Christmas in Italy 2025: how the holiday is going and how to prepare for it
Christmas in Italy 2025 will officially begin on December 8th and last until January 6th. It’s not just one day, but a whole season filled with light, music, and family rituals. For those planning a trip, November is the perfect time to prepare. Below is everything you need to know to see Italy in its festive rhythm.
When Christmas in Italy 2025 begins
– December 8 is the Day of the Immaculate Conception: they turn on the lights and put up the Christmas trees.
– December 24 — La Vigilia: family dinner without meat, often with seafood.
– December 25 — Natale: main dinner with relatives, Mass at the church or the Vatican.
– January 6 — Epifania: the arrival of Befana and the end of the holidays.
We recommend that you check the schedule of all festive events in advance, especially for trips to the Vatican.
The main Christmas traditions in Italy that are worth seeing
– Presepe is a nativity scene that is installed in houses, churches and squares. -> There are live presepis with actors and animals in Abruzzo and Campania.
– Zampognari — shepherds-musicians in traditional costumes playing pipes.
– Tombola is a family lottery, similar to bingo, but with an Italian flavor.
Each region adds its own details: in Trentino — Alpine motifs, in Sicily — sweets made from almonds and honey.
If you want to see an authentic atmosphere, choose small towns rather than tourist centers.
The best places to spend Christmas in Italy in 2025
– Trento is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the Alps.
– Bologna — cozy squares, mulled wine and illuminated porticos of the old town.
– Rome — Piazza Navona with carousels, toys and lanterns from December 1st.
– Naples — famous presepi on San Gregorio Armeno street.
– Alba is a festival of truffles and Christmas delicacies in Piedmont.
We recommend booking accommodation as early as November — demand is growing by 40% in December.
To find and book apartments for the holidays, use the rental service from Italiatut.
What’s a must-try for Christmas in Italy 2025
– Panettone is a Milanese cake with candied fruits, served with mascarpone.
– Pandoro is a golden pie from Verona, often sprinkled with powdered sugar.
– Torrone — nougat with nuts, originally from Cremona.
– Cotechino con lenticchie — sausage with lentils for the New Year for good luck.
In small bakeries, regional versions of sweets differ from industrial ones — you should look for them at local fairs.
!Many farmers’ markets are open on weekends in December and offer tastings.
How to plan a Christmas trip to Italy in 2025
1. Book flights and accommodation by the end of November — prices increase by 25-50% in December.
2. Specify the opening hours of the museums: many are closed on December 25-26.
3. Plan a route to the main points of Christmas in Italy 2025. -> The Italiatut team will help you organize an individual vacation!
If you are traveling to Italy for the first time in winter, pay attention to the weather in the region.
Remember: In the north, the temperature can drop to -5°C, in the south it stays around +12°C during the day.
How to avoid the most common mistakes in December in Italy
– Do not rely on taxis in the city center — they are overloaded during the holidays.
– Do not forget about table reservations: even in small trattorias, reservations are made a week in advance.
– Do not leave the purchase of gifts for later — the best souvenirs are sorted earlier.
– Do not ignore local parking regulations: in December, they strengthen control in historical areas.
For those who want not just to see, but to experience Christmas in Italy 2025, the GIDtut team offers author’s and even individual excursions.
If you still have any questions or don’t know where to start, write to us on Telegram.
Our experts will help you choose a route, accommodation and prepare you for a stress-free holiday.
