Best Places to Celebrate Christmas and New Year in Italy

Italy brings a unique blend of festive traditions, mouthwatering cuisine, and picturesque settings to the holiday season. From the Christmas markets in the north to nativity scenes in Rome, Italy offers plenty of ways to celebrate Christmas and New Year. Here’s a guide to the best places to visit, dine, and explore during the holiday season.

Top Christmas Markets to Visit in Italy

Italian Christmas markets are famous for their beautiful handcrafts, delicious food, and festive atmosphere. Here are some of the best markets to visit:

• Bolzano Christmas Market (South Tyrol)
  Bolzano, set in the Italian Alps, hosts one of Italy’s most famous Christmas markets. The stalls are filled with Alpine crafts, mulled wine, and delicious pastries, and the snow-capped mountains create a postcard-perfect backdrop.

• Florence Christmas Market
  Held in Piazza Santa Croce, Florence’s Christmas market is inspired by traditional German markets. You’ll find handcrafted items, Tuscan treats, and hot chocolate. The market’s festive lights and decorations add charm to the city’s Renaissance architecture.

• Verona Christmas Market
  Verona’s Christmas market is held in Piazza dei Signori and features a cozy, medieval setting. Here, you’ll find handmade gifts, local cheeses, and freshly baked treats. The market also includes a display of nativity scenes and festive decorations.

• Rome’s Piazza Navona Market
  In the heart of Rome, the Piazza Navona market offers a blend of holiday cheer and Roman history. You’ll find stalls selling traditional Italian treats, decorations, and gifts, with a beautiful carousel adding to the festive spirit.

• Milan’s Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas Market
  Milan’s Christmas market, named after a local dialect phrase meaning “Oh so beautiful! Oh so beautiful!”, takes place around the Sforza Castle. It features a variety of crafts, antiques, and delicious street food unique to Milan.

Best Restaurants for a Festive Meal

Italy’s culinary scene is perfect for holiday dining, with restaurants offering traditional Christmas and New Year dishes. Here are some top choices for a memorable meal:

• La Pergola (Rome)
  Located atop the Rome Cavalieri Hotel, La Pergola offers a Michelin-starred experience with breathtaking views of Rome. The holiday menu includes Italian specialties with a gourmet twist.

• Da Vittorio (Bergamo)
  Known for its luxurious holiday menu, Da Vittorio serves regional and seasonal ingredients with dishes like truffle risotto and slow-cooked lamb. The restaurant’s cozy, elegant ambiance is ideal for a festive meal.

• Antica Bottega del Vino (Verona)
  This historic restaurant in Verona offers traditional Italian cuisine with an extensive wine list. It’s famous for its intimate setting and holiday specialties like panettone and roasted meats.

• Trattoria Mario (Florence)
  For a more casual experience, visit Trattoria Mario in Florence. This family-owned trattoria serves classic Tuscan dishes, including pasta with wild boar sauce, making it perfect for a hearty holiday meal.

• Il Pizzaiolo del Presidente (Naples)
  Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and Il Pizzaiolo del Presidente is a local favorite. The lively atmosphere and delicious, wood-fired pizzas make it a great spot to enjoy a festive meal with friends.

Picturesque Places to Visit During Christmas Time

Italy is full of charming destinations that come alive during the Christmas season. Here are a few scenic places to explore:

• Venice
  Venice in winter is magical, with fewer crowds and a peaceful ambiance. The city is adorned with lights, and the canals reflect the holiday decorations. St. Mark’s Square hosts a small Christmas market, and ice-skating rinks add to the fun.

• Vatican City
  Visiting Vatican City during Christmas is an unforgettable experience. The St. Peter’s Basilica hosts a beautiful nativity scene, and Christmas Eve Mass with the Pope is a cherished tradition for many.

• Alba (Piedmont)
  Known for its white truffles, Alba hosts a truffle market in winter. This charming town offers a cozy Christmas atmosphere with local delicacies, holiday lights, and a wintery countryside perfect for scenic walks.

• Sorrento (Amalfi Coast)
  Sorrento is known for its mild winter climate and festive holiday decorations. The town’s streets are beautifully lit, and shops offer special holiday treats like limoncello chocolates and candied fruits.

• Assisi (Umbria)
  This picturesque town is famous for its Christmas lights and peaceful atmosphere. The Basilica of St. Francis hosts a large nativity scene, and the entire town participates in the celebrations, with lights illuminating the medieval streets.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Italy

New Year’s Eve, known as "La Festa di San Silvestro," is celebrated with fireworks, music, and feasts throughout Italy. Here are some top places to ring in the New Year.

• Rome’s Circus Maximus
  Rome’s main New Year’s celebration takes place at the historic Circus Maximus, where thousands gather to enjoy live music, performances, and fireworks lighting up the night sky.

• Florence’s Piazzale Michelangelo
  For a panoramic view of the fireworks, head to Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence. The square fills with locals and visitors, and the view of the city’s fireworks is breathtaking.

• Naples’ Piazza del Plebiscito
  Naples hosts one of the most vibrant New Year’s celebrations in Italy, with music, dancing, and fireworks in Piazza del Plebiscito. The festivities continue along the waterfront with stunning views.

• Venice’s St. Mark’s Square
  Venice’s St. Mark’s Square is a popular spot to ring in the New Year. Locals and tourists gather to watch fireworks over the lagoon, creating a magical reflection in the water.

• Turin’s Piazza San Carlo
  Turin hosts a festive New Year’s Eve concert in Piazza San Carlo, followed by a stunning fireworks display. The city’s beautiful baroque architecture provides a historic backdrop to the celebrations.

Your Italian Holiday Adventure in Christmas, New Year

• Dress Comfortably for Winter
  Although Italy’s climate varies, winter can be chilly, especially in the north. Dress in layers and bring comfortable shoes for exploring markets and historic sites.

• Try Italian Holiday Foods
  Treat yourself to holiday specialties like panettone, pandoro (sweet bread), and zampone (stuffed pig’s trotter) to fully enjoy the season.

• Reserve Early for Popular Events
  Many holiday events, such as the Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican, require reservations or tickets, so plan ahead to secure your spot.

Italy offers a unique and festive way to celebrate the holiday season, blending history, culture, and seasonal traditions. From snowy mountain towns to historic cities glowing with lights, Italy provides a magical Christmas and New Year’s experience for all.