Buon Natale! What Do Italians Eat on Christmas Day?

The Christmas table in Italy is a place of grand tradition, where every dish tells a story of family, region, and celebration. While Christmas Eve is a giorno di magro (lean day) traditionally reserved for seafood, Natale (Christmas Day) is when the family gathers for a hearty, indulgent, and often meat-centric lunch.

The key word here is regionality—Italian Christmas dishes change dramatically from North to South, but the spirit of a long, multi-course feast, featuring the best possible ingredients remains the same!

🍝 Il Primo (The First Course): A Warm Welcome

The main event always begins with a substantial first course. This is where regional pride shines brightest:

• In the North (Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy): A comforting and delicate dish takes centre stage: Tortellini in Brodo. Small, meat-filled tortellini are served swimming in a rich, clear capon or beef broth—it’s the taste of true Christmas warmth.

• In the Centre and South (Campania, Puglia): The family moves toward baked pasta. Indulgent, layered dishes like rich Lasagne or stuffed Cannelloni, often made with a slow-simmered, traditional Neapolitan ragù (meat sauce), are absolute must-haves.

🥩 Il Secondo (The Main Course): The Feast's Heart

Following the pasta, the table is graced with a magnificent main course, almost always meat:

• Roast Meats: A classic choice is a stuffed and roasted poultry, such as Capon (cappone ripieno) or guinea fowl, or a beautiful, generous Arrosto (roast) of lamb or veal, often served simply with roasted potatoes.

• Bollito: In some regions, especially after a broth-based primo, the cooked meats used for the broth are served as the main course, sometimes accompanied by a regional sausage like Cotechino or Zampone (stuffed pig’s trotter), served with good-luck lentils.

• Abundance: The course is accompanied by generous side dishes, from fresh salads to hearty vegetables, to ensure everyone leaves the table completely satisfied.

🍰 Il Dolce (Dessert): The Sweet Finale

No Italian celebration is complete without dolci. The two most famous Christmas cakes are found on virtually every Italian table:

• Panettone: The dome-shaped, Milanese sweet bread, studded with candied fruit and raisins.

• Pandoro: The beautiful, star-shaped, golden cake from Verona, dusted with vanilla-scented icing sugar, a simple yet elegant treat.

Regional specialities also appear, from the tiny, honey-drizzled fried dough balls called Struffoli from Naples to rich bars of Torrone (nougat).

🎁 Bringing the Italian Feast Home with the Carluccio's Deli

If you're inspired to bring these authentic Italian Christmas traditions to your own table, a few key ingredients from our online deli are essential to achieve that genuine Italian flavour:

• Panettone: Our award-winning Panettone is the star of Christmas both in Italy and in our deli. It's perfect served simply or alongside a dollop of mascarpone cream.

• Artisanal Pasta & Sauces: To recreate the perfect primo, stock up on authentic, bronze-die-cut pasta and a rich, slow-cooked Beef Ragù—the foundation of any great Lasagne or Cannelloni.

• The Sweet Treats: Complete your dolci course with a selection of our Torrone (Italian nougat) or Italian Christmas biscuits, perfect for sharing with coffee and a glass of dessert wine.

• Fine Italian Oils & Antipasti: Start your Christmas Day with a classic Antipasto spread. A bottle of exceptional Extra Virgin Olive Oil, marinated Olives, and sun-dried vegetables are a simple, perfect Italian opener.

This Christmas, gather your family, share a magnificent feast, and shout "Buon Natale!" with a full heart and a full table.

Would you like to browse our online deli for the perfect Panettone and other Italian treats to complete your Christmas Day feast?