From dazzling light installations to quaint villages steeped in holiday spirit, Italy offers unique experiences that embody the magic of the season. Here are six incredible places to visit this Christmas, complete with exhibitions and events that will immerse you in the festive charm.
1
Torino
Turin becomes a luminous masterpiece during the holiday season, thanks to the iconic Luci d’Artista. This celebrated event features breathtaking light installations spread across the city. The 2024/2025 edition promises an updated map of installations and several new artworks by renowned artists. (find out more here). Furthermore, you can stroll under the city’s covered galleries for an extra, festive kick. These include Galleria Subalpina, Galleria Umberto I and Galleria San Federico. Oh, and while you’re at it, make sure you stop in Caffè Al Bicerin dal 1763 for a hot-chocolate.
2
Venezia
Venice, already enchanting with its canals and Gothic architecture, takes on a magical glow during Christmas with Luminarie, the city’s traditional light displays. One of the highlights is in Piazza San Marco, where eleven Murano glass chandeliers light up at sunset, illuminating the Procuratie Vecchie and transforming the square into an open-air gallery until March 2025. The project brings together international artists and architects, master glassmakers, and Murano furnaces in a contemporary reinterpretation of the classic chandelier. It is promoted for the second year by The Venice Glass Week and the City of Venice.
3
Alberobello
This Christmas, you can experience the enchanting Trulli of Alberobello illuminated by extraordinary light art. The Light Festival (LiFe) is one of the principal events dedicated to preserving the UNESCO heritage of the Puglia Region. “Dreams and Stories” – this year’s theme – invites you to explore the world of dreams by immersion through light. Renowned international artists have come together to create interactive installations presenting visual narratives that come alive on the beautiful stage of Alberobello – UNESCO heritage since 1996. Through luminous installations, the festival emphasizes the uniqueness of Alberobello’s trulli and quaint squares. Discover installations such as “the Garden”, which projects a digital yard onto a building, allowing you to create butterflies and plants using your mobile phone, or “Planets” where you can enter interactive spheres designed to inspire awe and responsibility for our earth and universe. Running from 19 December 2024 to 12 January 2025, this spectacular light event offers an unforgettable journey through dreams and stories.
4
Gubbio
Known for its medieval architecture and holiday traditions, Gubbio boasts the World’s Largest Christmas Tree, illuminated on the slopes of Mount Ingino. The tree stretches 750 meters high and is adorned with over 700 lights, visible for miles. Other highlights include the artistic lighting in Piazza San Giovanni and the Christmas Market in Piazza Quaranta Martiri.
5
Roma
Rome becomes even more magical during the holiday season. This year, on Christmas Day, Piazza San Pietro will host a historic event, marking the beginning of the Jubilee. Travellers can join the celebrations, marvel at the Vatican’s iconic Christmas tree and nativity scene, and enjoy the spiritual ambiance of the Holy City.
