Celebrate Christmas 2024 in Italy’s Top Expat Cities
by Adriana ruiz
Italy’s major cities come alive with magical Christmas festivities, attracting both locals and expats. From tree lighting ceremonies to enchanting light displays, here’s a guide to the best Christmas events in Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples, Bologna, and Turin.
Rome
St. Peter’s Square Tree and nativity scene Lighting
Photo from vaticannews.va
Date: December 7, 2024, at 6:30 PM
Location: St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City
A stunning Christmas tree and nativity scene will be unveiled, representing the spirit of Italian traditions. The tree remains on display until January 12, 2025. The nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square this year, donated by the Italian town of Grado, is centered around the theme of love and community. Depicting everyday life in a traditional fishing village, the scene is a collaborative effort by local artisans and volunteers. The centerpiece is a nativity set within a “casone,” a traditional reed hut, surrounded by detailed recreations of the lagoon’s landscape. The accompanying Christmas tree, a towering 29-meter spruce from Ledro, Italy, symbolizes renewal and sustainable forestry practices.
100 Nativity Scenes Exhibition
Photo from 100presepi.va
Date: December 8, 2024–January 6, 2025
Location: St. Peter’s Square, under the left colonnade of Bernini. The exhibition is open every day from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Explore an international array of nativity displays, showcasing diverse cultural takes on this classic scene. Created by artists, artisans, amateurs, children, school students, national and international organizations, embassies, and more, it is an annual exhibition of nativity displays made with various techniques, styles, and different materials.
Christmas Market in Piazza Navona
Date: December 1–26, 2024
Location: Piazza Navona
Set against the backdrop of Baroque architecture and iconic fountains, this market is a visual spectacle. Visitors can stroll through charming stalls offering handcrafted gifts, local treats, and festive decorations. Don’t miss the traditional Befana (Epiphany witch) celebration on January 6.
Christmas World
Photo from christmasworld.net
Dates: November 30, 2024 – January 6, 2025
Location: Villa Borghese, Via del Galoppatoio, Rome
Christmas World is a magical Christmas-themed park that transforms Villa Borghese into a festive wonderland. Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including an ice skating rink, ice slides, snow village, and interactive games. The park also features thematic markets, culinary delights from around the world, and creative workshops for children. It’s a perfect destination for families to experience the joy and spirit of Christmas in a unique and enchanting setting.
Trame di Luce
Photo from tramediluce.it
Dates: November 30, 2024 – January 6, 2025
Location: Orto Botanico di Roma, Largo Cristina di Svezia, 23A-24, 00165 Roma
Trame di Luce is a magical light art festival that transforms the Orto Botanico into a mesmerizing wonderland. This enchanting event features 22 installations designed to be interactive, allowing visitors to become co-protagonists in this immersive experience. The event is set within the beautiful gardens of the Orto Botanico, creating a unique and enchanting Christmas atmosphere.
This is Wonderland – Pinocchio Christmas Edition
Photo from thisiswonderland.world
Dates: November 23, 2024 – January 6, 2025
Location: Giardino delle Cascate, Laghetto dell’Eur, Roma
This is Wonderland – Pinocchio Christmas Edition transforms the Giardino delle Cascate at the Laghetto dell’Eur into a magical fairy-tale world. This enchanting event features over 1,500 light installations, interactive shows, and a spectacular Santa Claus Village. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, enjoy live performances, and meet beloved characters like Pinocchio, Geppetto, and Santa Claus.
Milan
Tree Lighting in Piazza Duomo
Photo from allevents.in
Date: December 6, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Location: Piazza Duomo
The iconic Milan Christmas tree is illuminated in a grand ceremony accompanied by live music and festivities.
Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Market
Photo from mediolan.pl
Date: December 7–10, 2024
Location: Castello Sforzesco
Milan’s oldest Christmas market offers handmade crafts, festive food, and traditional goods.
Villaggio delle Meraviglie
Photo from villaggiodellemeraviglie.com
Date: November 16, 2024–January 6, 2025
Location: Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, Porta Venezia
The Villaggio delle Meraviglie Milano features over 1,000 light installations, a double ice skating rink, and a variety of festive shows and attractions. Visitors can meet beloved characters like Santa Claus, elves, and even a special reindeer mascot.
Florence
F-Light Festival
Photo from dolcevia.com
Date: December 7, 2024–January 5, 2025
Location: Piazza del Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Basilica di Santa Croce, Lungarno,Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze, Mercato Centrale, Piazza dei Giudici
Every year during the Christmas season, Florence transforms into an even more magical city thanks to F-Light, the Festival of Lights, illuminating the city’s main monuments and places with light installations, artistic projections, and video mapping. These installations highlight the already stunning architectural elements of the city from a very evocative perspective. It’s a 360° experience that combines art, history, and technology, making it particularly appreciated by both Florentines and tourists visiting during the Christmas period. Following an urban route to discover the installations can be a unique way to explore Florence during this festive season.
Christmas Market at Piazza Santa Croce
Date: November 23–December 22, 2024
A traditional German-style market featuring crafts, mulled wine, and festive decorations.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Photo from ilreporter.it
Date: December 7, 2024
Locations:
∙ Palazzo Vecchio, Cortile di Michelozzo, 17:30
∙ Piazza Duomo, 18:00
∙ Piazza della Repubblica, 18:30
∙ Piazzale Michelangelo, 19:30
The Christmas season in Florence officially begins with the traditional lighting of the Christmas trees. Four main trees will be lit up in Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, and Piazzale Michelangelo, with ceremonies taking place at various times throughout the evening. These events mark the start of the Christmas festivities in Florence, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
Naples
Via San Gregorio Armeno
Dates: Open year-round, but busiest during the holidays
Location: Via San Gregorio Armeno, Naples, Italy
Via San Gregorio Armeno, the heart of Naples’ Christmas celebrations, is renowned worldwide for its artisanal nativity scene figures. During the festive season, the street comes alive with colorful workshops and bustling crowds. Visitors can explore the intricate details of traditional and contemporary figurines, from biblical characters to pop culture icons.
Christmas Markets at the National Railway Museum of Pietrarsa
Photo from napolidavivere.it
Dates: November 30, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Location: Museo Nazionale Ferroviario di Pietrarsa
The markets this year are themed around “The Wizard of Oz,” the famous children’s novel. Here you can buy gifts for friends and family or simply enjoy the Christmas atmosphere with lights, colors, and Christmas songs. Ticket prices range from 6 to 14 euros.
Christmas Dreams at Vulcano Buono
Photo from laprovinciaonline.info
Dates: Until January 6, 2025
Location: Vulcano Buono shopping center
Christmas Dreams is an expansive 3,000 square meter Christmas village decorated with lights, markets, shows for children, a 50-meter-high Ferris wheel, a 400-square-meter ice skating rink, and themed rides.
Bologna
Santa Lucia Market
Photo from bolognawelcome.com
Date: November 18–December 26, 2024
Location: Portico dei Servi
Shop local crafts, decorations, and gifts at this traditional Christmas market.
FICO Eataly World Christmas Village
Photo from christmasvillage-bologna.com
Dates: Late November 2024 – January 7, 2025
Location: FICO Eataly World, Bologna
A grand celebration with a 10,000-square-meter Christmas Village, featuring an ice-skating rink, a Christmas market with Italian delicacies, and interactive experiences like the Polar Express train ride and the Zoo of Lights.
Nativity Scene Exhibition (XXIX Rassegna del Presepio)
Photo from presepibologna.it
Dates: December 7, 2024 – January 6, 2025 (hours: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM).
Location: Church of San Giovanni in Monte, located at 27 Via Santo Stefano
An exhibition featuring a wide variety of nativity scenes made by local artists, showcasing intricate displays and the beloved tradition of presepi.
Turin
Luci d’Artista
Photo from blog.italotreno.com
Date: Late October 2024–January 8, 2025
Location: Piazza Carignano, Piazza Foroni, Galleria Subalpina, the pedestrian area of Via Di Nanni (Circoscrizione 3), Piazza Carlina, the ceiling of Galleria Umberto I, Via Roma, Galleria San Federico, Piazza Risorgimento (Circoscrizione 4), Monte dei Cappuccini (Circoscrizione 8), Piazza Carlo Alberto, Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I, Via Carlo Alberto, dome of the Mole Antonelliana, Piazza Polonia (Circoscrizione 8), Piazzetta Mollino, Murazzi del Po, Via Po, Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza Bodoni, Piazza Livio Bianco (Circoscrizione 2), Via Garibaldi, Corso Unità d’Italia (Circoscrizione 8)
Luci d’Artista (Lights of the Artist) is a stunning winter light festival that transforms Turin into a captivating spectacle of light and art. Every year, renowned artists illuminate the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden corners with their imaginative creations.
Natale è Reale 2024
Photo from natalereale.it
Dates: November 28, 2024 – December 20, 2024
Location: Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, Nichelino
This enchanting event features an Elf Village with attractions like elves at work, circus performers, stories, games, and creative workshops on sustainability. Santa Claus will be available in his studio to receive Christmas letters, and there will be a market with handcrafted gifts and local delicacies.
Christmas Market at Piazza Castello
Dates: November 25, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Location: Piazza Castello, Turin
A festive market offering handcrafted gifts, local food, and holiday decorations. It’s a great place to find unique Christmas presents and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
From Rome’s nativity exhibitions to Turin’s artistic lights, Italy offers diverse ways to experience Christmas magic. Check event pages for updates and plan your festive season accordingly!
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