Discover the enchanting traditions of an Italian Christmas, from the festive foods that bring families together to the special wines that enhance every celebration. Join us as we explore the rich culinary heritage and timeless customs that make this season truly magical in Italy.
When Christmas is Celebrated
In Italy, the festivities begin on Christmas Eve, known as La Vigilia. This special day is marked by family gatherings and elaborate preparations for a sumptuous meal. The celebrations continue on Christmas Day, with families enjoying even more food and drink. While many countries might opt for a single festive feast, Italians take pride in their rich culinary traditions, offering multiple courses that highlight the best of regional cuisine.
Italian Christmas Traditions
Christmas in Italy is a time for families to reconnect and celebrate their heritage. Each region contributes unique customs, from the elaborate Nativity scenes of Naples to the lively Mercatino di Natale – one of Italy's most famous Christmas markets, held annually in South Tyrol’s capital, Bolzano.
An Italian Christmas dinner is usually a multi-course affair, often spanning several hours. On Christmas Eve, the meal typically starts with lighter courses, gradually moving to heartier dishes. Here’s what you can expect if you’re lucky enough to be invited to the gathering:
Antipasti:
The feast often begins with a selection of antipasti, featuring cured meats, cheeses and marinated vegetables. In the north, you might find bresaola and fontina cheese, while the south may feature prosciutto and mozzarella di bufala.
Pasta:
Following the antipasti, Italians often serve a pasta dish. Northern regions favour rich, creamy sauces or filled pasta such as tortellini in brodo (tortellini in broth) or lasagna, while southern Italy often leans towards simpler dishes like spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) or gnocchi al pomodoro (gnocchi with tomato sauce).
Seafood:
The ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes’ is a beloved tradition on Christmas Eve, featuring various seafood dishes. This can include fried calamari, baccalà (salted cod) and roasted octopus. In coastal regions, you might also find grilled fish or a seafood risotto, showcasing the fresh catch of the day.
Main Courses:
Christmas Day typically features heartier dishes, such as succulent roasts or braised meats. Northern Italians often serve roast capon, while those in the south might enjoy arista (roast pork) or lamb. Accompanying sides can include seasonal vegetables, roasted potatoes and rich sauces.
Desserts:
To finish the meal, traditional sweets such as panettone or pandoro are served. These rich, fruity cakes are staples of a traditional Italian Christmas and are often accompanied by a sweet wine like Moscato d'Asti.
Italian Christmas Wine Pairing: North vs.South
Wine is an essential part of Italian Christmas celebrations, beautifully complementing the array of dishes served during the festive meals. Italy’s varied geography means that its Christmas celebrations – and the wines that accompany them – can differ significantly from north to south. These differences reflect the distinct culinary traditions of each region.
In northern Italy, where colder weather calls for heartier meals, you’ll often find rich, warming dishes paired with bold, structured wines. A typical meal might start with tortellini in brodo (tortellini in broth), which pairs wonderfully with a bright and juicy wine such as a Langhe Nebbiolo. Moving onto mains like roast capon, a Barolo or Barbera d’Asti provides depth and balance to this succulent dish.
In southern Italy, where the festive table is likely to include fresh seafood, you can expect lighter, more vibrant dishes. For Christmas Eve’s Feast of the Seven Fishes, the perfect match might be a crisp Fiano di Avellino or Greco di Tufo. For heartier mains on Christmas Day, such as roast lamb or arista, fuller-bodied reds like Primitivo or Aglianico make an excellent choice, enhancing the meat’s flavours.
You’ll never be stuck for choice when it comes to Italian wines and styles. With over 350 native grape varieties across Italy, there’s perfect pairings to be found for every occasion all year round.
Italian Christmas Awaits
As you gather around the table this festive season, let the enchanting stories of Italy’s traditions and exquisite wines inspire your celebrations. If you're looking to further enhance your wine experience, pick up Italian Christmas from Wine Club by Majestic. This exclusive membership offers four curated cases a year, each featuring 12 premium wines selected by our very own expert Masters of Wine. With detailed tasting notes, bespoke recipes and unique producer insights, it's a fantastic way to explore the world of wine.
