As the holiday season has officially started, we cannot think of them without thinking of cherished Italian traditions —made of family, food, and joy. In true Italian spirit, the holidays are more than just one day. Festivities stretch across weeks, culminating in the beloved trio of Christmas Eve (La Vigilia), Christmas Day (Natale), and St. Stephen’s Day (Santo Stefano) on the 26th. Each day holds its own meaning, its own rituals and its own meals. And yes, in Italy is a 3-day feast!

Pre-Christmas eve, in many regions, there is a tradition of meeting with friends on the days leading up to the 24th — aperitivo catch-ups, casual dinners, or cozy coffee moments. These gatherings set the tone for a season centered on connection.

Let´s start with the kitchen prep:  Italian holiday meals are made together. You’ll find family members stirring sauces, kneading dough, and setting tables days in advance. Hosting duties are often passed around — Nonna might take the lead on Christmas Eve, while cousins host Boxing Day. It’s communal, joyful, and often a little chaotic — in the best way.

Then comes La Vigilia, Christmas Eve, traditionally marked by the "Feast of the Seven Fishes".  While this tradition is not originally vegan, here at Vegaliano, we believe traditions evolve, and with just a few thoughtful swaps, you can celebrate fully — with kindness on the table. Think tender palm hearts grilled and dressed in lemon and capers. Or oven-roasted artichokes with garlic and herbs. Sea-flavored pasta made with nori and plant-based tuna. You get the festive feel — minus the fish.

Christmas Day is all about abundance. Tables stretch with antipasti, rich mains, pasta bakes, roasts, and of course, desserts like panettone or struffoli. And yes, you can find (or make) incredible vegan versions of all of them.

St. Stephen’s Day on the 26th is usually more relaxed — often spent visiting extended family or recovering from the feast. Leftovers take center stage, which makes it the perfect opportunity to reinvent your dishes with zero waste and maximum creativity. Vegan lasagna squares, toasted panettone, or risotto cakes made from Christmas rice dishes are all fair game.

Gift-giving also carries its own rhythm in Italy. While many countries give presents on the 24th or 25th, in some Italian households, the tradition extends into January with the arrival of La Befana on the 6th. It’s not just about the gifts — it’s about the slow buildup, the anticipation, and the thought behind each gesture.

The beauty of Italian traditions is that they were always about the people first — the shared time, the laughter, the storytelling. Food was the glue. And today, that glue can be plant-based without losing an ounce of flavor or feeling. So, this holiday season, embrace the traditions — and reinvent them. Celebrate like an Italian, cook like a vegan, and make your own magic.

Buone Feste — from all of us at Vegaliano.