From seafood feasts to sugar-dusted sweet bread, Italy brims with cherished Christmas traditions that transport you straight into winter's glow. Discover the enduring magic found in Italian Natale traditions still casting their seasonal spell!
The Feast of the Seven Fishes
On Christmas Eve, Italians indulge in a multi-course seafood feast called The Feast of the Seven Fishes. Families serve 7 different seafood dishes like baccalà cod, shrimp, octopus salad, lobster ravioli, fried calamari, salmon and more.
Leisurely Christmas Day Meals
Rather than formal dinners, many Italians keep Christmas day meals easygoing. Families relax through brunch or lunch, slicing panettone around the table while children play.
Santo Stefano Sweets
December 26th honors St. Stephen (Santo Stefano), the early Christian martyr, with specialty sweets. Italians gift chocolate S confections symbolizing the stones that killed him.
Panettone for Breakfast
Sweet bread panettone accompanies morning cappuccino throughout the holidays. Locals slice the fluffy domed loaves topped with powdered sugar and enjoy dunking it into their cups! Bring this beloved Italian holiday staple to your table — shop panettone here.
The Befana Legend
Per Italian legend, kind old witch La Befana delivers toys and candy to well-behaved children the Epiphany Eve of January 5th, similar to Santa. Naughty children receive only lumps of coal!
Glittering Light Displays
Italians get into the holiday spirit by stringing dazzling illuminations and decor through city streets. Most spectacular displays go up across Salerno, Cannero Riviera, Montepulciano and more.
As Italians carry on ancient yuletide customs, their enduring holiday hospitality offers wonderful inspiration for seasonal gatherings of your own. Indulge in la dolce vita this season with a reservation at beloved California coastal restaurant, Cucina Verona. We have prepared a very special dinner for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, serving at 3 PM to 9 PM. Click here to make a reservation.