Celebrate the festive season somewhere extraordinary!
From traditional Christmas markets in the Italian Alps to festive celebrations in Rome, beautiful countryside retreats and elegant New Year’s Eve escapes, Italy offers wonderful ways to spend the holiday season. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic city break, a memorable Christmas away or a longer journey through Italy, Sardatur Holidays can create a tailor-made escape with carefully selected hotels, authentic experiences and the details thoughtfully arranged.
Christmas & New Year 2026 | Tailor-made luxury holidays
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Discover the Magic of Christmas in Italy
Christmas in Italy brings historic piazzas illuminated for the season, regional festive food and traditions, and memorable celebrations. From Alpine markets to elegant city evenings and relaxing countryside stays, Sardatur can help you discover the festive Italy that suits you.
Christmas & New Year Holiday Inspiration
From traditional Christmas markets and cultural city breaks to peaceful countryside retreats and elegant New Year’s celebrations, Italy offers something for every traveller. Explore our festive holiday ideas below. These are not fixed itineraries, but inspiration for your own tailor-made escape. Every holiday can be designed around your preferred destinations, dates and interests.
An Italian Christmas Journey
Suggested destinations: Verona, South Tyrol, Florence & Rome
Imagine beginning your festive holiday in the romantic city of Verona before discovering the traditional Christmas markets of Bolzano and Merano. Continue to Florence for Renaissance art, Tuscan wine tastings and artisan experiences, then explore Rome’s festive atmosphere, historic landmarks and Christmas traditions. Combine all four destinations or choose the places that appeal to you most for a personalised festive journey.
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Christmas Markets & Alpine Wellness
Suggested destination: South Tyrol
Experience the magic of an Alpine Christmas, where the markets of Bolzano and Merano bring historic squares to life with festive lights, handcrafted decorations and regional specialities. Combine Christmas market visits with breathtaking mountain scenery, traditional cuisine and relaxing spa experiences.
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A Relaxing Christmas in Tuscany
Suggested destinations: Florence & the Tuscan Countryside
Discover Florence’s Renaissance masterpieces, charming artisan workshops and exceptional Tuscan cuisine before escaping to the peaceful countryside. Your holiday could include private gallery visits, wine tastings, traditional cooking classes and time to unwind at a beautiful country retreat.
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Authentic Christmas Traditions in Naples & Sorrento
Suggested destinations: Naples & Sorrento
Experience the festive traditions of southern Italy, from the handcrafted nativity scenes of Naples’ San Gregorio Armeno to the city’s lively streets and famous cuisine. Extend your journey to Sorrento for charming coastal surroundings, local cooking experiences and excursions to Pompeii.
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New Year in Style
Suggested destinations: Milan or Rome
Welcome 2027 with an elegant Italian city escape. Discover Milan’s luxury shopping, magnificent architecture and world-class cultural experiences, or celebrate amid Rome’s illuminated streets and historic landmarks. Depending on your preferences, your holiday could include luxury accommodation, exceptional dining, private sightseeing or an opera or classical music performance.
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A Mediterranean Christmas in Sicily
Suggested destination: Sicily
For generally milder winter weather, discover Sicily’s remarkable history, vibrant food culture and beautiful coastal cities. Explore Palermo’s architecture, enjoy traditional Sicilian cooking experiences and visit historic towns such as Monreale and Erice. Combine cultural discoveries with luxury accommodation and time to relax for a different kind of festive escape.
Festive Experiences to Make Your Holiday Special
Christmas Markets & Festive Traditions
Add a private local guide, artisan visit or market experience where suitable for your dates.
Italian Food & Wine Experiences
Consider a hands-on cooking class, guided wine tasting or a special meal featuring regional cuisine.
Opera, Concerts & Cultural Experiences
Explore private museum visits, opera, ballet and concerts, subject to current programmes and tickets.
Spa Retreats & Winter Wellness
Build in restorative spa treatments or time at a thermal retreat between sightseeing days.
Christmas & New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Our Hotels
Make the festive season even more memorable with a special celebration at one of Italy’s beautiful hotels. From traditional Christmas lunches and elegant festive dinners to New Year’s Eve galas and live entertainment, there are many ways to make the occasion special. Keep an eye on this page for new experiences as details become available, or speak to our travel specialists to explore your options.
Luxury Hotels for Your Festive Escape
From elegant city hotels to countryside retreats, Sardatur Holidays can recommend accommodation to suit your destination and travel style.
Hotel Ansitz Plantitscherhof (Ansitz Plantiz), Merano
A five-star retreat in Merano combining South Tyrolean cuisine, an extensive wine selection and restorative wellness experiences. An appealing base for exploring Merano’s festive markets and enjoying a relaxing Alpine escape.
Hotel de la Ville, Rome
An elegant luxury hotel in the heart of Rome, offering a beautiful base for exploring the city’s cultural treasures and festive atmosphere.
Castel Monastero, Tuscany
A historic countryside retreat surrounded by Tuscany’s landscapes, ideal for combining local cuisine, excursions and relaxing spa experiences.
Villa Igiea, Sicily
A waterfront luxury hotel in Palermo, offering a base for discovering Sicily’s history, architecture and gastronomy.
Borgo Egnazia, Puglia
A distinctive luxury resort inspired by Puglia’s traditional architecture, with opportunities to discover the region’s cuisine, craftsmanship and historic towns.
Hotel selection, seasonal opening arrangements and experiences are subject to confirmation for your chosen dates.
Your Christmas & New Year Holiday, Beautifully Planned
At Sardatur Holidays, we believe special occasions deserve thoughtful travel planning. Our travel specialists can help you choose destinations, recommend hotels and arrange experiences to suit your interests. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family celebration or a journey through several Italian regions, we can help with flights, accommodation, transfers and selected excursions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas & New Year in Italy
Where is the best place to spend Christmas in Italy?
South Tyrol is ideal for traditional Christmas markets and Alpine scenery, while Rome offers historic celebrations and cultural experiences. Naples is famous for its nativity traditions, and Florence and Tuscany are excellent for art, food, wine and countryside stays.
Are Christmas markets in Italy open in December 2026?
Yes. The Christmas markets in Bolzano and Merano are scheduled from 26 November 2026 to 6 January 2027. Individual opening hours and holiday closures vary, so dates should be checked before travel.
Is Italy a good destination for New Year’s Eve?
Yes. Milan and Rome offer luxury hotels, dining and cultural experiences, while countryside retreats provide a quieter option. Individual events and reservations need to be confirmed.
Where is warmer in Italy at Christmas?
Southern Italy, particularly Sicily, is generally milder in December than northern Italy and the Alpine regions. It is still winter, however, and rain and cool evenings are possible.
Can I combine several destinations in one Christmas holiday?
Yes. A tailor-made holiday can combine Verona, Bolzano, Florence and Rome, or Naples and Sorrento. Our travel specialists can help arrange accommodation, transport and experiences along the way.
Can Sardatur arrange flights, hotels and festive experiences?
Yes. Sardatur Holidays can help arrange tailor-made holidays with flights, selected accommodation, private transfers, sightseeing and festive experiences, subject to confirmation and availability.
Make Christmas & New Year 2026 Unforgettable
Whether you’re dreaming of an Alpine Christmas, an elegant Italian city break or a luxurious New Year’s escape, let Sardatur Holidays help you plan a festive holiday to remember. Tell us where you’d love to go, when you’d like to travel and what would make the occasion special. Our travel specialists will help bring it together.
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Or call to speak to one of our advisors
All holidays are tailor-made. Accommodation, experiences, event tickets and festive dining arrangements are subject to availability and confirmation. Alternative departure dates and flight options are available on request.
