Christmas in Italy

Christmas in Italy falls on December 25 (festive season runs from December 8 to January 6). For many families the celebration stretches across several days, with quieter moments at home alongside the busier public events.

Many families set up an elaborate nativity scene called a presepe, often before the tree. Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is widely attended. In many southern regions, families share La Vigilia, a meatless Christmas Eve dinner of several fish courses. The season closes on January 6 with La Befana, a kindly old woman who brings sweets or small gifts to children.

Christmas Eve often centres on fish dishes, with a tradition of seven or more fishes common in parts of the south. Christmas Day commonly features stuffed pasta in broth, roasted meats and seasonal vegetables. Panettone from Milan and pandoro from Verona are the iconic Christmas cakes.

Some families exchange gifts on Christmas Day, while others wait for January 6, when La Befana traditionally fills children's stockings. Babbo Natale is increasingly common, especially with younger children.

The festive figure most associated with Christmas in Italy is Babbo Natale, with La Befana on January 6. Names, costumes and gift giving dates can vary from family to family and from region to region.

Panettone has been baked in Milan since at least the 15th century and is now exported around the world during December.