Are you planning a wedding in Italy or have you recently said “I do” there? Why not keep that dolce vita vibe alive and dive into some Italian Christmas cheer? Whether you're dreaming of festive piazzas or just want to enjoy Italy’s cinematic charm, these Italian Christmas movies will have you feeling merry, bright and ‘felici’. Plus, watching with English subtitles might even help you pick up a little Italian before your wedding day or for your next anniversary visit. Buon Natale!
La banda dei Babbi Natale (The Santa Claus Gang)
1. La banda dei Babbi Natale (The Santa Claus Gang)
Director: Paolo Genovese
If you’re in the mood for a festive adventure, this one’s a real treat! The story revolves around three lifelong friends—played by Italy’s beloved comedy trio, Aldo, Giovanni, and Giacomo—who find themselves in hot water after a botched burglary on Christmas Eve. As they try to explain their Santa suit disguises, their quirky backstories unravel in flashbacks that are as heartwarming as they are hilarious.
Why we love it: It’s a mix of crime and comedy, with just the right dose of festive chaos.
Vacanze di Natale (1983) (Christmas Holidays)
Director: Carlo Vanzina
Fancy a trip to Italy’s snowy slopes? This film is a quintessential Christmas comedy set in the glitzy ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. The movie features a colorful cast of characters, including wealthy Milanese families, flirtatious singles, and unsuspecting tourists, all colliding in a whirlwind of romantic entanglements and comedic misunderstandings. It’s as much a love letter to Italy’s 80s culture as it is to the holiday season.
Why we love it: It’s a bit like Love Actually, but with more pasta and a retro vibe.
10 giorni con Babbo Natale (When Mom Is Away… With the Family)
3. 10 giorni con Babbo Natale (When Mom Is Away… With the Family)
Director: Alessandro Genovesi
Ever wondered what happens when Christmas and family road trips collide? This laugh-out-loud movie follows Carlo, a father trying to reconnect with his wife and kids, as they embark on an adventurous journey to Lapland in a rusty camper van. Along the way, they pick up a mysterious hitchhiker who claims to be Santa Claus, turning their trip into a heartwarming yet chaotic Christmas tale.
Why we love it: The family dynamics are relatable, and it’s packed with heartwarming laughs.
La cena di Natale (The Christmas Dinner)
4. La cena di Natale (The Christmas Dinner)
Director: Marco Ponti
Nothing says Italian Christmas like a big family dinner, and this film serves up a generous helping of festive drama. Set in the picturesque town of Polignano a Mare, the story revolves around a lavish Christmas Eve dinner that brings together a cast of loveable, flawed characters. From romantic secrets to family feuds, the evening quickly turns into a deliciously entertaining mess.
Why we love it: It’s a festive soap opera, and you’ll be hungry by the time the credits roll.
Ogni maledetto Natale (Every Damn Christmas)
5. Ogni maledetto Natale (Every Damn Christmas)
Directors: Giacomo Ciarrapico, Mattia Torre, Luca Vendruscolo
For those who like their Italian Christmas movies a little less predictable, this quirky comedy offers a refreshingly unique take on holiday traditions. The plot follows a couple from wildly different social backgrounds as they attempt to split Christmas between their two families. Chaos ensues, as the pair soon realize that neither family can handle the season without turning it into an absurd, over-the-top spectacle.
Why we love it: It’s hilariously absurd and perfect for those who think Christmas is more about surviving than thriving.
Natale a tutti i costi (The Price of Family)
6. Natale a tutti i costi (The Price of Family)
Director: Giovanni Bognetti
This heartwarming comedy centers around two parents who are desperate to reunite their grown-up children for Christmas. To lure them home, they come up with a sneaky plan involving an inheritance. Of course, nothing goes as expected, and the family learns that money isn’t what brings people together—it’s love, laughter, and a bit of festive mischief.
Why we love it: It’s a touching reminder of what really matters, with plenty of laughs along the way.
Io sono Babbo Natale (I Am Father Christmas) - Italian Wedding Circle
7. Io sono Babbo Natale (I Am Father Christmas)
Director: Edoardo Maria Falcone
If you’re craving a modern Christmas tale with a twist, this one’s for you. The film tells the story of Ettore, a former convict whose life changes when he meets Nicola, a kind-hearted man who reveals he’s the real Santa Claus. Their unlikely friendship takes Ettore on a journey of redemption, filled with magical moments and touching life lessons.
Why we love it: It’s feel-good with a touch of magic, guaranteed to warm your heart.
Una Famiglia Perfetta (A Perfect Family) - Italian Wedding Circle
8. Una Famiglia Perfetta (A Perfect Family)
Director: Paolo Genovese
Imagine hiring a group of actors to play your family at Christmas. That’s exactly what happens in this offbeat comedy. Leone, a lonely and wealthy man, stages the perfect Christmas with a fake family. As the actors immerse themselves in their roles, lines blur between reality and fiction, leading to plenty of laughs and some surprisingly heartfelt moments.
Why we love it: It’s a funny yet touching look at the meaning of family, perfect for a cosy Christmas night in.
Buon Natale from the Sofa!
So, grab the panettone, pour yourself a Prosecco, and let these Italian Christmas movies deck your halls with laughter and love. After all, if you can’t have a white Christmas, you can at least have a wildly entertaining one. Buon Natale, and remember: the only thing better than Italian romance is Italian comedy—especially when everyone’s arguing over who ate the last cannoli!
