Christmas Traditions in Italy

Italian Christmas (Natale) centers on family, faith, and feasting:

• December 25: Christmas Day.
• Christmas Eve: Midnight Mass, followed by the cenone (multi-course feast of pasta, fish, meat, wine).
• Gift-giving: Children receive presents from Babbo Natale (Santa).
• Presepe (nativity scenes) displayed in homes, churches, piazzas.
• January 6 (Epiphany): La Befana, a kindly witch, brings gifts.
• Christmas markets in cities nationwide sell food, decorations, gifts.