Christmas like a local in Italy: 10 things to do

Christmas is a time of joy and cheer, and what better way to celebrate than by absorbing the local culture of Italy? The festive season embodies the perfect chance to surrender to some well-deserved time off, whether just a quick break or a longer trip in the magic of the holidays. 

To help you make the most of your Christmas in Italy, we've compiled a list of suggestions to get in the festive mood. 

Have a look at our tips for spending Christmas like a true local in Italy, embrace the spirit of the season, and book an experience that's sure to make your next vacanza di Natale one to remember!

As December rolls around, streets around the world are transformed into a glittering wonderland, with white and coloured lights shining the way and Mariah Carey's voice as canonical music background. 

In Italy, the festive season is no exception, with traditional Christmas decorations and plenty of fun and informal events to enjoy.

From the record-breaking Gubbio, which illuminates the world's largest Christmas tree, to Gaeta's stunning light displays and the artistic illuminations of Salerno and Turin. In short, Christmas lights in Italy are serious business.

Rome is one of the best places to experience the magic of the Italian winter. There are numerous cultural initiatives taking place throughout the city that are worth exploring.

For an extensive guide on how to make the most of Christmas in the città eterna, take a look at our detailed article!

Sparkling lights, the rich aroma of hot chocolate wafting through the air, the sound of festive music filling your ears, handicrafts of all kinds on display, from quirky trinkets to exquisite gems on the most unlikely of stalls. No matter where you are in the world, visiting a Christmas market is sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

Italy boasts some precious spots to see, too. From the famous stands arranged in Merano, complete with the picturesque perfect winter postcard backdrop, to the sea-view markets in Sicily, there are plenty of options to explore. 

Not sure which to visit? We've carefully curated a list of the most beautiful and magical Christmas markets to see in preparation for the 'most wonderful time of the year'.

Presepe, the representation of the nativity scene, is a symbol of the Italian Christmas. More than just a spiritual and religious emblem, it has become a cultural element that transcends boundaries.

Nativity-scene figurines, the pastori, are crafted with a fusion of sacred and profane elements, and it's fascinating to see how celebrities, kitsch caricatures, and biblical characters coexist in the shop windows of Neapolitan workshops. 

The origins can be traced back to the 13th century in the small village of Greccio, in the Lazio region. Since then, it has evolved into a grand show with costumed figures or sets with statues and complex scenographies. 

Naples has taken this art to another level, with the peculiar craftsmanship becoming a source of pride for the historic centre. 

However, many other cities and towns across Italy have their own ways of paying homage to this centuries-old tradition. For instance, Manarola, a small Ligurian village, has the world's largest presepe, with over 250 luminous figures arranged on the slopes of the Tre Croci hill. 

Indulge in a picturesque winter getaway at the tranquil shores of Lake Garda. For adventure enthusiasts, the nearby Monte Baldo offers various outdoor opportunities for trekking, snowshoeing, and nordic walking. 

Foodies can relish in the gastronomic splendour of the Villaggio del Gusto, the annual event held in Riva del Garda, showcasing the best local food and wine production. Children can also revel in the festive spirit with a visit to Santa Clause's village arranged in the ancient castle overlooking the lake, the splendid Rocca di Riva. 

The Christmas markets are truly enchanting and add to the already lovely charm of the place. Canale di Tenno's market is a must-visit, especially due to its location among the ancient palazzi of the medieval village. Another worth visiting is Rango nel Bleggio, where the stalls are set up among old farmhouses, stables, and wine cellars.

Sharing a meal is a splendid way to embark on a journey of flavours through the unique and delicious specialities of Italian Christmas cuisine.

However, sometimes things can get a bit complex, especially when different generations work together in the kitchen. And when you have a lot of guests to feed, the task can become even more challenging. Each family has its own unique set of rituals and traditions, which can vary in strictness.

Some dishes seem like they just can't be missed on festive tables: fish for Christmas Eve, broth or sumptuous baked pasta on Christmas Day, lentils and cotechino on New Year's Eve.

As for desserts, panettone, pandoro, cantucci, and roccocò are just a few of the sweet treats that have become popular across Italy, while many other regional delicacies remain lesser-known.

In Liguria, it's common to prepare pandolce on December 24th and enjoy it on the following day. Meanwhile, in Bologna, the perfect end to a hearty meal of tortellini and boiled meats is the panone, a dessert made with raisins, dried fruit, and chocolate. Sweet macaroni with cocoa and cinnamon are a staple in Umbria, while struffoli and mostaccioli are a must-try in Campania.

Each dish has a story to tell about the local history and culture, and every family has its own take on these traditional menus.

Christmas in Naples? Yes, please! Each holiday season, this city attracts record numbers of tourists. More and more travellers are choosing to spend the festive period in Naples—and it’s easy to see why. Parties, trendy events, concerts, exhibitions, markets: there’s much to do, see, and taste. Visiting Naples like a local between December and January is an immersive, joyous, and brave experience.

Brave like the most eccentric tradition to kick off Capodanno: a dip in the sea on January 1st. Dozens of intrepid souls gather at Rotonda Diaz, along Lungomare Caracciolo, to ring in the new year with a plunge into the chilly waters of the Gulf.

The event, almost a good-luck ritual, is nonprofit and open to everyone. Anyone can join in—as long as they can handle the cold. That said, sometimes the weather is so mild that the challenge feels less daunting than it sounds. If braving a winter swim isn’t your thing, it’s still worth showing up as a spectator. Watching the first swimmers of the year take the plunge is a fun, quirky experience that is sure to inspire admiration (and perhaps even a bit of envy).

On December 24, 2024, the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica will officially mark the beginning of the Holy Year. The Jubilee is expected to bring millions of pilgrims to Rome. Still, it’s also a unique opportunity for anyone looking to reconnect with the Eternal City and its vast heritage of sacred art, regardless of their faith.

The spotlight will be on Rome’s four major papal basilicas: St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls. These iconic sites are not only religious landmarks but also extraordinary historical and architectural treasures. They echo centuries of faith and culture brought to life by art maestri such as Michelangelo, Bernini, Bramante, and Raphael.

Spending Christmas in Rome offers the perfect excuse to explore cult sites like the Vatican Museums, which feature a special itinerary dedicated to The Nativity in Art during the holiday season. Guided tours in Italian and English include stops at the Pio Christian Museum, the Vatican Pinacoteca, and the Sistine Chapel. For the 2024 edition, this initiative will take place on December 7, 14, and 21.

Every year, La Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo offers the city a memorable Christmas concert in a truly breathtaking setting. Admission is free but subject to availability, and reservations must be made on the Duomo’s official website. At the time of writing, the date for the 2024 edition has not yet been announced, so we recommend keeping an eye on official channels for updates.

Milan is buzzing with events year-round, and Christmas is no exception, offering something for everyone. The festive season officially kicks off on December 7 with the opening night at Teatro alla Scala, an occasion always accompanied by various initiatives across the city. The 2024/2025 season opens with Giuseppe Verdi’s La Forza del Destino, conducted by Riccardo Chailly.

Around the feast days of Milan’s patron saint, Sant’Ambrogio, the city also hosts Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Fair. The traditional Christmas market near the Sforza Castle features hundreds of stalls and vendors from across Italy, bringing seasonal delights and crafts.

Families travelling with children should definitely check out Il Villaggio delle Meraviglie (Wonder Village) at the Indro Montanelli Gardens. Santa Claus and his elves say benvenuti to their guests in an enchanting setting filled with festive lights, rides, a big ice skating rink, markets, live music, and entertaining shows.

Among the must-see attractions is the spectacular Light Cycles installation at Idroscalo, a journey through nature that combines lights, sounds, and digital art for an unforgettable experience.