Christmas Day

In Italy, Christmas Day (Natale) 2025 will continue a centuries-old tradition of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, an observance that holds profound religious and cultural significance in this predominantly Catholic nation. The holiday's roots trace back to the 4th century when the Church officially designated December 25th to coincide with pre-existing winter solstice festivities, gradually transforming pagan celebrations into Christian observances.

Italian Christmas celebrations are deeply rooted in religious customs, beginning with the construction of presepi (nativity scenes) in homes and churches, a tradition said to have originated with St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. Unlike many other countries where Christmas Eve takes precedence, Christmas Day in Italy is the main event, centered around family gatherings and elaborate feasts.

The day typically begins with morning Mass at local churches, where families gather to celebrate the religious significance of the occasion. Following services, Italians return home for the much-anticipated Christmas lunch (pranzo di Natale), which can last for hours and often includes multiple courses featuring regional specialties. In the south, seafood dishes might dominate, while northern regions may serve cotechino (pork sausage) with lentils.

Modern Italian Christmas celebrations blend religious devotion with contemporary customs. While American-style Santa Claus (Babbo Natale) has gained popularity, many Italian children traditionally receive gifts from Gesù Bambino (Baby Jesus) on Christmas morning. The holiday remains primarily family-focused, with less commercial emphasis compared to countries like the United States or United Kingdom.

A unique aspect of Italian Christmas is the tradition of the Zampognari, shepherds from the Abruzzo and Molise regions who travel to Rome and other cities playing traditional Christmas music on bagpipes. This custom dates back to ancient times when shepherds would come down from the mountains to celebrate the winter festivities.

The celebration extends beyond December 25th as part of the Italian Christmas season, which traditionally runs from December 8th (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) through January 6th (Epiphany). This extended period of celebration distinguishes Italian Christmas from many other countries' observances, emphasizing the holiday's religious and cultural significance in Italian society.