Florence Noel
Every year from late November to early January, Montecatini Terme in Tuscany hosts Florence Noel, a family event that features a range of children’s activities, including the House of Babbo Natale, or Father Christmas. Along with the traditional nativity village, visitors can enjoy food and chocolate sampling, as well as live music.
Wild Boar Festival
The medieval Tuscan town of Suvereto is home to a two-week-long wild boar festival starting at the end of November and ending on December 8. In addition to wild boar, visitors can sample other locally produced goods, including wine, olive oil, and honey. The festival features people dressed in medieval costumes, adding to the unique experience.
Perugia Christmas Festival
Located in the historic 16th-century fortress of La Rocca Paolina, the Perugia Christmas Festival runs from early December through January. Visitors can explore a huge market featuring a variety of food and crafts, as well as attend workshops.
Saint Barbara Day
On December 4, the Sicilian town of Paterno on the slopes of Mount Etna volcano celebrates Saint Barbara Day as the highlight of the week-long celebration in her honor. A parade follows, during which the nativity scene is erected, bringing locals and visitors alike together.
Saint Nicolas Feast Day
December 6 marks Saint Nicolas Feast Day, celebrated in many places in the Abruzzo region with traditional loaves of bread and taralli. Grandfathers dress up as the saint to give gifts, or “coal,” to children, as Saint Nicholas is known as the bringer of gifts.
Festa di San Nicolo
The Festa di San Nicolo, a week-long celebration of the patron saint of glassblowers, takes place on the enchanting Murano Island in Venice. Visitors can marvel at the intricate glass artwork, enjoy a water parade, and partake in traditional food and drinks.
Saint Ambrogio Day
Milan’s Sant’Ambrogio district comes alive on December 7 to celebrate Saint Ambrogio Day, a homage to the patron saint of the city. The day’s festivities include religious services, traditional street markets, and live concerts.
Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception
The Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, a national holiday in Italy on December 8, offers a perfect opportunity to witness a significant religious festival while experiencing the Italian culture. Visitors can attend mass in many historic churches throughout the country, including the grand St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Saint Lucia Day
December 13 brings Saint Lucia Day, a celebration of the patron saint of blindness that takes place in various Italian towns, including the beautiful city of Naples. The city is illuminated with traditional candle-lit processions, and the aroma of freshly baked “sfogliatelle” (Italian pastries) fills the air.
Saint Stephen’s Day
Observed on December 26, Saint Stephen’s Day is a time for Italians to explore the streets, visit nativity scenes, and make donations to those in need. One of the most famous destinations to visit during this national holiday is the charming village of Cividale del Friuli, known for its stunning medieval architecture and festive Christmas market.
