Christmas Day

Christmas Day, known in Italy as Natale, is celebrated on December 25 and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Its religious foundations derive from the early Christian calendar, while many of its customs developed through Italy’s long Roman Catholic history. The date follows Christmas Eve, or La Vigilia, a major observance traditionally associated with prayer, family gatherings, and, in some regions, attendance at Midnight Mass. In 2026, Christmas Day will fall on Friday, December 25.

Italy has played a central role in shaping European Christmas culture. Saint Francis of Assisi is traditionally credited with popularizing the living nativity scene, or presepe, at Greccio in 1223, and nativity displays remain a defining feature of Italian Christmas. Over time, local customs, regional foods, church ceremonies, and family traditions have blended with modern elements such as decorated trees, lights, and gift-giving. Christmas Day is a national public holiday and forms part of the broader festive period that continues through Saint Stephen’s Day on December 26 and concludes in many communities with Epiphany on January 6.

Christmas Day in Italy is primarily a family-centered and religious celebration. Families often attend Mass, visit nativity scenes, exchange greetings such as “Buon Natale” (Merry Christmas), and share a long festive lunch. Common dishes vary by region but may include filled pasta, baked pasta, risotto, roast meats, and seasonal vegetables. Traditional desserts include panettone, pandoro, torrone, and regional sweets such as struffoli in Campania or panforte in Tuscany. Although fish is especially associated with Christmas Eve, some families also serve seafood as part of their wider holiday menu.

Homes and public spaces are commonly decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and presepi, ranging from small family displays to elaborate artistic or living nativity scenes. Presents may be exchanged on Christmas Day, although in some families gifts are opened on Christmas Eve or associated with the figures of Babbo Natale (Father Christmas), the Gesù Bambino (Child Jesus), or La Befana, who traditionally brings gifts on Epiphany. Italians often spend the day visiting relatives, taking leisurely walks, watching holiday programs, and enjoying leftovers and sweets together. Standard greetings include “Buon Natale,” “Buone Feste” (Happy Holidays), and, for the entire season, “Auguri di Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo” (Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year).