Cortina d’Ampezzo, Alta Badia, or Val Gardena.
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Rome
Rome’s historic center gets a break during the Christmas season. In December, Rome’s streets and piazzas are decorated with colorful lights, creating space for Christmas markets. The city has many markets, even in the suburbs. Piazza Navona boasts a Christmas Market with more than 100 years of history. The Lunghezza Castle hosts the “Fantastic World of the Fantastic” from mid-November on weekends and holidays. The churches of San Paolo Entro le Mura and Sant’Agnese in Agone host Christmas concerts. At the Vatican, there is a Christmas tree with a nativity scene and the chance to attend Christmas Mass and see the Pope. The most exciting Roman New Year’s Eve event is the Auditorium Parco della Musica gospel concert.
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Gubbio
Gubbio is a charming little town in Umbria worth visiting annually as a day trip from Rome. However, the city is extraordinary during Christmas time. Namely, Gubbio boasts of having the most enormous Christmas tree in the world, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1991. The tree design is spread across the slopes of Mount Ingino, towering over the town at the height of 650 meters from top to bottom. It takes over 3,000 lights and 8 km of electrical cables to create the tree, which you can see from a distance of 40 km. The tree is usually lit up on the weekend before December 8 and remains illuminated until the Befana on January 6.
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Locorotondo
If you are in Puglia, visit the charming town of Locorotondo in the Itria Valley. During December, the city is beautifully decorated with Christmas ornaments, creating a magical atmosphere. You can expect garlands of greenery and sparkling holiday lights adorning every alleyway. To make your Christmas visit to the Itria Valley unforgettable, book a stay in a traditional trulli house.
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Milan
Firstly, it is an excellent destination for spending Christmas in Italy. Starting December 7, the city celebrates its Patron Saint with the Festa di Sant’Ambrogio. Furthermore, the Christmas Market near the Duomo offers local food, drink, arts, and crafts. More importantly, the city’s proximity to the Alps makes it an ideal ski location. Additionally, you can find a giant Christmas tree in Piazza Duomo, and the O Bej, O Bej market near Castello Sforzesco offers traditional Milanese dialect food and crafts. Stroll down Via Monte Napoleone, admiring Milan’s fashion and festive windows. Celebrate the New Year in Milan at a club or fancy restaurant. Take advantage of the opportunity to experience Christmas in Milan!
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Naples
The coastal city is renowned for its vibrant Christmas celebrations. It’s time to acknowledge the inhabitants of Naples, who are welcoming and outgoing and love philosophy, poetry, and music. So, in December, the historic center of Naples is filled with lemonade stands and street bands. The artists are unknown but talented, and you can’t help but dance to their music.
One of the most popular attractions during the holiday season is the street of San Gregorio Armeno. It’s a bustling street filled with workshops of artisans creating characters for nativity scenes inspired by tradition and current society. Naples is famous for its presepi (nativity scenes), with hundreds erected across the city.
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Matera
In Basilicata, you will find Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage City that offers a unique view all year round. The city has much to offer during Christmas, including a living nativity scene, a Christmas market, and the rock churches that inhabit the city. You can reach Matera from major Italian cities by bus and rail lines.
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Trieste
It is a surprisingly beautiful city located on the Italian Adriatic Coast. Furthermore, it offers much, including the University of Coffee and Barcolana Regatta. More importantly, the city is adorned with beautiful lights during Christmas, and there are several Christmas markets to explore. Take advantage of visiting the Miramare Castle and eating the Presnitz cake. But, remember to wear warm clothes as it can get cold in winter.
To reach Trieste is easy; fly to Trieste Airport or add it as a day trip when visiting Venice ( it is only 2 hours by train away).
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Venice
Winter in Venice is exceptionally romantic, with beautiful Christmas lights and decked-up Venetian gondolas. Visit Murano Island for a unique glass Christmas experience. The Christmas markets in Campo Santo Stefano offer handmade items, souvenirs, glass ornaments, and Burano lace. Don’t miss St. Mark’s Square for the lighting show and La Fenice Theatre for an opera concert.
Florence
Florence is the perfect place for a romantic getaway during the holidays. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city, ice skating in one of the many squares, have your Christmas Eve dinner, or take a day trip to see some of the beautiful Tuscan countryside. You can also find unique gifts in Florence’s markets and shops. And make sure to sample some of the delicious Tuscan cuisine while you’re there!
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Siena
Siena is a small town located in the heart of Tuscany. It is known for its beautiful Gothic architecture and stunning scenery. During Christmas, Siena turns into a fairytale city with Christmas decorations and lights. Be sure to visit the famous Palio race track to enjoy traditional Tuscan food and wine.
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Bolzano
Two of Italy’s best Christmas markets in Trentino Alto Adige are Bolzano and Trento. The region’s small towns offer unique experiences with the scent of apples and cinnamon. The typical Christmas desserts range from apple strudel to brazed and zeolite. You can find these delicacies and unique handicrafts at the markets. The little ones can have fun in the fantastic villages of Santa Claus and his helper elves. In Bolzano, visit the Christmas market in Walther Square, which opens a month before Christmas and remains until Epiphany. Enjoy the warm atmosphere and brulé wine from the stalls.
FAQs Christmas in Italy
How do they celebrate Christmas in Italy?
Christmas celebrations in Italy begin on December 8, the traditional date for building the Christmas tree and nativity scene in homes. It only happens in some families, and young people somewhat lose this tradition.
The most important day is December 24, when the Christmas Eve dinner occurs in homes, a much anticipated moment for grandparents and grandchildren when gifts are exchanged.
On December 25, it is traditional to attend Christmas lunch, which is always a family affair. Groups of friends, from Christmas to New Year’s Eve, gather to play cards, drink wine and eat typical desserts. Italians enjoy this time, traveling to other cities in Italy to hunt for the most beautiful light decorations.
Does Italy celebrate Christmas on the 24th or 25th?
December 24 and 25 are necessary for Italians, although the 24th is the most anticipated day.
What do Italians do on December 24/Christmas Eve?
After purchasing the final gifts, Italians get ready to attend the Christmas Eve dinner. More importantly, Italians love spending their Christmas dinner with their family. The dinner hosts prepare several traditional Christmas dishes, primarily based on fish. At midnight, a gift exchange takes place.
Why does Italy not eat meat on Christmas Eve?
The tradition of having a lean dinner on December 24 belongs not to the Christian religion but to peasant and folk traditions. Although the custom is ancient, there is no exact reason for it.
What do Italians eat on Christmas Day?
On Christmas Day, Italians eat typical meat dishes and homemade pasta, such as agnolotti cooked in chicken broth.
What is Santa called in Italy?
Babbo Natale
What is the Italian name for Christmas?
Natale
What is the reason for celebrating Christmas in Italy?
The celebrations at the end of December have their roots in ancient Rome. Saturnalia, dedicated to Saturn, the god of the harvest, was celebrated from December 17 to 23. On the other hand, December 25 was the Feast of Mithras, also known as the Christmas of the Sun or Birth of the Sun. After Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in 330 A.D., the birth of Christ began to be celebrated on December 25.
How do Italians decorate for Christmas?
The way families decorate for Christmas varies from household to household. Typically, they hang a garland with the traditional Christmas colors of red and green on the front door. While in the living room, families set up a Christmas tree adorned with colored ribbons and balls, often choosing different colors each year. Many families also decorate their gardens or balconies with colored lights. Additionally, some families like to create nativity scenes by crafting hills out of colored paper and displaying small figurines.
Wrap-up | Where to spend Christmas in Italy
If you’re looking for the perfect places to spend Christmas in Italy, this post will give you plenty of ideas you will be happy with. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit famous cities like Venice, Rome, and Naples, which are even more beautiful during Christmas. However, be prepared for the crowds as these cities receive a lot of local tourism during the holiday season. If you prefer a quieter Christmas in Italy, don’t hesitate to spend it in a small city like Gubbio or Vieste or a town off the beaten path like Cagliari in Sardinia. These small towns offer the most memorable events, such as the living nativity scenes in Manarola and Ischia Island, that you won’t find anywhere else. And when it comes to food, Italy is already known for its quality cuisine, so you can be sure that you’ll be delighted with main courses and desserts that are hard to find at other times of the year.
