When Do Italians Eat Panettone? | A Guide to Italian Customs & Traditions

Dating back to the 15th century, panettone is a popular Milanese dessert with strong ties to the festive season. The tall, dome-shaped sweet bread, often filled with dried or candied fruits, is the perfect gift and holds a special place in Italian culture. But when exactly is the best time to eat panettone? Here at Carluccio’s , we ensure we follow the Italian way, serving authentic coffee and seasonal panettone.

In this guide, we’ll explore “when do Italians eat panettone?”, and how to fit the sweet bread into your festivities.

A Festive Tradition: When Do Italians Eat Panettone?

Panettone is a fundamental part of the Italian holiday season, with roots tied to traditions and culture. The classic dessert has been perfected over 500 years, creating rich, leavened dough with complex flavours and a soft, fluffy texture.

In Italy, panettone is enjoyed throughout the Christmas and New Year holidays, and is a large part of the festivities. Whether as a main feature on the table, enjoyed with breakfast and a cup of coffee in the morning, or as a sweet treat in the afternoon, panettone is more than just a dessert. Expect generous servings throughout the day. If you can't wait for the day, why not enjoy panettone on Christmas Eve? A taste of what is to come...

At Carluccio’s, our Italian bakers only produce panettone between September and December, making the Christmas season that much more special. With a wide range of options, including limoncello, chocolate, and gluten-free options, your Christmas table can have that authentic Italian style.

Our Milanese Panettone.

Don’t miss out this year and join our waiting list for panettone here.

Panettone on the Christmas Table

Often served generously in thin slices, panettone can be enjoyed in many ways on Christmas Day. Italians are known for including it as a main dessert on the table, and making it a focal point. However, it is not confined to just being a dessert. Panettone is often enjoyed as a sweet treat or afternoon snack between courses or meals.

Here are some popular ways to enjoy panettone the Italian way:

• In the morning, with coffee before the meal: Look for light and sweet coffees, such as Milano flavours, cappuccinos or a cup of espresso.
• As an afternoon snack (merenda): Often served late in the afternoon, sometimes paired with tea or a sweet wine, such as Moscato d'Asti or Vin Santo.
• Dipped in hot chocolate or a shot of espresso: Bring out the bread's sweetness and dried fruit flavours, such as raisins or sultanas.
• Toasted with mascarpone or cream: For a post-Christmas meal, pair lightly toasted leftover panettone with a warm dollop of mascarpone.
• Turned into French toast on St. Stephen's Day (Boxing Day): The next day, leftover slices can be given new life as panettone alla francese, dipped in egg yolks and cinnamon as a luxurious version of French toast on Boxing Day.

For more information, read our guide on how Italians eat panettone here.

Beyond Christmas: Can You Eat Panettone Year-Round?

Although it is often synonymous with the Italian Christmas season, there are some exceptions to enjoying panettone.

Panettone is often enjoyed on the Twelfth Night, or the Epiphany, in Italy. January 6 marks the end of the Christmas season and the celebration of the Three Kings' arrival, who brought gifts to the baby Jesus.

Some Italians save panettone to honour St Blaise, the Bishop of Sebaste and a patron saint in the Catholic Church. Celebrated on February 3, St. Blaise Day is a feast day that celebrates the tradition of the “Blessing of the Throats”. Legend has it that the eponymous Blaise saved a child choking on a fish bone with a piece of bread. Especially in Milan, many save their Christmas panettone for the Feast of Saint Blaise, also known as San Biagio.

Although it is sometimes saved after New Year’s Day, panettone is often not available outside the Christmas months. Carluccio’s Italian bakers craft sweet, airy panettone, which is stocked between September and December.

Join the waiting list for our panettone here!

How Does Panettone Fit into Italian Holiday Celebrations?

During the holidays, panettone is an incredibly popular gift in Italy, often presented in beautiful tins, boxes and decorative packaging. A classic panettone is perfect for sharing with friends, family, neighbours and at Christmas work parties with colleagues. Gifting the Italian delicacy is a great, thoughtful gesture, especially if visiting somebody's home for the first time during the festive period.

After Christmas Day, panettone is a delicious way to ring in the new year. Consider serving a slice of panettone with a glass of Prosecco to toast to the future. On New Year's Day, it's a great accompaniment for a light and celebratory breakfast to start the year off right.

From chocolate and limoncello to a traditional panettone with dried fruit and candied citrus, at Carluccio’s we offer Italian-made panettone crafted by expert bakers. Make sure to join the waiting list before the Christmas season begins!

Pair your panettone with authentic Milano coffee, made from 100% Arabica beans for a sweet, refined and smooth texture. Shop our Milanese Coffee at Carluccio’s here.

Frequently asked questions

When can I buy Carluccio's panettone?

Our Italian bakers craft authentic panettone to be available seasonally between September and December.

Do Italians eat panettone on Christmas Day?

Yes. Many Italians incorporate panettone into their Christmas festivities, including before, during, and after meals.

Is panettone eaten for breakfast in Italy?

Panettone is popular when enjoyed first thing in the morning. Try a small slice with a morning coffee, such as a cup of espresso or cappuccino.

Do Italians eat panettone on other religious holidays?

While its ties are mainly intertwined with Christmas, panettone is also enjoyed on Boxing Day (St. Stephen's Day), New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and on St. Blaise Day (San Biagio) on February 3, especially in Milan.

What do Italians pair with panettone?

Panettone bread pairs well with coffee (particularly Milanese flavours), Vin Santo, Spumante, or a dollop of mascarpone.

Read our full guide on what to have with panettone here.

What types of panettone are available?

While traditional slices of panettone contain a scattering of raisins and candied orange peel, modern variations open the door for flavoursome twists. Why not consider chocolate chip panettone for a sweeter taste, or a nutty pistachio flavour? There's a style to suit every palette!

Carluccio's puts a festive twist on the traditional recipe by adding unique flavours. Pairing the North and South, our Limoncello panettone contains large candied lemon peel and zest in a custom cream filling, topped with white chocolate and sprinkles. Think Sicily meets Milan with these complex flavours.

Join the waiting list for our Panettone al Limoncello here!

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