Boxing Day in Italy: Santo Stefano
In Italy, December 26 is the public holiday of Santo Stefano, the feast of Saint Stephen. Its place on the calendar extends the Christmas holiday period, while its name and religious meaning come from the Christian martyr commemorated by the Catholic Church.[1][2]
A national public holiday
Italy’s Law No. 260 of May 27, 1949, includes December 26 among the days treated as public holidays. A parliamentary research document identifies it as the day after Christmas and lists Law No. 260/1949 as its legal basis.[1]
The holiday is nationwide. Italy’s official tourism information says that on national holidays most productive activities stop, along with public and private offices. Check your employment terms for details.[1][3]
The feast of Saint Stephen
The Italian Catholic calendar calls December 26 the feast of Saint Stephen, protomartyr. The Italian Bishops’ Conference describes Stephen as one of the seven deacons chosen by the Apostles and the first disciple to die for his Christian faith, stoned in Jerusalem while praying for his persecutors.[2]
This religious observance gives Santo Stefano its specific meaning in Italy. It follows Christmas Day in the calendar, and the Catholic liturgical entry for the date includes a Mass of the day for Saint Stephen.[2][3]
What to expect on the day
The holiday can affect ordinary services and business hours: official tourism guidance says that most productive activities and public and private offices stop on national holidays. It also cautions that some museums and cultural sites close on certain holidays, so visitors should check a venue’s own information before travelling.[3]
A public holiday does not mean every business is closed. The same guidance says bars, pastry shops, ice-cream shops and restaurants remain open on national holidays. Opening hours vary, so check directly with a business if you have a particular place in mind.[3]
A date shared with the Christmas break
Santo Stefano is fixed on December 26, the day after Christmas. In Italy it is both a date in the national public-holiday calendar and a Catholic feast. No single nationwide family custom or special dish is specified for the day.[1][2][3]
For travel planning, confirm transport schedules and opening times with the relevant operator or venue. The official tourism guidance notes that opening patterns can vary by location and advises visitors to check museum and cultural-site arrangements ahead of a visit.[3]
Frequently asked questions
Is December 26 a public holiday throughout Italy?
What does Santo Stefano commemorate?
It is the Catholic feast of Saint Stephen, whom the Italian Bishops’ Conference describes as the first Christian protomartyr.[2]
Are offices and shops open?
Most public and private offices and productive activities stop on national holidays, but bars, pastry shops, ice-cream shops and restaurants may remain open. Check local hours before setting out.[3]
Are museums open on Santo Stefano?
Some museums and cultural sites close on certain holidays. Check the specific venue’s official information before visiting.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Boxing Day in Italy:
- Istituzione della Giornata della ristorazione- Camera dei deputati, Servizio Studi
- Santo del giorno 26 Dicembre 2025: Santo Stefano, protomartire- Conferenza Episcopale Italiana
- Orari, fuso orario e festività in Italia- Italia.it, Italian Ministry of Tourism