Episode #253: Buon Natale! Italian Christmas Traditions

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Summary

In this special holiday episode, we’re diving into the beautiful world of Italian Christmas traditions. From the enchanting decorations that light up cities like Florence and Rome to the unique presepi or nativity scenes found all over the country, but can be found on a special street in Naples. Discover the food that graces Italian tables during the holidays, learn about the various celebrations from the Feast of the Immaculate Conception to La Befana in January, and find out how you can bring a touch of Italian magic to your own home this Christmas.

What you’ll learn in this episode

• There is a variety of Italian Christmas Traditions, across the regions – involving both Catholic tradition and folklore
• The start of Christmas Season is December the 8th with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
• Homes and shops are decorated and public illumination displays can be found around the towns and cities. Florence and Puglia have particularly special decorations
• Large Christmas trees are erected and Christmas markets are found across Rome
• As well as classic nativity scenes, you will find presepe viventi, the live nativity scenes and preseppi, the miniature nativity figurines, particularly in Naples – which has the special Via San Gregorio Armeno street
• The Feast of Santa Lucia is a big tradition in Siracuse with processions and gift-giving. Santa Lucia, like Santa Claus, leaves gifts with children leaving out a cup of coffee for her, a carrot for her donkey and a glass of wine for her sidekick Castaldo
• Sturfoli, otherwise known as Zeppole is a fried dough treat found in Naples and the Amalfi and Sorrento Coasts at Christmas time. See how to make these for yourself in Untold Italy friend Piepaulo’s recipe video
• Novena starting December 16th, traditionally marks the journey of the three wise men on their way to visit the baby Jesus with Zampognari (bagpipe players) in Southern Italy and Sicily
• Christmas Eve is La Vigilia, which is when families have fish-based meals and local special dishes. Midnight Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome and the tradition of attending mass and Christmas Day itself there is the Urbi et Orbi address by the Pope
• Regional Christmas dishes and favorites include Panettone in Lombardy, Tortellini in Brodo in Emilia Romagna, Roast pork loin in Tuscany and sweet treat Struffoli in Naples and Buccellati cookies in Sicily
• 26th December is St Stephen’s Day and as per Christmas Day is a public holiday when most attractions are closed. On this day, Italians gather with friends and family but if you’re visiting Italy, some Christmas markets may be open but not much else going on so would be good for a rest day or to just have a wander
• On 5th January La Befana, the witch flies on her broomstick delivering gifts to the good children, and coal for those who have been naughty and as January continues preparation begins for February’s Carnevale

Timeline Overview

• 04:25 Italian Christmas markets: food, tradition, decorations, nativity
• 09:23 The 16th of December is the beginning of Novena; full of Italian traditions like the music of the bagpipers
• 11:06 2024 is the Jubilee so the Pope’s address will be a particularly busy one
• 14:49 Visit Italy for wonderful winter traditions festivals and feasts

Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned

Places

• Bolzano – in the far north of Italy, near the border with Austria. This was Nikki’s first home in Italy and is one of our 35 best cities to visit in Italy
• Mazzorbo – one of the islands of Venice, linked to Burano by a wooden bridge that has a special winery
• Palazzo Massimo – former palace now containing a museum of classical art
• Dolomites – the mountain peaks in the North of Italy
• Piazza Santa Croce – piazza in Florence home to the Basilica of Santa Croce
• Valle D’Itria – valley in Puglia
• Via San Gregorio Armeno – presepi/nativity street in Naples
• Syracuse – city in Sicily famous for the Santa Lucia’s festival

Food / Drink

• spaghetti vongole – spaghetti with clams
• frittelle di baccalà – cod fritters
• panettone – originating in Lombardy, a sweet, fluffy bread studded with raisins and candied fruit, is a Christmas staple across Italy
• tortellini in brodo (tortellini in broth) – in Emilia-Romagna, a comforting first course during the holidays
• arista di maiale (roast pork loin) – one of the famous Tuscan roasted meats, often featured on the festive table
• struffoli – also known as Zeppole, these bite-sized fried dough balls glazed with honey and sprinkles, are a holiday favorite in Naples
• buccellati – Sicilian sweet fig-stuffed cookies
• cassata – a rich ricotta cake, a beloved dessert from Sicily

Words / Concepts

• The Feast of the Immaculate Conception – 8th December, the start of the Christmas season
• presepio – an Italian nativity scene of figurines
• presepi viventi – the live nativity scenes
• zampognari – shepards who at Christmas play the zampogna, an ancient Italian type of bagpipe
• La Vigilia – the Italian family celebrations on Christmas eve
• Feast Santa Lucia – a festival in Sicily celebrating the saint on 13th December
• Babbo Natale – Father Christmas/Saint Nicholas
• La Befana – the good witch who brings sweets and gifts to the children who’ve been good and a lump of coal to those who have not

Related content on Untold Italy

Podcasts

• Ep 230 – The Vatican Jubilee 2025 – What to expect in Rome and- Italy
• Ep 204 – A Sparkling Sorrento Christmas
• Ep 153 – Christmas markets in Northern Italy’s South Tyrol region
• Ep 152 – Dishes to try in Bologna and the Emilia Region
• Ep 111 – Carnevale in Venice – Parties, costumes and more
• Ep 103 – Buon Natale – Tastes of an Italian Christmas
• Ep 102 – Christmas in Capri
• Ep 080 – Picturesque towns of Puglia 
• Ep 051 – Christmas in Rome and Italy

Articles

• Rome’s Vatican Jubilee 2025 – Tips and information for planning your visit
• Rome travel guide
• Best Place to Stay in Rome: Districts and Neighborhood Guide
• Puglia travel guide
• Things to do in Puglia
• Perfect Puglia towns to discover
• Best agriturismo in Puglia
• Best places to stay in Puglia
• Things to do in Lecce
• Emilia Romagna travel guide
• Best towns in the Dolomites
• Best things to do in the Dolomites
• Where to stay in the Dolomites
• Beautiful Amalfi Coast towns
• Amalfi Coast Itinerary
• Tuscany Travel Guide
• What to eat in Tuscany – the best regional cuisine
• Must-try food of Naples
• 3 day Naples Itinerary
• Capri travel guide
• Sicily travel guide
• Best places to visit in Sicily
• Best things to do in Sicily
• Best places to stay in Sicily

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