Christmas in Italy 2025: A Magical Season for Expats Across Italy
Christmas in Italy isn’t just a holiday — it’s a season full of history, flavor, celebration, and heartfelt traditions that bring families, towns, and entire regions to life. Whether you’re an expat experiencing your first Italian Christmas or a returning fan of the magic, 2025 promises some beautiful celebrations across the country.
Here’s what to expect, what not to miss, and how to live the holidays the Italian way.
When Christmas Really Begins in Italy
Unlike many countries where Christmas “starts” in December, in Italy it begins officially on December 8th, the Festa dell’Immacolata, a national holiday. This is when you’ll see:
- Trees going up
- Lights switched on
- Christmas markets opening
Nativity scenes displayed everywhere (especially in small villages)
From this day on, every Italian city becomes a postcard.
Christmas Markets (Mercatini di Natale)
In 2025, expect the biggest and most beautiful markets in:
Bolzano & Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige)
Famous Alpine wooden stalls, mulled wine, artisan crafts — the closest thing to a storybook Christmas.
Rome – Piazza Navona
Carousels, handmade toys, street performers, roasted chestnuts — perfect for families and expats.
Florence – Weihnachtsmarkt Santa Croce
German-style market with Italian charm.
Naples – Via San Gregorio Armeno
The world’s most famous street for handcrafted Nativity figurines.
What Italians Eat at Christmas
If you’re spending Christmas in Italy, prepare to eat — a lot.
Christmas Eve (La Vigilia – Dec. 24)
Traditionally fish-based, featuring:
- Baccalà
- Fried calamari
- Spaghetti alle vongole
- Insalata di mare
Christmas Day (Dec. 25)
A feast of:
- Lasagne or cappelletti in broth
- Roast lamb or veal
- Artichokes, chicory, and roasted veggies
- Torrone, panettone, pandoro
Santo Stefano (Dec. 26)
Basically: leftovers, but Italian leftovers are better than most gourmet meals.
Religious Traditions
Italy’s Catholic heritage shapes many Christmas customs.
Midnight Mass
Held in every city — including the world-famous one at the Vatican.
Presepi (Nativity Scenes)
Italians take these very seriously. Some towns build living nativity villages with actors.
La Befana (Jan. 6)
Christmas in Italy doesn’t end on December 25.
It continues until Epiphany, when the good witch Befana brings sweets to well-behaved children.
What’s New for Christmas 2025?
Here are some 2025-specific notes and trends expats can look forward to:
Longer Holiday Light Shows
Major Italian cities announced extended Christmas-light programs for 2025, with sustainable LED installations and new artistic designs.
Special Holiday Trains
Expect extra high-speed trains between major cities to manage holiday travel — great news for expats planning to explore Italy during the break.
Early New Year’s Celebrations
Rome, Milan, Naples, Bologna, and Palermo will host larger-than-usual free public concerts and fireworks to kick off the Jubilee Year events leading into 2026.
Alpine Snow Season Looks Promising
Winter tourism forecasts predict excellent snow conditions for Christmas week — perfect for expat skiers.
Celebrating Christmas as an Expat in Italy
Here are some fun ways to make the most of your Italian holiday:
- Join local Christmas markets and food tastings
- Take a day trip to a decorated medieval village
- Attend a holiday cooking class (panettone, anyone?)
- Visit a Christmas concert in a church or historical venue
- Decorate Italian-style: with lights, presepi, and lots of food
And don’t forget: Book restaurants early! Christmas Eve and Christmas Day fill up fast.
Final Thoughts
Christmas in Italy is more than a season — it’s an experience that blends tradition, food, faith, and festivity. Whether you’re exploring markets, sharing meals with new friends, or just wandering through illuminated streets, 2025 will be a magical year to enjoy the holidays Italian-style.
