Christmas traditions in Italy not to be missed

How do they celebrate Christmas in Italy?

Let’s talk about a beloved Christmas classic—the Christmas tree. Italy embraced this festive tradition in the late 1800s, thanks to Queen Margherita of Savoy, who decorated a tree in Rome's Palazzo del Quirinale. Inspired by her example, the Christmas tree quickly became a staple in Italian homes.

When do Italians put up their christmas tree? Today, it’s a cherished tradition to put up Christmas trees on 8th December, coinciding with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and take them down on 6th January, marking Epiphany. This timeline is followed like clockwork, adding a touch of magic to the festive season.

Italian Christmas tree Pixnio

Another important part of Italian Christmas is the traditional nativity scene, deeply rooted in history and faith. Its origins are attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, who, in 1223, created the first live nativity in Greccio, Umbria, to depict the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. This simple yet powerful representation inspired generations, sparking the creation of wooden and terracotta figurines crafted by artists across Italy.

While the tradition began in Tuscany, it flourished in the ancient Kingdom of Naples, where Neapolitan artisans became masters of the craft. Today, the shops of Via San Gregorio Armeno in Naples are iconic, showcasing intricate and creative nativity figures.

Christmas gifts in Italy

And what about Christmas gifts in Italy? Who delivers them—Santa Claus, Santa Lucia, or Baby Jesus? Today, Father Christmas (Babbo Natale) is the main gift-bringer across Italy. However, in parts of Northern Italy, like Brescia, Bergamo, and Verona, the tradition of Santa Lucia still thrives. This beloved saint delivers presents to children during the Christmas season, keeping a cherished regional custom alive.

In earlier, less consumer-driven times and before global influences took hold, it was even Jesus Christ himself who was said to bring gifts to children, embodying the spiritual essence of Christmas.

The Italian Christmas witch

What makes Christmas in Italy unique? Unlike many countries where Santa Claus takes centre stage, Italy places greater emphasis on nativity scenes and Catholic traditions. However, Italy has its own enchanting twist—a Christmas tradition involving a witch.

According to folklore, a kind-hearted witch named La Befana delivers treats to well-behaved children on the morning of Epiphany (January 6th). Often depicted carrying a basket of sweets, La Befana is a beloved figure in Italian culture. Legend says she set out to visit Baby Jesus, but after losing her way to Bethlehem, she continued her journey, spreading joy to children instead.

The Feast of the Seven Fishes

The Feast of the Seven Fishes (La Festa dei Sette Pesci) is a popular Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition, especially among Southern Italian families. The meal is part of the La Vigilia (Christmas Eve vigil), where fish is served in place of meat, in line with Catholic fasting customs. The tradition typically features seven types of fish, though the number can vary. The seven fishes are symbolic, often representing spiritual perfection.

Common dishes include baccalà (salted cod), eel, shrimp, octopus, scallops, squid, and clams, which are prepared in various ways such as fried, grilled, or in pasta. While the feast is more common in Italian-American households, it has roots in Southern Italy, especially in regions like Naples, Sicily, and the Amalfi Coast, where eating fish on Christmas Eve is a longstanding tradition.

Italian Christmas traditions: food

Now we come to one of the most important moments: Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas day lunch. Trust us, you really don't want to miss out when it comes to traditional Italian Christmas food. 

Here, Italy is divided between those who put more importance on the dinner of Vigilia, an evening meal on the 24th December which is traditionally based around fish because the Catholic tradition forbids eating meat on the evening before a religious holiday, and those who prefer lunch on Christmas Day.

What is traditionally eaten on Christmas Day in Italy?

Italy’s Christmas table is a delicious showcase of regional specialities, with each area offering its own festive favourites. These are just some of the traditional Christmas foods across Italy:

• Veneto: Polenta with cod, lesso with sauces.
• Piedmont: Agnolotti served with rich sauces.
• Valle d’Aosta: Carbonade (beef cooked in red wine).
• Trentino: Canederli (dumplings) and roe.
• Emilia-Romagna: Tortellini and passatelli.
• Tuscany: Liver dishes, roast guinea fowl, or stuffed capon.
• Campania: Spaghetti with clams, capon broth, or stuffed capon.
• Sardinia: Colurgiones (stuffed ravioli) and malloreddus (gnocchetti).
• Sicily: Pasta with sardines (pasta con le sarde).

Panettone fruit cake is the most widespread and traditional Xmas food Wikipedia

How do they celebrate the New Year in Italy?

Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in Italy are not just about exchanging gifts—they are cherished occasions to gather around the table and enjoy the company of family and friends. In recent years, these festive gatherings have become even more meaningful, as smaller celebrations have become the norm, especially after the pandemic.

New Year's Eve in Italy

The New Year's Eve Gala Dinner is a spectacular spread, varying by region but always filled with festive treats. Two dishes that make their way onto nearly every table, whether in Aosta or Trapani, are zampone (stuffed pig’s trotter) and cotechino (pork sausage), typically served with lentils. The lentils are symbolic—they are believed to bring prosperity, and the more you eat, the more money you’ll attract in the coming year!

The meal concludes with a selection of dried fruits and, most notably, grapes. Tradition holds that eating grapes on New Year’s Day ensures a year of prosperity, as they are associated with financial good fortune.

New Year’s Eve in Italy is a vibrant celebration, with fireworks and firecrackers lighting up the night sky to ring in the New Year. In many regions, it’s customary to throw out old belongings from windows, symbolizing the release of negativity from the past year and making way for a fresh start.

At midnight, people exchange warm wishes and raise a glass of Italian sparkling wine to toast to a new beginning. If you want to increase your luck in 2025, don’t forget to wear something red, as the colour is believed to bring good fortune in the coming year!

New year bingo​​​​​​​

At Italian New Year's parties, guests often enjoy a game called 'Tombola,' which is basically bingo. What makes this game unique is that each number has a special symbol assigned to it. Instead of calling out the numbers, players use the traditional symbols to identify them. For instance, the number 90 is linked to "the fear," and 47 is associated with "the speaking dead," adding a fun twist to the usual bingo experience.

Playing 'tombola' bingo is traditional at New Year in Italy Flickr

What is Christmas called in Italy?