What's on in Italy

December in Italy

A lot of cities have special Festivals and Festive events in December.

Christmas Markets, December

Throughout December a lot of towns in Northern Italy and in the larger cities throughout the country hold their annual Christmas market, which marks the beginning of the Christmas season.

For a list of the best Christmas markets in Italy see our blog, Slow Italy.

Wild Boar Festival, end of November through December 8

From the end of November through December 8 there is the Wild Boar Festival in the medieval Tuscan town of Suvereto, in the Livorno province. This is a big feast where you'll find not only wild boar, but also other regional products such as wine, olive oil and honey.

Santa Barbara, December 4

Santa Barbara is celebrated in the Sicilian town of Paterno for a week long, but especially on December 4. Saint Barbara is the patron saint of firemen and firework makers and of this little town located on the slopes of the Mount Etna.

San Nicolo, December 6

The Feast Day of San Nicolo is celebrated on December 6 in many places in the Abruzzo region. On Murano Island in Venice, there is a procession on the water on December 6. This event kicks off a week long celebration for San Nicolo in Venice, the patron saint of glass-blowers.

Sant'Ambrogio, December 7

December 7 is Saint Ambrogio Day in the Sant'Ambrogio area of Milan. The patron saint of the city is celebrated on his day with food and stands selling a Christmas decorations and gifts.

Santa Lucia, December 13

Santa Lucia is celebrated on December 13 in various regions and cities of Italy, especially in Syracuse (Sicily) and Naples. See Santa Lucia in Italy.

Mignicht Mass, Christmas Eve

The Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve in St. Peter's Square, Rome, December 24. No matter your religious beliefs, the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve in St. Peter's Square is an overwhelming and inspiring experience.

Umbria Jazz Winter, end of December - beginning of January

Every year since 1993 the Umbria Jazz Winter in Orvieto welcomes top quality musicians for a five days festival performed in a truly unique setting. Umbria Jazz Winter is the Winter version of the Summer Jazz festival of Perugia and takes place at the end of December through the first days of January. The beautiful city of Orvieto is also home to art and fine cooking, making the Umbria Jazz festival, with its combination of culture and tourism unique among the many Italian music festivals.

Umbria Gospel Festival, December - January 1

A wonderful festival in the enchanting, little towns around Lake Trasimeno. See: Umbria Gospel Festival

For more latest news in Italy see our blog, Slow Italy.