Christmas in Italy: all you need to know to plan a magical trip [2025 Update]

All you need to know about Christmas in Italy: when and how to celebrate, best places to spend Christmas in Italy, what to expect from crowds, weather and more.

Christmas is a very big deal in Italy.

The country has a strong Christian tradition, which largely explains the significance and importance given to the celebration of the nativity, yet Christmas in Italy is not all about spirituality!

If you are in Italy at Christmas, you’ll have mass but, like in many other parts of the world, you will also have Christmas trees, Santa, gift diving traditions, cheers with prosecco and food for days! For the most part, Italy is not a ‘white Christmas’ and Christmas markets type of destination, yet it definitely gets a sprinkle of festive cheer.

The festivities are a great time to visit Italy under many respects and a very popular one too. In a previous guide, I talked about visiting Italy in December.

Today, I more specifically want to talk to you about visiting Italy at Christmas, what you need to know, and how to make the most of your time. I hope you enjoy this guide!

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What to expect visiting Italy at Christmas TL;DR (Summary)

Christmas can be a wonderful time to visit Italy.

The festivity is a significant here and you will have a dusting off Christmas cheer no matter where in Italy you go: at this time, you will be able to do all your city sightseeing, with extra sprinkles on top!

In Italy at Christmas, shop windows and streets will be illuminated with seasonal decor, Christmas trees will fill piazzas and public spaces and Christmas foods will fill the tables of private homes and restaurants.

However, for the most part Italy is not a white Christmas / Hallmark Christmas type of place. The tradition of real Christmas markets is limited to parts of the country (see below) so, a white Christmas feel is what you are hoping for, specific planning is a must!

Christmas is a family festivity and people get days off on the 25th, 26th December and then again on the 1st of January and the 6th of January, which means you will come across seasonal closures. These dates may impact your ability to visit ticketed attractions, take tours or classes.

Christmas in Italy is VERY crowded with tourists so it is paramount to plan ahead if visiting Rome, Venice and Florence especially.

Christmas in Italy is winter, so activities and plans must take into account shorter daylight hours and potential rain.

In this guide, I share all my tips to make the most of this season, miminize closures impact and enjoy the best best Christmas in Italy can offer!

When is Christmas in Italy + Christmas days of notice and closures

Christmas season in Italy starts on the 8th of December and finishes on the 6th of January. During this time, there are the following festivities you need to know about.

8th December

8th December – on this day, the Church celebrates the Immaculate Conception.

The day is a significant festivity for the Catholic church and also has impact on non religious businesses as it is National Holiday.

On this day, schools and offices are off and many locals use the day to take a break and travel.

If the day falls close to a weekend, it is common for people to try and make a longer weekend out of it, for instance Thursday to Sunday or so.

This is potentially important for visitors to know as it means demand for hotels and trains (and therefore prices) are often highest around this day and crowd level also increase due to internal demand.

Tours and anything to do with tourism tends to be in full swing due to the high demand.

Fun fact! The 8th December is also the day when, traditionally, Italians make their Christmas tree! This happens in private homes but also in public spaces. Usually the Vatican lights up its Christmas Tree on this day and many piazzas see the Christmas lights coming on too.

24 December Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is a pre-festive day in Italy.

Schools are closed and most offices observe a shorter working day, to allow people to get ready for the start of the celebrations and Christmas eve dinner, a very big family event in Italy.

On this day, shops tend to stay open until mid/ late afternoon to allow for last minute shopping and, and most attractions are open for at least part of the day.

Tours tend to be operational in the first part of the day but check individual websites as there is no general rule.

Restaurants tend to be open for lunch but many close for dinner or offer a set menu. This is because traditionally locals cook at home on this day, so the demand for dinner out is more limited.

25 December Christmas Day

Christmas Day is National Holiday and families traditionally gather for lunch.

On this day, many things are closed to allow workers to celebrate with their families, although not all comes to a halt.

Tours and classes will be hard to come by on this day: as much as possible people take are given today off so if you are planning on a cooking classes, tours etc, I recommend you pick a different day.

Especially in big cities, you’ll always find some things open and basic services keep running. However, check websites for anything you are hoping to visit this day as it is indeed, not like any other day at all.

Lunch and dinner on this day are best booked well in advance as not all restaurants are open and not all have normal service: many, especially at lunchtime, are likely to offer a set Christmas menu.

On this day, the main events are mass for the faithful and a massive family lunch with gift giving for everyone.

26 December, St Stephen’s Day

St Stephen’s day is also a national holiday in Italy. People are off work today and some attractions are closed on this day, although not to the same extent as Christmas Day. Attractions all follow individual schedules so it is paramount to check the website of each to check what kind of holiday schedule they follow/

For the most part tours do operate on this day bu check with each provider and attraction you may be interested in visiting as the festivity may affect you.

31st December New years Eve

New Years’ Eve is celebrated in Italy like in many other parts of the world: partying!

Many cities have special public events such as concerts and fireworks that are free to attend. The best way to know what’s on is to follow news and facebook pages of events in the city you’re in.

The main thing impacted by the en of year celebrations are restaurants for the evening. Not all are open and not all have standard service, but a set menu offering instead. Especially if staying in a small center, advance booking is recommended.

Traditional Italian foods for New Years’ Eve are lentils (said to bring money!) and cotechino (pork).

During the day, tours are usually not affected.

1st January – New Years Day

New Years Day in Italy is a National holiday and this may impact opening of attractions and availability of tours..

Like during all festive days, the best course of action is to check individual websites and tour operators as there is no general rule about what opens and what doesn’t.

Restaurants tend to be open especially in big centers.

6th of January – The Epiphany

The 6th of January is the last day of the Christmas holiday in Italy and an important religious celebration for the Christian Church which celebrated the arrival of the Three Kings to Baby Jesus: the Epiphany.

This is usually the last day off for school children and offices are also off this day.

Like during the other festivities, tour operators and anyone dealing with tourism may be operational on this day, due to the high demand, yet it is always best to double check individual attraction websites and tours.

How crowded is Italy at Christmas

Christmas is a very crowded time in most of Italy’s tourism destinations. Since many counties have days off at this time, this is a popular time for tourism and prices and crowds peak.

The busiest moment for crowds is between Christmas Day and New Year’s but things to do not really quiet down until the 6th of January included. The busiest places of all are Rome, Venice and Florence, as well as the pretty Christmas markets cities in the Dolomites.

Coastal areas are quieter as they go through their low season.

I recommend you read our tips to escape crowds in Italy to handle these high numbers at best.

The best places to visit in Italy at Christmas

The best places to visit Italy at Christmas are those that have special Christmas traditions and those that have enough to offer to visitors in the winter months.

My favorite are as follows.

Verona and The Dolomites (Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone etc)

If you want a Christmas with German style Christmas markets, cracking fire and snow, then there is no better place than visiting the Dolomites.

Christmas markets are not an Italian tradition, but the Dolomites have strong cultural ties with Austria and Germany, where the market tradition is from, and therefore it is here that you find the best Christmas markets in Italy!

At this time, if you go to cities such as Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone etc, you find the main piazzas all kitted out with proper market huts, mulled wine and Christmas fare stands and you can truly immerse yourself in a white Christmas experience.

As well as the mountain cities, Christmas can also be a lovely time to experience the slopes and some of the best hotels in the area, which offer mountain views, spas, pools and outstanding restaurants. Perfect for a winter wonderland stay!

Find here >> the best places to visit on the Dolomites.

My favorite way to plan a trip to the Dolomites at Christmas is by combining it with a stay in Verona.

Verona is well connected to Bolzano by train, it has itself a strong Christmas tradition and it is absolutely wonderful: sightseeing and shopping here is easy and the town is mellow, del organised and beautiful, which means it is a great place to start exploring Italy if coming here for the first time and feel the idea of the bigger cities overwhelming.

In Verona at Christmas you can do sightseeing, shopping, enjoy the Christmas market, take a cooking class or just stroll and take in your surroundings!

Florence and Tuscany

I love Tuscany in all seasons but there is something special in Tuscany at Christmas since the regions has lovely holiday events that make this time here even more magical.

Florence at Christmas is acquires lovely trees, decorations and has some special events such as concert and Christmas lunched and brunches that make it feel festive and cheerful.

Other towns such as Lucca, Siena and Arezzo have small but cure Christmas markets that add a touch of festive cheer to these already stunning towns. You can find here >>> my shortlist of the best Christmas markets in Tuscany

During the festivities, my favorite things to do is mix and match time in a town with a weekend in a cozy retreat in the countryside.

By staying in city, you can make the most of shopping opportunities, try many restaurants, museums, go to concerts and seasonal events. In Florence for instance you could do things like a local artisan tour to get special gifts take a local cooking class to warm up on a cold day or go on a Florence food tour.

By staying in the country, for instance in resorts like Castelfalfi, you can go for brisk walks, enjoy the crisp winter air and then relax and defrost in front of a crackling fire while being spoilt by their chefs in beautifully decorated. A dream!

Rome

Rome is very busy at Christmas but, as you can imagine, it is one of the best places to spend Christmas in Italy due to the presence of the Vatican and the sheer number of events that take place in the city.

In Rome at Christmas you find decorations, lights, Christmas trees, small Christmas markets, concerts, events and of course all the shopping you may dream of.

At this time, you can also indulge in many activities and tours.

In Rome at Christmas you can do all your sightseeing, take a pasta making class, an art class, you can take a food tour and do special seasonal things like seeing the many nativity scenes around town, participate in Christmas mass in one of the city’s stunning Churches or just enjoy festive meals in Rome’s many delicious restaurants

You can read here: all you need to know about Christmas in Rome (I am from Rome!)

Venice

Venice is absolutely magical at Christmas! At this time, the city gains pretty luminaries and the canals sparkle reflecting their light. The city can get rather cold due to the humidity but the opportunities to escape the cold abound: Venice has infinite museums, bacari (cafes / wine bars) and restaurants that will make your stay pleasant and dry!

At this time, I recommend to take tours of the top attractions, take local classes such as mask making (traditional and indoors) and indulge in food tour (for warming wine and bites!).

Puglia

Another fabulous place to spend Christmas in Italy is Puglia.

Puglia is a region mostly associated with stunning beaches and summer time; however, some areas especially are really special at Christmas as Puglia’s pretty towns love to decorate so the results are delightful! Locorotondo is adorable during the holidays!

At Christmas, you won’t be able to enjoy the sea of Puglia but you can definitely enjoy sightseeing and make the most of the lower crowds: it is therefore perfect for those looking for an off the beaten path experience.

Need to know: due to the weather, I do not recommend planning time on the coast at this time if you are hoping for many tours and activities. Only opt for coastal towns if you are seeking out a very quiet, sit with a book with a beautiful view type of stay, do not expect boat tours etc as the weather and demand normally do not allow for them.

What to book if spending Christmas in Italy

Christmas in Italy is a very busy time. I therefore recommend you book anything you have your heart set on including accommodation, attractions and tours.

I also recommend to book restaurants for Christmas eve (evening meal), Christmas Day (lunch) and New Year’s Eve (dinner) unless you are very flexible in your planning.

Find here >> Italy’s booking resources.

Christmas in Italy for kids

Christmas in Italy for kids is full of magic. Some of the most popular Italian Christmas traditions are common to other parts of the world and are likely to be familiar, while others may be new and fun!

Santa in Italy. Of course, Santa comes to Italy too! In Italian we call him Babbo Natale (Father Christmas) but he is just the one you know: beard, sleigh, reindeer, naughty and nice list, gifts…

You can find our more about the Italian Santa here.

La Befana. As well as Santa, there is one more magical character coming to Italian homes during the holidays, La Befana!

La Befana comes specifically on the 6th of January, the day of the Epiphany, and brings sweets and coal to kids.

Her story is wonderful and very ancient. You can find it here >>> meet La befana

Christmas in Italy kids printables

If you have small kids, they may enjoy these seasonal coloring pages (Free)

Christmas attire: what to pack for Christmas in Italy

You do not need any special Christmas attire in Italy, unless you have a very fancy place booked, for instance Christmas lunch in a five star hotel and similar.

In those cases, check if they may require a dress code. If none is mentioned, attire suitable to the establishment is sufficient, you do not need to pack anything overly dressy unless you want to!

Italian Christmas traditions you may want to know (including food traditions!)

Italy has several Christmas traditions you may learn about, from eating fish on Christmas Eve to the tradition of the Presepe, panettone and la befana. You can find here >>> my essential guide to Italian Christmas traditions you’ll love.

The weather in Italy for Christmas

Christmas falls in winter in Italy. Depending on where you are, this means you may find snow (at high altitude), and a mix of raining and sunny days, very much down to luck on the day.

In general, there is a higher chance of blue sky in Rome and the South than in the north, but is is not a general rule so it is best to assume the weather will be hit and miss.

No matter where you are, you want to have coat, scarf, sweater and closed shoes as winter in Italy does get cold (this includes the South).

I hope you found this overview of Christmas in Italy useful: Buon Natale (this means Merry Christmas in Italian)

Christmas in Italy: pin this!