#90 Christmas and New Years in Italy

Bonus festive post

Hello Friend,

Are you ready for the holidays? Don't miss out on Christmas and New Year's magic in Italy! As a travel writer, I've been to Italy during this festive season many times and let me tell you, it's a must-visit destination. 

Here are three reasons why you need to experience Italy during Christmas and New Year's:

1. Experience the most enchanting Christmas markets

Italy's Christmas markets are nothing short of magical, from the twinkling lights to the delicious food and handmade gifts. Indulge in a cup of steaming hot chocolate, listen to live music, and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.

2. Celebrate New Year's in style

Italy knows how to throw a party, and New Year's Eve is no exception. Join the locals in the streets of Rome, Venice, or Florence as they ring in the new year with fireworks and celebrations. And, of course, no Italian festival is complete without a mouth-watering feast.

3. Witness centuries-old traditions

Italy has a rich cultural heritage that shines even brighter during the holiday season. From the famous nativity scenes (or presepi) to the traditional Christmas Eve meal of seafood (called La Vigilia), you'll get a glimpse of centuries-old traditions passed down through generations.

Photo by Olena Bohovyk

A visit to Italy during the winter Christmas festivities will be the source of some truly unforgettable memories.

If you're planning a trip to Italy during the holidays, here are some must-do activities to make your experience even more magical. And if you aren't planning to visit Italy for Christmas, perhaps you should start planning for next year.

1. Visit Christmas markets in cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence and indulge in delicious Italian treats like panettone and mulled wine. 

There are always many festive markets, even in smaller cities and towns. 

The novena is a series of special religious celebrations held in churches all over Italy. It is nine days or nights of masses filled with Christmas carols, and nativity plays and traditional folk music like the zampogna Italian bagpipes, which are often played in local squares in the days leading up to Christmas. 

So, for some magical Christmas moments, grab some roasted chestnuts and follow the zampogna.

2. Take a walk through the stunning Piazza Navona in Rome, transformed into a winter wonderland with colourful lights and festive decorations.

Most central squares are usually associated with local markets and events and will be decorated with Christmas lights and trees.

3. Attend a traditional Christmas Mass at the iconic Vatican City, followed by a visit to St. Peter's Basilica. Christmas Eve mass is also a beautiful tradition filled with Christmas carols and music, a very picturesque and poignant way of celebrating the festive season in Italy.

Photo by Aliona & Pasha

4. Admire the beautiful nativity scenes (presepi) throughout the country, especially in cities like Naples and Sicily where they are known for their intricate designs.

Apart from the folk art of ceramic and paper mache nativities, there is also the presepi viventi. 

Many places transform old buildings in the centro storico to create theatrical performances of the nativity, which is a beautiful and unique way of experiencing the narrative of Christmas.

5. Experience the magic of La Scala Opera House in Milan, where you can catch a spectacular performance of The Nutcracker. 

All major Opera houses in Italy will have special Christmas and New Year concerts.

The opera and orchestral performance season also begins in the winter.

6. Embrace the local traditions by participating in the Feast of Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, a delicious seafood feast families all over Italy enjoy.

Yes, Christmas Eve is all about seafood, and many restaurants will have special menus designed to help you taste the best of the sea. 

Be sure to book early, as these special events do sell out quickly-

7. Head to the Amalfi Coast for a unique Christmas shopping experience at the quaint boutiques and markets, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Many Italian fashion brands will sell unique seasonal products exclusively for Christmas. 

Everything from special sweets, perfumes, jewellery and clothing, so make a memorable purchase to help you recall your Italian Christmas with a unique souvenir.

8. Indulge in a hot chocolate from one of the famous cafés in Turin, known for their rich and creamy hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate in Italy is on a totally different planet. Forget about marshmallows and Ovaltine. Think more along the lines of liquid chocolate mousse, as the cioccolata calda is more like a decadent dessert than a drink, something not to be missed. 

Together with an endless array of regional specialities and pastries, all available only at this time of year.

9. Ski or snowboard in the picturesque Dolomites, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and cosy Christmas markets.

Keeping our fingers crossed for an excellent skiing season, there are many places all over Italy where you can experience a white Christmas, from the Val d' Osta and Trentino in the north down to the Nicolasi and Piano Battalia ski fields near Mt Etna in Sicily.

10. Finally, be sure to end the year with a bang by joining the festive celebrations in Rome's capital city. There's no shortage of fun and excitement, from street parties to fireworks shows! 

New Year is also great fun in Italy; endless New Year's Eve concerts and fireworks are infinite fun.

There is something magical about the festive season here in Italy. Don't forget to subscribe for more travel tips and inspiration! Grazie mille! 

I hope you make your Italian Christmas wish come true.

From Rochelle

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About me

My name is Rochelle Del Borrello (@rochelledelborrello), and I'm a writer, ESL teacher and blogger based in Sicily, Italy. Over the past decade, I've been writing about Sicily online, as a travel writer and on my blog. I started 'A Load off my Mind' to share more of my writing, thoughts, and discoveries directly and regularly with you. My newsletter is a way of sharing what is happening in my creative life in Sicily—part slice of life, part travel memoir and all with my philosophical yet honest point of view.

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