Italian Christmas Dinner and New Year's Eve Menu
Special traditions and menu suggestions for festive days, just like in Italy
Christmas in Italy has many unique traditions—and is, of course, celebrated with the whole family and typical Italian delicacies. In this culinary secret, you’ll learn what’s included in a typical Italian Christmas meal and what Italians like to eat on New Year’s Eve. And who knows—maybe you’ll be inspired to add a touch of Italian flair to your own Christmas celebration? With our Italian menu suggestions, the preparations are a breeze.
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How Christmas Is Celebrated in Italy
This Is How Christmas Is Celebrated in Italy
In Italy, too, Christmas is one of the biggest holidays of the year. There, the Christmas season begins as early as the start of December: On December 8, the Festa dell’Immacolata Concezione (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) is celebrated throughout the country.
On this traditional Christian holiday, nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus are set up. Christmas trees, lights, and Christmas decorations are also part of the festivities. The night of December 12–13 is dedicated to Saint Lucy and is a festival of lights during which children find candy and small gifts on their windowsills or in their shoes—similar to St. Nicholas Day here.
The big celebrations begin in Italy on Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, the focus is on a big family dinner. All dishes on this day are meat-free—as is traditionally the case on days immediately preceding a (church) holiday. Instead, Christmas Eve features delicious fish and seafood dishes.
The actual Christmas celebration begins with the festive midnight Mass on December 24. Especially in rural areas, it’s customary to gather in front of the church after Midnight Mass, exchange the Christmas greeting “Buon Natale,” and enjoy a slice of panettone, the traditional Italian Christmas cake.
The Christmas season in Italy ends on January 6, Epiphany—known in Italian as l’Epifania. On this day, children in Italy receive their Christmas gifts—brought by the witch Befana, who, according to legend, swoops down the chimney on her broomstick.
Traditional Christmas Dishes
There are many regional differences in Italy when it comes to Christmas traditions and dishes. The answer to the question of whether the big family meal takes place on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day also varies depending on the region. Traditionally, December 24 has been the main holiday in central and southern Italy, while in the north it has been December 25. However, this distinction is slowly fading—and is handled individually depending on the family and their schedules. One variation is to meet with friends on Christmas Eve, while Christmas Day is reserved for the family.
Here you'll find inspiration for an Italian Christmas dinner
In Italy, the traditional meal sequence—from antipasti to dolce—is also followed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Unlike in our country, there are two main courses: The first main course, il primo piatto, is often a delicious pasta dish, and the second main course on Christmas Day is a meat or fish dish.
Antipasti (Appetizers)
In Italy, several appetizers are usually served, and everyone chooses the ones they like best. A good choice for Christmas Eve is:
arugula salad or another type of salad, often featuring fish.
Tip: Oysters, grilled eel, or marinated anchovies are also traditional and a great fit.
An Italian menu suggestion for Christmas Day (Dec. 25)
On this day, only the most delicious dishes are served. Traditionally, the preparation is shared among several people, and the—very experienced—grandmothers do their very best to create a stunningly delicious meal.
Primo piatto
(first course)
- “Tortellini in brodo”—tortellini in broth—is on the menu for many Italian families on Christmas Day. Would you like to try it? You can make the tortellini yourself and then simply let them cook in broth until tender.
- Risotto also makes a great first course—for example, tomato risotto with garlic mushrooms.
Dolce (Dessert)
There are a number of wonderful Italian desserts to choose from:
- A classic among Italian desserts: tiramisu
- Fresh, lemony, and delicious: creamy panna cotta
This Is How New Year's Eve Is Celebrated in Italy
New Year's Eve is called Capodanno in Italy and, just like here, is traditionally celebrated with family or friends. The celebration usually begins early in the evening so that everyone can eat together and ring in the New Year.
Lentil dishes are served in Italy on New Year's Eve
On New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, many Italians traditionally eat lentil dishes, accompanied by hearty meat dishes. On this day, the lentils symbolize coins. They thus represent the wish that the coming year will also be financially successful.
There’s another Italian custom related to good luck: wearing red underwear is said to bring good luck for the new year. Shortly after Christmas, you can find red underwear on display in almost all Italian department stores.
And, of course, food plays a major role on New Year’s Eve in Italy. Want to give your New Year’s Eve celebration an Italian flair? Then let our Italian New Year’s Eve menu inspire you:
An Italian New Year's Eve Menu
A lentil dish is a New Year's Eve tradition in Italy. We have a suggestion for a delicious lentil dish to serve as the main course for you and your guests.
Dolce (Dessert)
Here, too, classics like tiramisu or creamy panna cotta are great choices. But a scoop of ice cream is sure to be a hit with your guests as well.
