Tuesday 18 November 2025 12:11
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 […]
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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.
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.
In 2025, expect the biggest and most beautiful markets in:
Famous Alpine wooden stalls, mulled wine, artisan crafts — the closest thing to a storybook Christmas.
Carousels, handmade toys, street performers, roasted chestnuts — perfect for families and expats.
German-style market with Italian charm.
The world’s most famous street for handcrafted Nativity figurines.
If you’re spending Christmas in Italy, prepare to eat — a lot.
Traditionally fish-based, featuring:
- Baccalà
- Fried calamari
- Spaghetti alle vongole
- Insalata di mare
A feast of:
- Lasagne or cappelletti in broth
- Roast lamb or veal
- Artichokes, chicory, and roasted veggies
- Torrone, panettone, pandoro
Basically: leftovers, but Italian leftovers are better than most gourmet meals.
Italy’s Catholic heritage shapes many Christmas customs.
Held in every city — including the world-famous one at the Vatican.
Italians take these very seriously. Some towns build living nativity villages with actors.
Christmas in Italy doesn’t end on December 25.
It continues until Epiphany, when the good witch Befana brings sweets to well-behaved children.
It continues until Epiphany, when the good witch Befana brings sweets to well-behaved children.
Here are some 2025-specific notes and trends expats can look forward to:
Major Italian cities announced extended Christmas-light programs for 2025, with sustainable LED installations and new artistic designs.
Expect extra high-speed trains between major cities to manage holiday travel — great news for expats planning to explore Italy during the break.
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.
Winter tourism forecasts predict excellent snow conditions for Christmas week — perfect for expat skiers.
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.
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.
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