Christmas in Sicily: A Fairytale Holiday Destination

Here at Savoring Italy, we highly recommend that you spend Christmas in Sicily and experience a fairytale place that, in December, takes on a magical atmosphere and welcomes you with a number of events and traditions. This article is dedicated to suggestions for an unmissable tour in southern Italy, to share with family, friends or as a couple.

Weather in Sicily During December

December in Sicily is characterized by an average temperature of 55°F, with highs of 58°F and lows of 51°F. Overall, December is somewhat chilly, but bearable with the right clothing. There could be a little precipitation during your trip—up to 3 inches spread across several days could happen.

The genuine start of the cold weather comes around the end of the month. So while it's true that the temperature may be dropping, however, the upside to that is that there are typically a lot less showers when this happens.

Where to Spend Christmas in Sicily

December brings with it a triumph of lights, moments to cherish, and celebrations. There are several Christmas customs in Sicily. The Sicilians cherish both the most well-known and, for tourists, the somewhat less well-known traditions, since they serve as a link to their past and generations of familial experiences. The following are unforgettable Made in Sicily Christmas possibilities awaiting you.

Catania

Not to be missed, Catania is one of the most significant towns in Sicily. It is well-known across Italy for its beautiful squares and its close vicinity to Etna, the most active volcano in Europe.

The city comes alive with lights and decorations during the Christmas season. There's a massive Christmas tree in Piazza Università and booths selling traditional Christmas items line the sidewalks next to Via Etnea. Be sure to check out Mascalucia's Santa Claus Village, which is outfitted with imaginative play areas and games for young children each year.

Ispica

The Living Nativity scene of Ispica is one of the most intriguing in Sicily. The ancient caverns, the view of Cava Ispica, and Parco Forza create a timeless ambiance in which biblical events come to life and the handicraft traditions of south-eastern Sicily are put on display.

There's an accurate representation of Iblean peasant society, including the birth of Jesus and the coming of the Three Kings. The Ispica live nativity scene also provides a chance to learn about the archaeological territory that Cava d'Ispica protects: namely, Sicilian and Byzantine necropolises, Christian catacombs, caverns and caves inhabited until the nineteenth century that tell the narrative of ancient Ispica.

Trapani

The abundance of charming villages typifies the picturesque Trapani. Custonaci, which provides a picturesque atmosphere, is where we advise you to stop during the Christmas season.

The Grotta Mangiapane, situated in the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve, is situated nearby and measures 70 meters in height and 50 meters in depth and provides a rustic existence from long ago, still inhabited by common practices and traditions. And that's exactly where, every year around Christmas, a whole neighborhood comes together with artists from Sicily to perform one of the most renowned Living Nativity scenes in the whole region—one that has gained notoriety throughout Europe.

And lastly, there is the Vito Guccione-constructed mechanical nativity scene of Castelvetrano, which is housed in the Church of Purgatory which display the archaic visualizations that provide character to the setting with blacksmiths, shepherds, woodcutters and millers.

Caltanissetta

Sutera, one of Italy's most picturesque towns, is located in the province of Caltanissetta. It was here that American filmmaker Michael Cimino shot parts of his 1987 film "The Sicilian, the story of the bandit Salvatore Giuliano." Annually, Rabato, an Arab area, hosts a beautiful and moving living nativity display. Taking place in the center of the town, amid lanes lit by the shimmering lights of torches and bonfires, the modest and charming Sicilian village opens its doors to a dramatic display from December 25 to January 6.

Agrigento

Going to Agrigento to explore the city is a terrific way to spend Christmas in Sicily because of all the activities, performances, concerts, markets, and creative street displays that happen there. There's also the local customs, such as the "Christmas Village," which is a kid-friendly display of toys, nativity scene props, traditional holiday goods, candies, and entertainment options for the whole family.

Caltagirone

A long-standing tradition in Sicily is undoubtedly Christmas in Caltagirone which is well-known throughout Italy for its exquisite nativity scenes arranged along the town's main stairway (see photo above). In addition, there's "Natale in Vetrina," a display of nativity scenes made by expert Caltagirone ceramists.

Sambuca di Sicilia

The Saracen district in Sambuca, Sicily, is a labyrinth of alleyways that narrates the history of the Arab influence on this region of the island. This is where the live nativity scene will take place. In addition, there will be activities and concerts to attend as well as the chance to sample traditional local food.

Calatafimi Segesta

Every year, the House of Santa Claus and the biggest village of elves in Sicily are built up in Calatafimi Segesta. Amazingly, a little train will take you straight to Castello Eufemio, home of Santa Claus. Awaiting both adults and children are elves, decorations, stories, and an enchanting Christmas atmosphere. In addition, the historic center is decorated with booths, live nativity scenes, and other holiday decorations.

Palermo (and its environs)

In Palermo, Sicily's capital, you're guaranteed to find something unique and indescribable, full of charm and beauty, during Christmas. Along with the numerous monuments, streets, squares, and marketplaces to visit over the holiday season, we recommend the following two places to check out in Palermo's province:

One is the "Petralinium in Preasepio," an artistic-monumental nativity scene with meticulous attention to detail that recreates a a typical mountain town in the Madonie park.

Then there's Gangi, one of Italy's most picturesque villages. "From Nazareth to Bethlehem" is the title of the nativity performance, a fascinating portrayal based on authentic historical and anthropological studies. From the 26th to the 29th of December, a dynamic stage weaves its way through the ancient center's tiny alleyways, stairways, towers, and small squares, transporting visitors to a 2000-year-old Judea.

Christmas Food in Sicily

Christmas in Sicily, as you may have imagined, is also about the food. There's a variety of lunches and dinners, and other traditional Sicilian delights with baked pasta, meat dishes like falsomagro, appetizers like crispelle, and treats like fried fish are all magnificently presented and served. Dining with family and friends is a social and interactive experience when Sicilians relax to converse and enjoy themselves; the best thing is that these meals last a very long time!

Desserts include the traditional Buccellato (Sicily's Christmas cake), which is a must-have, but other favorites include nougats, giuggiulena and petrafennula, and of course, cannolis. Overall, Christmas in Sicily is about coming together with friends and family, and it's common to prepare traditional Christmas treats in the kitchen.

Other Traditions During Christmas in Sicily

The Zucco

It's typical for Sicilians to have a bonfire on Christmas Eve evening, a custom known as zucco that is still observed in many communities. Fire is highly symbolic of rebirth, cleansing, and the victory of light over evil. As the feast day approaches, the community congregates around the live flame to rejoice.

Zampognari and Ciaramiddari

Sicilian street singers have been telling Christmas legends for centuries. Using ciaramidde (wind instruments), they hit the streets dispersing religious devotion among the populace; hence, the titles "zampognari" and "ciaramiddari."

Card Games

Mercante in Fiera, Zicchinedda, Tivitti, and Sette e Mezzo are a few of the most well-known games played around Christmas time.

Eager for More Italian Explorations?

If the allure of Christmas in Sicily has left you invigorated and yearning for more, you're in for a treat with our array of Italian escapades. Buon Viaggio!

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