Wondering where to spend Christmas in Italy 2025? Italy is one of the most magical destinations for the holiday season, offering a blend of festive traditions, stunning scenery, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you dream of snowy mountains, charming Christmas markets, or historic cities lit up with twinkling lights, Italy has a perfect Christmas destination for every traveller.
From the bustling streets of Rome to the snow-covered Dolomites and the sunlit coast of Puglia, Christmas in Italy 2025 promises festive cheer, cultural experiences, and seasonal treats that will make your holiday truly special. Here’s our guide to the best places to spend Christmas in Italy.
Best Places for Christmas in Italy 2025
The best Italian Christmas destinations vary depending on what you’re looking for. Rome is perfect for festive city vibes and Vatican celebrations, while the Dolomites offer a snowy Alpine wonderland. Naples showcases traditional nativity scenes, Milan dazzles with holiday shopping and lights, and smaller towns like Locorotondo in Puglia offer a cosy, intimate Christmas experience.
Rome: Christmas in the Eternal City
Rome is a top destination for a magical Christmas in Italy 2025. The city comes alive with festive lights, charming Christmas markets, and religious traditions, including the famous nativity scene at St. Peter’s Square and the Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve.
- Piazza Navona Christmas Market: Open throughout December, this iconic market offers local crafts, traditional Italian holiday treats, and festive decorations.
- Nativity Scenes: “Il Presepe” can be admired across Rome, but the Vatican’s display is unmissable.
With its historic squares, twinkling streets, and festive atmosphere, Rome captures the true spirit of Christmas.
The Dolomites: snowy Christmas in Northern Italy
For a winter wonderland Christmas in Italy, head to the Dolomites. Perfect for skiing and winter sports, the region is also home to some of Italy’s finest Christmas markets.
- Bolzano and Merano Christmas Markets: Discover traditional crafts, local delicacies, and festive decorations in these charming Alpine towns.
- Trentino-South Tyrol Region: Experience authentic Italian holiday traditions in a scenic snowy setting.
Whether for snowy adventures or a cosy Alpine escape, the Dolomites offer a picture-perfect festive experience.
Naples: traditional Southern Italian Christmas
Naples is renowned for its vivid Christmas traditions and nativity scene artistry. Explore the historic centre lit up with festive lights, visit the live nativity in Piazza San Gaetano, and indulge in Naples’ renowned Christmas foods.
- Live Nativity Scenes: Piazza San Gaetano hosts spectacular displays.
- Christmas Food in Naples: From sweet treats to traditional pasta dishes, Naples offers some of the best festive cuisine in Italy.
From lively streets to mouthwatering holiday treats, Naples offers an authentic and colourful Italian Christmas experience.
Milan: stylish Christmas and holiday shopping
Milan is ideal for a fashionable Christmas in Italy 2025, with lively decorations and festive events across the city.
- Piazza Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: See dazzling holiday lights and enjoy Christmas shopping in iconic settings.
- Christmas Markets and Shows: Milan’s festive events create a magical holiday atmosphere, perfect for visitors looking for a mix of shopping and culture.
For a chic, bustling Christmas full of lights, markets, and Italian style, Milan is the perfect festive destination.
Locorotondo and Puglia: a unique Christmas experience
Locorotondo in Puglia is a charming, off-the-beaten-path destination for Christmas, with streets illuminated by festive lights and local culinary delights to enjoy.
- Nearby Puglia towns: Explore Bari, Alberobello, Brindisi, Lecce, Ostuni, and Polignano for regional Christmas traditions and decorations.
With its fairy-tale streets and warm local traditions, Puglia provides a peaceful and enchanting Christmas escape.
Italy at Christmas: weather
Italy’s weather varies greatly in December:
- Northern Italy: Cold with snow, ideal for winter sports and Alpine Christmas markets.
- Central Italy (Rome, Florence): Chilly but manageable for city sightseeing and Christmas events.
- Southern Italy and Coastal Areas (Naples, Puglia, Sicily): Mild temperatures, perfect for festive walks and holiday sightseeing.
No matter the region, Christmas in Italy offers magical experiences for every traveller.
Christmas in Italy traditions
Italy is famous for its festive customs:
- Nativity Scenes (Presepi): A highlight across churches and public squares.
- La Vigilia (Christmas Eve Dinner): Multi-course seafood feasts are traditional in many regions.
- Midnight Mass: Celebrated nationwide on Christmas Eve.
- La Befana: On Epiphany, children await gifts from the kind witch.
Learn more about Italian Christmas traditions and discover how to fully enjoy festive celebrations in Italy.
Italy Christmas markets
No Christmas in Italy is complete without visiting the markets. These festive hubs are full of local crafts, seasonal foods, and holiday cheer. Highlights include:
- Bolzano and Merano: Northern Italian Alpine markets with traditional stalls and festive treats.
- Rome and Florence: Historic city markets with handmade goods and delicious panettone.
Check out our guide to the best Christmas markets in Italy 2025 for all the top destinations and festive tips.