Untold Italy · Friday, July 17, 2026
For travelers visiting Sicily in mid-December, Untold Italy host Katie Clark points to key dates for Christmas celebrations, starting with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th, when decorations typically go up. Significant dates include December 13th (Feast of Santa Lucia), Christmas Day, and the period until January 6th (Epiphany). Specific regional events mentioned include Palermo's Christmas markets and celebrations in Ortigia (Syracuse) honoring Santa Lucia with processions and a special cake, 'cuddura cu'll'ovu'.
“Sicily is always a good idea, especially around major festivals and definitely Christmas. It's great you're arriving in mid December, as things really kick off on the eighth of December, which is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This is traditionally the time when the Christmas decorations go up and everything starts looking spectacular.”
“Apart from December the eighth, the other big dates are the thirteenth, which is the Feast of Santa Lucia Christmas Day, and then the period through to January the sixth, which is the Epiphany.”
“Ortigia is the old town of Siracusa. It's one of my favorite places in Italy and its patron saint is Sante Licia, So hopefully you are there on the thirteenth this This is one of the most important days on their calendar, where they pay respects to the saint with processions throughout the day and at night by candle light, and the celebrations continue through until December the twenty first, which is known as the octave.”
“the best way to celebrate is eating the cutcha cake that represents this miracle. It's made with farrow and dried fruits. It's very rich and very delicious.”