Italy Travel Blog

Christmas in Italy is a magical experience. Traveling throughout the country you will find expressions of religious traditions rooted in Catholicism and pagan traditions originating from Saturnalia (winter solstice festival). Festivities begin with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 and end with the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. The children eagerly await the La Befana (the old witch) who comes to deliver gifts. Here are just a few highlights.

Presepio (the Italian Nativity Scene): The presepi are nativity scenes showcasing Italian craftsmanship. Most are set up in churches but many can be found in public squares or other public areas. They can be very elaborate, sometimes including a “working” replication of an entire village. In the Museo Nazionale di San Martino you can see a famous collection of Neapolitan nativity scenes including the largest nativity scene, the Presepe Cuciniello, with 162 people, 80 animals, angels, and about 450 miniature objects. They are among the finest nativity scenes in the world.

In Naples on the via San Gregorio Armeno, you will find numerous shops with many variations of nativity figurines. They are masters of miniaturization. Here you can find detailed copies of all household objects gastronomic delights, exotic animals and sometimes, even caricatured politicians.

Shooting Star: Popular in all of Europe, the shooting star can be found everywhere in Italy from bakeries to street decorations where it is outlined with lights. The star represents hope for good fortune and attainment of high ideals.

Christmas Markets: A special treat for shoppers in Italy are the Christmas markets. In the north, they have a strong German influence. Trento, sometimes referred to as “the first Italian town after Brennero Pass” reflects both Italian and German cultures. The most famous tradition is the “Christkindlmarkt” that goes back to the XIV century in Germany with the so called “Santa Claus Market”. Typical of some of the more elaborate markets is the Bolzano Christmas Market. It features the scents of the wine and Christmas pastries enhanced by Christmas music. There are 80 stallholders in their little huts offering their handmade wooden, glass and ceramic products along with Christmas ornaments and other original gifts. In Venice you can find another Christmas Market in the Campo Santo Stefano where the artisans set up their little log cabins to sell their crafts. You can find Christmas markets in any region in Italy.

Celebrate Christmas in Italy: Italy has something for everyone during the winter holidays. You can celebrate Christmas Mass at the Vatican or the winter solstice (Saturnalia) in Rome. Enjoy the food and pastry specialties or watch the artisans perform their crafts. In Italy you will find yourself reflecting on all that is good in the world.

Buon Natale!