Christmas in Italy is an especially magical time, focused on the spirituality of the season and the opportunity to spend time connecting with friends and family in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Unlike Christmas in America, the Italian holiday season is not as commercialized. The days around Christmas are spent going to church to worship, spending time with beloved family, and indulging in rich Italian feasts. The il Pranzo is a traditional Christmas lunch, highlighting the festivities of this time of year in Italy. As a key element of the season, the traditional Italian Christmas dishes play a central role in all of the gatherings.

Roasted Lamb and Potatoes | The Lazio Region
The Lazio region of Italy is known for its traditional dish of roasted lamb served with potatoes. Encompassing Rome and its environs, this region is known for rich and hearty dishes. The classic Christmas roast is revered for its simplicity and comforting taste of home at the holidays.

Zampone | The Emilia Romagna Region
Hailing from the Northern Italy region of Emilia Romagna, zampone is a staple of the Christmas celebration. Prepared from the leg of a pig with the foot still attached, zampone is considered to be a delicacy and reserved for special occasions such as this. Zampone is usually served alongside the Italian pork sausage cotechino as well as lentils as a complementary side dish.

Chicken Liver Pate | Tuscany
Originating in the central Tuscany region, chicken liver pate is a staple of the holiday season. Making an ideal starter, this Tuscan dish is one of the most popular items on the Christmas lunch table as it is served atop a crisp crostini. A sprinkling of pine nuts on top of the pate gives it a nice crunch and visual appeal. The chicken liver pate is best enjoyed with a rich glass of Chianti.

Tortellini and broth | Bologna
Capon broth with meat-filled tortellini is a defining Christmas dish of the Bologna area of Italy. A capon is a rooster that has been fattened for its rich and flavorful taste profiles. The exquisite broth is steeped with delicate meat-filled tortellini to create one of the most comforting and warm Italian Christmas dishes.

Bacccala | Basilicata, Southern Italy
Crispy cod with fried peppers is a classic Christmas dish hailing from the Basilicata region in Southern Italy. Also known as Baccala, this dish is usually served on Christmas Eve. The salted and dried cod can be served as both an appetizer or a main dish. Prior to preparation, the cod is soaked in fresh water for at least 48 hours, changing the water approximately every eight hours.