“Escape the Cold with a Sicilian Christmas” words in light and dark green letters on a black background (Designed by Stripes Staff)
If you love the Christmas season but are not crazy about the cold weather that accompanies it, a Sicilian Christmas might be the way to go. The Christmas season in Sicily involves many traditions, events and markets.
You can celebrate the Feast of Saint Lucia on December 13th. Saint Lucia is the patron saint of Syracusa and known as the female Father Christmas in the North. December 13th is the day of her martyrdom and is commemorated with a solemn procession and by eating Cuccìa, a boiled wheat treat that can be sweet or savory .
Check out the regional treats, live Nativity scenes and Christmas markets. Many of these markets take the best components of a traditional German market and put them in the mild and warm climate of an Italian winter.
Variety of Christmas tree decorations on sale at a European Christmas market. (alenakr (123RF))
Christmas in Catania
The Piazza dell’Università is hosting a traditional-style Christmas market from late November through late December (TBD). A shorter, but opulent, market known as Magico Natale (Magical Christmas), is at Palazzo Biscari from Dec. (TBD), where you can find gorgeous jewelry creations, nativity scenes and more. However, the grandest Christmas venture in Cantania is Christmas Town. For an entire month from Dec. 6, 2025 – Jan. 6, 2026), the Ciminiere di Catania is transformed into a town of Christmas movies, magic, ice skating, play areas, parades, shows, markets and talking reindeer.
Mountain Magic at Etna
Not far from the magic of the big city of Catania are the activities in the mountainous areas and villages of Etna. There are several markets to explore in Acireale, Viagrande, Caltagrione, Zafferana and Pedara. Keep your eyes peeled at the markets for special lava stone jewelry (Dates TBD). Also, head to Bronte, home of the pistachio, for a nutty treat (dates tbd).
Roasted salted pistachios shelled in heart shaped red bowl on black background with Christmas decorations around the bowl. (lermont51 (123RF))
Tasty Pastries of Palermo
Palermo is home to some of the more popular Christmas markets in Sicily. While you will find the market trinkets you’ve come to expect, you will also find regional treats to try. These include Cassata, a colorful cake with a ricotta base and Buccellato, a fig-filled pastry. While you discover different trinkets at the markets, make sure to catch a special Christmas-themed performance at the Teatro Massimo. In 2025, the markets will be held across different locations from Dec. 2025 to Jan. 2026 (TBD).
Historic Holidays of Ortigia
The Christmas markets of Ortigia will delight anyone looking for local, unique treasures. Ortigia is the oldest city in Syracusa, and history surrounds you as you shop for Italian leather goods and jewelry, Sicilian ceramics and citrus marmalades. Dates TBD
Twinkling Lights of Taormina
Tradition is a hallmark in Taormina. Witness the annual lighting of the Christmas bonfire in front of Duomo di Taormina. Against the flickers of flames, you will have fantastic views of Mt. Etna and the Ionian Sea. Make sure to catch a live nativity performance known as the “Presepe Vivente” and the Carretti Siciliani, a parade featuring colorful and intricate carriages. Throughout the season, several Christmas trees are lit and performances are constantly going on. The Christmas market usually occurs between early December and early January.