Christmas in Italy

Christmas in Italy falls on December 25, with the Christmas festivities closing at Epiphany on January 6.

Italia.it's Christmas overview highlights living nativity scenes, craft exhibitions, decorated streets and the characteristic Christmas markets in both large cities and small villages, from north to south and on the islands. On the night between January 5 and 6, La Befana visits children and fills the stockings hung by the fireplace with sweets or coal. Epiphany is marked by public events such as the Regata della Befana in Venice, the rogo della vecia in Verona and a costume parade in Piazza Navona in Rome.

Pandoro and panettone are described by Italia.it as the typical Italian Christmas cakes, eaten from the north to the south of the country. Pandoro was first patented in Verona in 1884 by the pastry chef Domenico Melegatti, while panettone comes from Milan, where the modern recipe was perfected at the end of the 1800s.

La Befana traditionally fills children's stockings on the night between January 5 and 6, bringing sweets or coal depending on how they have behaved during the year. Gift-giving practice at Christmas itself varies between families and regions.

The festive figure most associated with Christmas in Italy is La Befana on Epiphany; Christmas gift bringer practice varies by family.

Pandoro was patented in 1884 by the Veronese pastry chef Domenico Melegatti, inspired by a local dessert called Levà that was prepared in Verona on Christmas Eve.

For the rituals, dishes and gift bringers in other countries, browse our Christmas around the world hub, compare customs side by side in the Christmas Traditions Explorer or plan your own December with the Christmas checklist.