From a public holiday to Christmas market openings and a general strike, here’s what to expect in Italy this week.
Monday, December 8th – Public holiday
Italy’s Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Festa dell’Immacolata Concezione) is an important date in the Catholic calendar and a national public holiday. As it falls on a Monday, we get a long weekend this time around.
The day symbolically marks the beginning of the Christmas period for many , meaning it’s time to put up your tree and decorations.
READ ALSO: What is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception?
From this date, life in Italy noticeably slows down and it can be harder to get paperwork completed as people ease into holiday mode. You may find it easier to postpone any major life admin until January.
Christmas markets open
Italy’s festive evrnts calendar gets into full swing from this week, as ore of the country’s biggest Christmas markets open on December 8th, transforming city squares into festive wonderlands.
Rome’s iconic Piazza Navona market (December 8th-January 6th) features over 50 stalls, puppet shows, a historic carousel and La Befana appearances on Epiphany.
READ ALSO: Italy’s Christmas markets: Where and when to visit in 2025
Florence’s markets continue through December, while smaller towns across the country launch their own festive markets offering local crafts, seasonal treats and mulled wine.
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Rome Christmas tree lighting
In Rome, the famous Christmas tree usually set up in Piazza Venezia has been moved to Piazza del Popolo this year due to construction work for Metro Line C.
The fir tree will reportedly come directly from Como, will be at least twenty meters tall, and, as is tradition, will be lit on December 8th.
Artigiano in Fiera craft fair in Milan
The world’s largest international craft fair runs from December 6th until 14th at Fiera Milano Rho, bringing together 2,800 artisans from 90 countries/
Running through December 14th, this massive exhibition showcases handmade products and artisanal gift ideas, from fashion to furniture, plus food zones featuring 27 international restaurants.
Entry is free with registration, and the venue is accessible via Metro Line 1 to Rho Fiera station. More information here
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Friday, December 12th – Nationwide general strike
Rail passengers face possible journey disruption as major trade union CGIL has called a nationwide general strike – the second within two weeks.
Rail services could see disruption from midnight until 9pm. The strike isn’t set to impact flights, and Rome’s Atac services won’t be affected, according to the union.
READ ALSO:
The protest targets the government’s 2026 budget, with unions demanding greater investment in public services and wage increases.
Saturday, December 13th – Feast of Santa Lucia
The patron saint of Syracuse, Sicily – who’s also the saint of the blind – is commemorated with La Festa di Santa Lucia.
Festive markets and light shows in honour of the saint pop up across the country. In some northern regions, Santa Lucia is seen almost like Santa Claus, and brings gifts to children who leave out letters and treats for her and her donkey on the night of December 12th.
READ ALSO: How and why Italy celebrates Santa Lucia on December 13th
Krampus parade in Castelrotto
One of northern Italy’s biggest Krampus parades takes place in Castelrotto/Kastelruth in South Tyrol, held every two years.
Around 52 Krampus groups with approximately 1,000 Tuifl from across the Alps will parade through the village from 2pm. The festivities include music, food and drinks at the Christmas market.
This Alpine tradition features costumed figures representing the half-goat, half-demon creature from folklore who punishes naughty children during the Christmas season.