New push for tourism during Christmas 2025: according to the report just published by Federalberghi, this year they will be well 19.3 million Italians traveling between Christmas and Epiphany, generating a total turnover of almost i 16.3 billion euros.
Unlike the summer period, during which foreign destinations were favoured, for the winter holidays 91% of travelers will remain in Italy – with mountains and cities of art as the main destinations – while only 9% will choose a foreign location, generally in Europe.
In general, the image that emerges from the survey is positive, with around 1 million more travelers compared to 2024: the majority of them, however, will avoid large journeys, choosing to visit places not too far from their residence and preferring cities of art or destinations with Christmas markets.
Italians’ favorite destinations for Christmas 2025
Overall, there will be 19 million and 270 thousand Italians who will be on the move for the end-of-year holidays. Of these, 7 million and 860 thousand will leave for the Christmas holiday, 4 million and 550 thousand will choose the days around New Year’s Eve, while 5 million and 870 thousand will opt for a “long holiday”, which includes at least two holidays.
But where will the Italians go? 91% of travelers will stay in Italy, choosing as their main destination the mountains (33.7% for New Year’s Eve and 28.7% for Christmas), a city of art (25.3% for New Year’s Eve and 12.7% for Christmas) or the sea (10.1% for New Year’s Eve and 25.2% for Christmas).
9% of Italians, however, will opt for a foreign destination: in this case, the majority of travelers (84.1% for New Year’s Eve and 58.3% for Christmas) will visit a major European capital, from Paris to Madrid. Also worth considering are European amusement parks, among the favorite destinations especially during the days close to December 25th.
In general, 1 million more Italians will travel compared to Christmas 2024, even if the duration of the holiday will tend to be shorter.
Between Christmas and Epiphany: red sticker days and average spending
According to Federalberghi, there will be two moments of great peak regarding departures: the red flag days will be 22 and 23 December, due to pre-Christmas departures, while between 29 and 30 December the peak of travelers who will travel to celebrate New Year’s Eve will be reached.
As anticipated, the overall turnover will be 16.3 billion euros: 4.1 billion euros will be allocated for the Christmas holiday alone, while for the New Year it will exceed 3 billion euros. To these must be added 8.7 billion euros for those who choose the long holiday.
From a budget point of view, however, for stays limited to the Christmas period the average expenditure per capita will be around 526 euros (460 euros for those who will remain in Italy and 1,765 euros for those who will go abroad), mainly destined for travel (27.8% of total expenditure) and meals (26.4%).
Italians who travel during New Year’s Eve, however, will spend an average of 672 euros each (563 euros for those who stay in Italy and 1,303 euros for those who go abroad). In this case, the budget will focus mainly on meals (29.6% of the total expense) and accommodation (22.1%).
Finally, those who will take a “long holiday”, from Christmas to the Epiphany: in this case, the average expense will be 1,482 euros per person (equal to 1,320 euros for those who will remain in Italy and 2,963 euros for those who will go abroad).
