How Christmas Is Celebrated in Italy

Christmas in Italy is a season steeped in rich traditions, heartfelt festivities, and the warmth of family. Unlike some countries focusing primarily on December 25th, Italians celebrate a three-day Christmas journey extending from Christmas Eve to St. Stephen’s Day on December 26th.

Day 1: La Vigilia di Natale (Christmas Eve)

Christmas Eve, or La Vigilia di Natale, in Italy is one of the most anticipated nights of the year. Families traditionally gather for an Italian Christmas Eve dinner, known as the Feast of the Seven Fishes, or La Cena della Vigilia.

This meatless meal, in keeping with Catholic tradition, often includes a variety of seafood dishes, such as baccalà (salted cod), fried calamari, shrimp, and clams with pasta. Each region and family often has their own menu variation, but seafood remains at the heart of the celebration.

After dinner, many Italians head to Midnight Mass. Those lucky enough to be in Rome might visit the Vatican for the Pope’s Christmas Eve Mass, while other towns and villages hold equally beautiful services that bring communities together.

Day 2: Natale (Christmas Day)

Christmas Day is all about family in Italy. Unlike in many other countries, Italian children usually do not receive gifts from Santa Claus, or Babbo Natale, on Christmas morning. Instead, they receive small treats on Christmas Day. Their main presents arrive on Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th with a visit by La Befana, the friendly Italian Christmas witch who brings children sweets or small toys.

On Christmas Day, Italian families gather for a lavish lunch lasting for hours. This Italian Christmas dinner often includes Italian Christmas foods such as antipasti like cured meats, cheeses, and olives. The main course, or secondi piatti, often includes roasted meats like lamb or turkey, accompanied by roasted vegetables and salads.

Italian Christmas desserts include torrone (nougat) or panforte (fruit and nut cake) as well as Italian Christmas cake varieties, especially Italian Christmas breads like panettone and pandoro, sweet breads that have become symbols of Italian Christmas.

Day 3: Il Giorno di Santo Stefano (St. Stephen’s Day)

The Christmas celebrations in Italy don’t end on December 25th. December 26th is St. Stephen’s Day, or Il Giorno di Santo Stefano, a public holiday in Italy dedicated to Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Italians typically use this day to visit extended family and friends.

St. Stephen’s Day is also a time to visit local nativity scenes, or presepi, an important part of Italian Christmas traditions. These detailed displays often feature hand-crafted figures and intricate landscapes, ranging from small home displays to elaborate setups in churches and public squares.

Ready to Reconnect with Your Roots?

Italian Christmas is all about connecting with loved ones, savoring food, and celebrating heritage. If you’ve always felt a connection to Italy, why not make it official by giving yourself or your family the gift of Italian citizenship? Imagine celebrating Christmas in Italy as a citizen, surrounded by the timeless Italian traditions and rich history that make it so unique. Contact the Italian American Citizenship Assistance Program today and discover your different options for dual citizenship.