Italian Christmas Dinner: What to Eat, Traditions, & More

Imagine sitting at a table surrounded by loved ones, a medley of delicious aromas filling the room, as you prepare to dive into an Italian Christmas feast—a celebration of flavors and tradition that’s as rich as the culture itself.

When it comes to an Italian Christmas dinner, food is an important—okay, possibly the most important—part of the tradition. But what exactly do Italians eat for their Christmas meals?

Like everything else in Italy, of course, exact Christmas foods depend on the region. But here are some of our favorite food traditions!

Cheers to eating Italian Christmas dinner with friends and family.

What do Italians eat for Christmas Dinner?

In Italy, Christmas meals vary significantly between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. While Christmas Eve revolves around seafood and lighter dishes, Christmas Day is all about indulgence and hearty, celebratory meals.

Hearty Christmas dinners are perfect for cold winter days.

An Italian Christmas Eve Dinner—only fish, please!

According to tradition, the meal for Christmas Eve, La Vigilia, doesn’t include any meat. It’s all about fish and vegetables. This tradition stems from the concept of a giorno di magro, or “lean day,” meant to purify the body before the holiday. Whether the fish dishes qualify as “lean,” of course, is another story.

Here are some classic Christmas Eve dishes:

• Capitone (eel): A historic favorite, though it’s becoming less popular.
• Baccalà (salted cod): Often served fried or in stews.
• Octopus and shellfish: Staples in many southern regions.
• Pezzetti: Fried cubes of ricotta or vegetables like artichokes, zucchini, and broccoli in Rome; in Naples, it’s a sautéed mix of broccoli and seafood.

And then there are the pasta dishes:

• Northern Italy: Lasagna topped with anchovies, Parmesan, and seasonings.
• Southern Italy: Vermicelli with clams or mussels is a favorite in Naples.

Traditionally, the Christmas Eve meal can include numerous courses—sometimes 7, 9, 12, or even 21. These numbers symbolize religious concepts like the 7 sacraments, the apostles, or the disciples with Jesus.

“Lean day,” indeed!

One food you might see on a Christmas Eve in Italy: shellfish!

Christmas Day lunch… with the Madonna and Jesus?

After (ahem) “refraining” from indulgence on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day is the time to truly feast. Lunch is the main event, featuring rich and hearty dishes.

The meal often begins with pasta in brodo (pasta in broth), which is popular across Italy. Specific regional variations include:

• Bologna: Meat-filled tortellini in capon broth.
• Ferrara: Tortelli stuffed with pumpkin filling.

For the main course, eel was once the traditional choice. These days, turkey—stuffed much like in an American Thanksgiving—is a common centerpiece.

In Calabria, there’s an especially charming tradition: after the meal, the table is left set for the Madonna and baby Jesus to “taste the food.”

Ravioli in brodo is an Italian Christmas dinner classic. Photo credit: Amelia Crook

Sweet endings: Italian Christmas desserts

When it comes to desserts, Italians go all out during the Christmas season. Sweet breads like panettone and pandoro are universally loved, but regional specialties shine as well:

• Cavallucci: Horse-shaped cookies from Siena.
• Dita degli apostoli: Chocolate- or coffee-flavored ricotta-filled omelets from Puglia.
• Mostaccioli: Spiced nut pastries popular in Rome.

These delicious treats reflect the warmth and festivity of the season, making them the perfect conclusion to any Christmas meal.

Panettone and pandoro are Italian Christmas dessert classics.  Photo credit: Gabriella Clare Marino

Regional differences in Italian Christmas dinners

The incredible variety of Christmas dishes across Italy reflects the country’s rich regional diversity.

Here are just a few highlights:

• North Italy: Hearty broths, veal dishes, and rich lasagnas.
• South Italy: Seafood feasts and lighter, vegetable-based dishes.
• Sicily: Pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines and fennel) is a holiday favorite.

Once you taste Pasta con le sarde, you’ll see why it’s so revered. Photo credit: Joy

Drinks to pair with your Italian Christmas meal

Pair your meal with classic Italian beverages to elevate the experience:

• Prosecco: Perfect for a festive toast.
• Vin Santo: A sweet wine that pairs wonderfully with desserts.
• Limoncello: A refreshing digestive to end the meal.

Wine is an important part of preparing a traditional Italian Christmas dinner.

How to host an Italian Christmas dinner at home

Recreate an authentic Italian Christmas dinner with these tips:

• Set the table: Use festive decor and plenty of candles for a cozy atmosphere.
• Plan the menu: Include a mix of seafood, pasta, and sweet treats.
• Wine pairing: Offer a selection of wines to complement each course.

Table decorations and ambiance are just as important as the perfect wine pairing.

Want to make some of these foods yourself?

Whether you’re savoring a seafood feast on Christmas Eve or indulging in sweet panettone on Christmas Day, Italian Christmas dinner is a celebration of flavor, family, and festivity.

Want to make some of these dishes yourself?

Check out these recipes:

• Tortellini in Brodo: A hearty pasta dish served in rich capon broth.
• Stuffed Chicken: A flavorful alternative to turkey.
• Eel with Peas and Tomato: A classic yet simple main dish.
• Panettone Pudding: A creative twist on the beloved Italian sweet bread.

Update Notice: This post was updated on December 23, 2024.

Do you prefer savory or sweet Italian Christmas dinner items? Photo credit: MikeGZ