Spending Christmas in Italy is an experience like no other.

The festive season in this Southern European country starts on December 8 (the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception) and lasts until January 6 (Epiphany).

This means, for an entire month, you’d be delighted to witness Christmas traditions and soak up the fairy-tale atmosphere.

Should you plan to travel to Italy during the festive time of the year, it might be a good idea to look up some Christmas Deals to make the best of your budget and, why not, save some money along the way.

Christmas Traditions in Italy

But first, let me talk a little bit about the Italian traditions around Christmas.

I was lucky enough to live in Puglia throughout this entire festive period and I had the time of my life. I learned so much from locals and enjoyed so many traditional foods that my love for Italy only grew stronger each day.

Italians don’t eat meat on Christmas Eve. The food served for dinner includes a variety of fish dishes and they do vary according to the region. In Naples, broccoli and seafood are sautéed together. While in Puglia, we had a variety of seafood, lightly cooked in the oven and served with lemon wedges.

Of course, pasta is not missing from the table, either. But it’s served with seafood. Again, there are differences between the regions. Dishes featuring mussels or clams and pasta are popular in Naples, for example.

Oh, and gifts are not given on Christmas Day or by Santa. Instead, kids receive gifts on January 6 from Befana. Translated to “the good witch”, she fills stockings with candy for the children on the good list, and coal for the naughty children. For the rest of us, Saint Nicholas would do exactly that, only on December 5 (on the Eve of Saint Nicholas).

Probably everyone knows about panettone, the sweet cake of choice for Christmas celebrations across the country.

Nativity scenes can be found around the cities and in people’s houses. Yes, there are Christmas trees, too, and Advent Wreaths. The wreath includes 4 candles that are each on each Sunday before Christmas. They symbolize hope, love, joy, and peace.

Christmas Markets in Italy

Having origins in Germany, Christmas Markets are popular across all of Europe. And yes, they can be found in Italy, too.

I visited the one in Bari back in 2016 (and it was set right at the entrance to the Old Town, where my accommodation was). Compared to the ones in Vienna or even Budapest that I’ve visited before, this one was tiny.

For a more German feel to the market, you’d need to head to Northern Italy. Milano, Trieste, Govone, Brixen, and Bolzano are all home to charming markets each year.

In Milan, for example, the 60 huts spread around the magnificent Duomo of Milan and are dedicated to Christmas decorations (and food). In Trieste, you can find artisanal items and ethnic cuisine (typical for Central-Eastern Europe).

If you plan to travel this year, you are in luck! The markets open in plenty of gorgeous Italian places:

• Bolzano: Nov 24, 2023 – Jan 6, 2024
• Trento: Nov 18, 2023 – Jan 7, 2024
• Genoa: Dec 1-23 , 2023
• Naples: Dec 2, 2023 – Jan 7, 2024
• Trento: Nov 18, 2023 – Jan 8, 2024

>>Planning to visit other Christmas Markets in Europe? Here are some magical choices for you!

How to Find Deals for Christmas in Italy

Flexibility matters when it comes to planning any trip. For certain you don’t want to travel on the actual holiday, so plan your arrival around December 20-21.

When it comes to flying, look both into going directly to Rome, without a doubt the largest hub in the country, or a large airport closer to your destination.

Milano is a great hub if you want to venture into Northern Italy, while Bari is excellent for those who want to explore Southern Italy. Rome is somewhat in the middle, which means, you can take advantage of both of the great fares to fly into the capital and the local trains to travel to whatever destinations you wish to visit.

If you are a confident driver, consider renting a car in Italy so that you don’t have to worry about train schedules.

Accommodation in Italy is plentiful and for every budget. We stayed for a couple of days in a hotel in the heart of the Old Town in Bari before renting for a local for the reminder 5 weeks further north on the Gargano Coast.

Booking.com

What Clothes to Pack for Christmas in Italy

When it comes to packing for a Christmas trip in Italy, you need to consider where you’ll be going.

The average temperature in December in Milan is 1.6C / 35F, in Rome and Naples about 9.5C / 49F, where in Bari is a bit higher at 9.9C / 49.9F.

But these are just averages. I was lucky enough to soak the sun by the Adriatic Coast at a very balmy 18C / 64.4F on the Sunday before Christmas. But right before Epiphany, the weather decided to turn, and it was even snowing for a bit.
That said, layers are your friends.

And don’t forget the importance of a pair of waterproof lightweight hiking boots. They are great to explore the cities and excellent if you plan to do some hiking, too.

You might want to pair a waterproof winter jacket with a t-shirt or go for multiple layers with a light autumn jacket and a warmer long-sleeve t-shirt.

Cute dresses can be paired with warm leggings, a jacket, and comfy boots so that we feel both toasty and gorgeous while exploring the stunning Italian destinations.

And yes, before you ask, winters in Italy can be windy and wet. And that’s exactly why I recommend waterproof …well, everything!

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