Christmas is a major holiday in Italy, which means Italians celebrate lots of great, unique Christmas traditions! Across Italy, Natale tends to be a family-centric holiday, a time to stay at home (and eat!) with loved ones. But customs also vary from city to city, from exactly which dishes are served, to when to open presents, making every region an interesting place to enjoy the holidays. Decorations and huge Christmas trees can be found in main piazzas, like in front of the Colosseum or in Milan’s Piazza Duomo, and Babbo Natale (Father Christmas, the Italian version of Santa Claus) spreads holiday cheer. The most popular tradition is probably the lighting of the tree in the Vatican... so beautiful it is hard to put into words! An other Christmas tradition in Italy is the Market, popular both with the locals and visitors from Europe and the UK. Smaller and more intimate than the famous German markets, Italy’s ‘Mercatino di Natale’ offer a more intimate and traditional Christmas experience. Italy’s Mercatino di Natale run during the advent period and some remain open right through to Epiphany. Christmas in Italy is traditionally celebrated from Christmas Eve until January 6th – the day set aside in folklore to give presents to children in celebration of the good witch, La Befana. Many feature elaborate nativity scenes made by local craftsmen at their heart, while hosting stalls offering regional seasonal food and drink, as well as locally made products and gift items.
Mercatino di Natale di Roma
Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Marcatino di Natale di Bolzano
Waltherpl., 39100 Bozen, Italy
Mercatino di Natale di FIrenze
Santa Croce, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
Mercation di Natale di Trento
Piazza di Fiera, 38122 Trento TN, Italy
Mercatino di Natale di Verona
Piazza dei Signori, 22, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
Mercatino di Natale di Napoli
Via S. Gregorio Armeno, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy
Mercatino di Natale di Torino
Via Borgo Dora, 10152 Torino TO, Italy
Mercatino di Natale di Milano
Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Mercatino di Natale di Bressanone
Piazza del Duomo, 39042 Bressanone BZ, Italy
Mercatino di Natale di Vipiteno
39049 Vipiteno, Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol, Italy
Mercatino di Natale di Merano
Merano, Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol, Italy
La fabbrica di Babbo Natale di Pisa
Via Giacomo Matteotti, 1, 56124 Pisa PI, ItalyThe "presepe" of Napoli
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Eleonora Ruzzenenti
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