This Christmas, immerse yourself in the enchanting celebrations Italy has to offer. To fully enjoy your visit, ensure you meet the Italy visit visa requirements. You can explore delightful Christmas markets filled with handmade crafts and savor traditional Epiphany pastries.
Feel the unity of the world by visiting Cinque Terre and attending the Midnight Mass in its stunning churches. Let the divine atmosphere wash over you as you admire intricately crafted Nativity scenes known as “Presepi” and behold the city lights twinkling like stars at night. Join the locals in celebrating the Christmas spirit through historical reenactments and a gondola ride where you can sing carols while experiencing the charm of Venice.
Spending New Year’s Eve in Italy will be extraordinary, whether you find yourself atop the Alps sampling regional cuisine or engaging in local festivities. You are bound to fall in love with Italy’s festive spirit. This blog outlines numerous activities for your winter trip to Italy.
Things to Do in Italy for Christmas:
1. Explore the Christmas Markets in South Tyrol
The Christmas markets first originated in Germany and Alsace during the 14th century and eventually spread to Italy and other Alpine neighboring countries. For an authentic experience, visit the South Tyrolean Christmas Markets, where from November to January, the streets and squares of Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, Brunico, and Vipiteno come alive with festive cheer.
Easily accessible by train, these vibrant locales are brimming with color, aroma, and delightful treats, guaranteed to brighten your day and elevate your spirits.
2. Admire the Christmas Decor in Cinque Terre
A significant part of Cinque Terre’s charm lies in its sparkling streets adorned with lights and festive figures, especially on Christmas Eve, where magnificent trees are erected in the central squares.
Cinque Terre is a highly sought-after holiday destination during the festive season. While all villages exhibit beautiful lights and decorations, Monterosso al Mare and Riomaggiore are particularly enchanting. Additionally, Manarola hosts what is considered the world’s largest Christmas nativity scene.
3. Experience Christmas in Milan
Milan’s Christmas markets are closely associated with the traditional “Fiera degli Oh Bej! Oh Bej,” which honors St. Ambrose, the city’s patron saint. These markets, situated outside Sforza Castle from December 7 to 10, date back to 1288. Milan’s holiday agenda is packed with events, including the significant Scala Opening Night held annually.
4. Attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve at the Vatican
You might wonder why attending Midnight Mass ranks among the festive activities in Italy, yet Vatican City becomes uniquely captivating during Christmas. The towering Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square offers an unforgettable sight! While you’re enjoying the splendor of Christmas, treat yourself to a unique New Year’s Eve in Italy.
5. Discover the Colosseum during Christmas
If you’re celebrating Christmas with friends and family in Italy, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the stunning Colosseum. It’s challenging to encapsulate its grandeur in words, as this architectural marvel has hosted countless historical events. Standing in the Colosseum and picturing 50,000 spectators cheering for brutal battles can send chills down your spine!
6. Celebrate Christmas in Naples
The small hill of Armenian St. Gregory proudly showcases exquisite Nativity Scenes.
The tradition of Nativity scenes in Naples dates back to the late 17th century and remains unchanged, preserving its cultural significance. From early November until January 6, skilled artisans exhibit figurines for both traditional and unique Nativity scenes along Via San Gregorio Armeno, a hallmark of Naples.
In addition to the famed craft shops on San Gregorio Armeno, Naples’ Municipality hosts a wide array of activities during the holiday season, including guided tours, theatrical performances, music, dance, and several markets showcasing local crafts across the city.
7. Experience Nativity Scenes in Trapani, Sicily
From Christmas Eve to Epiphany, Trapani in Sicily becomes a vibrant hub for Nativity scenes, where residents showcase their creativity. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider hitting the famous beaches of Sicily for a fun day out. Be sure to check our Italy holidays guide for essential travel tips.
8. Adventure along the Amalfi Coast and Capri
Though winter may not be the prime time to visit the Amalfi Coast and Capri, it offers a unique charm that is lost during the bustling summer season. While many hotels may close for winter, local B&Bs can provide comfortable accommodations. The Amalfi Coast and Capri deliver breathtaking Mediterranean vistas, and if the weather permits, you can enjoy a guided tour of Capri.
9. Evening Activities in Trentino-Alto Adige
This picturesque region in northeast Italy is one of the best places to experience Christmas. The charming towns are beautifully adorned with decorations and festive markets, making it a popular choice for tourists looking to stay close to Venice without breaking the bank.
10. Gubbio’s Extraordinary Christmas Tree
Christmas in Gubbio, Umbria, is especially memorable as the world’s largest Christmas tree lights up every year on December 7. Constructed at the base of Mount Igino and stretching to the ancient city walls, this magnificent tree measures 750 meters and covers an area of 130,000 square meters, illuminated with over 700 colored lights.
But the celebration doesn’t stop there! Visitors can also explore the iconic Christmas markets in Piazza Quaranta Martiri, admire the traditional nativity scene in the medieval neighborhood of San Martino, and enjoy rides on a miniature train and panoramic wheel.
11. New Year’s Celebrations in Bologna
Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore hosts a unique New Year’s Eve celebration reminiscent of ancient traditions. The event features the symbolic burning of a puppet known as the “Vecchione,” or The Old Man, which represents the old year being discarded. This ritual is performed to usher in good luck for the coming year and keep away past misfortunes.
12. Ferrara’s Spectacular New Year’s Eve
To truly enjoy the vibrant New Year’s atmosphere in Italy, visit Ferrara, where music, family-friendly activities, and the Burning of the Estense Castle create a dazzling celebration. At midnight, a striking fireworks display lights up the sky, accompanied by colorful illuminations.
13. Salerno’s Mesmerizing Christmas Lights
The dazzling lights of Salerno are a highlight during the holiday season, with streets adorned by the stunning Luci d’Artista art installations that illuminate the city from mid-November until well into January.
14. Shop Until You Drop
No matter where you find yourself in Italy, local markets are sure to offer fantastic discounts on popular goods during the holiday season. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in some retail therapy and bring home a piece of Italy.
15. Explore the Frasassi Caves
As one of Europe’s largest cave systems, a visit to Frasassi Caves promises an exhilarating adventure. Discovered in 1971, these remarkable underground chambers offer 1500 meters of accessible caverns, making for a thrilling guided tour that lasts about an hour.
16. Join the Mount Lussari Torchlight Procession in Tarvisio
Experience the longest torchlight procession in the Alps, which takes place in Tarvisio, Udine. Around dusk on January 1st, 250 skiers dressed in traditional attire glide down the Di Prampero ski slope carrying torches. Enjoy the local market with product stalls and a children’s torchlight procession at 4:30 p.m.
17. Experience Winter Jazz in Umbria, Orvieto
If you adore jazz music, spend New Year’s Eve at the 27th Umbria Jazz Winter festival in Orvieto. The day is filled with rhythmic performances that suit all tastes, coupled with delightful cuisine and wine events. Highlights include a gospel concert following New Year’s Eve Mass and a grand dinner with performances before and after midnight.
18. Witness Living Nativity Scenes
For a unique experience, visit an Italian town for a “presepe vivente,” or living nativity scene. Picture wandering through a village where residents are dressed in period costumes! The most impressive setup is in Matera, where traditional cave homes transform into a giant open-air theater with live animals, people engaged in ancient crafts, and the holy family. These scenes run from December 8th to January 6th, offering plenty of opportunities to witness this enchanting display.
19. Hit the Slopes on Christmas Day
Ever considered skiing on Christmas? It’s a popular choice in Italy! Pack your winter gear and venture to the Dolomites, known for their breathtaking landscapes. Many ski resorts provide special Christmas Day packages, allowing you to glide down powdery slopes with stunning views. And after a day on the mountains, relax with some hot chocolate or mulled wine in a cozy lodge.
20. Celebrate the Feast of Santa Lucia in Sicily
If you find yourself in Sicily on December 13th, enjoy the festivities of the Feast of Santa Lucia in Syracuse. The vibrant parade features a silver statue of the saint carried through the streets, accompanied by delectable delicacies, dazzling fireworks, and a grand bonfire in the main square. It’s a joyful, colorful celebration that shouldn’t be missed.
21. Experience the Thrilling Krampus Parade
Have you heard about Krampus? In South Tyrol, locals partake in a thrilling tradition where they dress as this fearsome creature, the counterpart to Santa. In early December, these costumed figures parade through villages, creating a ruckus with rattling chains and jovial fright. It’s a wild, entertaining spectacle for both children and adults, blending Halloween with Christmas in an Italian twist!
22. Take a New Year’s Day Plunge
Are you brave enough to start the year with a chilly swim? In Viareggio, Tuscany, locals celebrate “Cimento Invernale,” diving into the frigid sea on New Year’s Day. Hundreds of participants dash into the icy waters, splash around, and rush back out, creating a fun and exhilarating atmosphere. Afterward, enjoy hot chocolate and cake on the beach, making it a delightful way to usher in the new year!
23. Enjoy a Christmas Concert in Rome
Rome comes alive with numerous concerts during the festive season. Experience the elegance of Handel’s “Messiah” in a historic church one evening, then dance to Italian Christmas pop at a local theater the next. Many concerts are either free or low-cost, providing a wonderful opportunity to soak in Italian culture while embracing the festive spirit!
24. Go Ice Skating in Florence
Head to Florence and lace up your skates! Each year, a large ice rink is set up in the city, typically in Piazza della Libertà, running from early December to mid-January. Even if you’re not an expert skater, it’s a delightful experience to glide amidst historical architecture. Once you’re done skating, warm up with delicious hot chocolate from nearby stands, soaking in the magical Christmas atmosphere!
25. Learn to Make Christmas Treats in Bologna
Do you have a passion for cooking and a sweet tooth? Then consider joining a Christmas cooking class in Bologna! Renowned for its culinary excellence, the city offers special classes during the holiday season where you can learn to create delicious Italian confections, such as panettone or festive cookies. Friendly instructors, often fluent in English, will guide you through the process, and the best part is you get to sample all your creations! It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon while picking up some amazing recipes to impress your friends.
Conclusion
This Italy holiday guide is packed with fantastic activities to celebrate Christmas. The joy of an Italian Christmas is evident in the wide array of festive experiences offered, providing a delightfully immersive cultural experience.
Enjoy a vibrant mix of Christmas markets, attend Midnight Mass, marvel at beautifully decorated churches, and indulge in traditional treats like panettone. Experience the thrill of winter sports in the Alps; there truly is something for everyone in Italy during the holidays!
The European Christmas markets, festive nativity scenes, historical reenactments, and boat tours around Venice are some of the exciting highlights. The streets of Italy transform into magical wonderlands adorned with twinkling lights, while locals bring the spirit of Christmas alive with caroling and festivities. All you need is to meet the Italy visit visa requirements.
