December in Italy is nothing short of magical.
Most cities across the boot light up with twinkling light displays and local life is energised by enchanting Christmas markets, which tend to turn even the most ordinary of urban landscapes into a cheerful wonderland.
So, if you’re planning on (or, perhaps, just considering) travelling to Italy in December, here are some things that you should know prior to setting off.
No travel restrictions
People who travelled to Italy last December were required to show proof of Covid vaccination, recent recovery from the virus or a negative molecular (PCR) or antigen test result in order to enter the country.
The above mandate expired on May 31st, which means that travel to the beautiful country for any reason, including tourism, is no longer tethered to any health requirements.
As for the requirement for arrivals to complete an EU digital passenger locator form (dPLF), that was also scrapped last May.
Face masks required in healthcare settings
The requirement to wear FFP2 face masks on public transport lapsed on Friday, September 30th.
However, Italy’s new government has recently extended the requirement to wear face masks in all healthcare settings and care homes until the end of the year.
So, if you’re planning on paying a visit to a relative or friend who’s currently staying in one of the above structures, you’ll have to wear a mask.
Anyone refusing to comply with face mask rules can still face fines ranging from a minimum of €400 to a maximum of €1000.
Current quarantine rules
Italy still requires anyone who tests positive for coronavirus while in the country to self-isolate, with the minimum isolation period currently standing at five days.
In order to exit quarantine, the infected person must be symptomless for at least two days, and must test negative to a molecular (PCR) or rapid antigen test at the end of that period.
Testing should be carried out at a registered pharmacy or testing centre as the results of home tests are not seen as valid for this purpose.
Should the patient continue to test positive, they must remain in isolation until they get a negative test result. However, the maximum length of the self-isolation period has now been cut to 14 days, down from 21.
National strike on December 2nd
After months riddled with nation-wide demonstrations, travel to, from and across Italy will continue to be disrupted by strikes during the last month of 2022.
The demonstration that’s currently expected to create the greatest amount of disruption will take place on Friday, December 2nd and it’ll be a 24-hour national strike affecting airline and rail travel as well as local public transport lines.
Staff from Spanish airline Vueling and public transport companies in Udine, Trieste, La Spezia, Naples, Foggia and Bari have already announced that they will take part in the strike.
At the time of writing, it isn’t yet clear if essential services will be guaranteed and, if so, which ones and at what times.
As always, The Local will keep you abreast of all the latest developments.
Local public holidays
Italy has three public holidays in December. Those are:
- December 8th – Feast of the Immaculate Conception
- December 25th – Christmas Day
- December 26th – St Stephen’s Day (or Boxing Day in English-speaking countries)
As you might have already realised, December 24th (Christmas Eve) and December 31st (New Year’s Eve) are not official public holidays in Italy. However, most local companies do give their staff both days off as a gesture of goodwill.
It’s worth noting that on all of the above-mentioned days the country will pretty much collectively stop, with all public offices and nearly all shops remaining shut.
Even transport services are usually very limited on the days in question, so, if you’re planning to visit around those dates, make sure to make all the necessary arrangements well in advance.
Christmas markets
This Christmas looks set to be Italy’s first in two years without any Covid restrictions.
This means that the country’s traditional Christmas markets, a number of which were cancelled last year due to safety concerns, should be up and running again this December.
Italy’s most popular markets are located in Trentino-Alto Adige, the northern region bordering Switzerland and Austria – Bruneck, Bolzano and Brixen are all well known for their gleeful stalls.
That said, the northern mountain cities don’t claim complete ownership of Italy’s Christmas markets, as Rome, Perugia and Gubbio also have some of the best set-ups in the entire peninsula.
Galleries and museums’ special openings
Most galleries and museums in the country tend to have special opening hours during the festive season, which means that you might be able to admire artworks by some of the most famous Italian painters and sculptors even on public holidays and as late as 10pm on some days.
For instance, in Venice, Palazzo Ducale, Museo Correr and Murano’s Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum) will be open every day (public holidays included) in December, with their doors remaining open to visitors until 9pm on some dates.
As always, you’re advised to check the websites of the museums you’re interested in visiting to know what they’ll offer visitors in December.
Christmas’ culinary wealth
READ ALSO: Six quirky Italian Christmas traditions you should know about
The quality of Italy’s cuisine is no secret, but the country dishes out some of the best examples of its long culinary tradition over the Christmas holidays.
While the evening meal on Christmas Eve (known as ‘Eve’) tends to be quite frugal, the Christmas Day meal is anything but.
A pasta dish (tortellinilasagne or baked pasta) is followed by a veal-, ox- or poultry-based second course accompanied by a variety of vegetables.
Finally, the festive meal is finished off with a scrumptious slice (more like, three or four for some) slice of panettone or Pandoro.
Prosecco or another variety of sparkling wine is generally used to wash down all of the above.
Extravagant New Year celebrations
READ ALSO: Red pants, smashed plates and bingo: Six reasons Italian New Year is awesome
If you’ve never spent New Year’s Eve in Italy, you might be in for a surprise.
The Italians have a reputation for being a superstitious bunch, and some of their New Year customs can truly startle the uninitiated foreigner.
Apart from ladies wearing red underwear to fend off evil spirits and people eating lentils by the bucketload to bring wealth and prosperity to their families, some residents, especially in the south, throw crockery out of their windows to show that they’re ready for a new start in the new year.
An alternative tradition – which, to be fair, seems to be slightly more friendly towards passers-by – is crashing pots and pans together right by the front door to frighten away evil spirits.