Modern traditions combine with holdovers from their Roman forebears in the celebrations of Natale, the Italian Christmas.

The pagan feast of Saturnalia coincides with the Christian advent, and the holiday season there spans from these weeks through Epiphany.

Food, religious observances, nativity displays, and gift-giving are prominent.

On Christmas Eve, Italians celebrate “La Vigilia”, or the Feast of the seven fishes. In some regions, presents are brought on Epiphany by La Befana, and in others by Baby Jesus on Christmas day or eve.

In recent years Babbo Natale (literally, Father Christmas), a Santa Claus-like figure, is becoming more common.

Source: Wikipedia