Christmas Flowers in Italy: What to Send and When to Order
Christmas flowers in Italy usually mean red and white blooms or a potted poinsettia, called stella di Natale. For delivery on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 2026, order before midnight Italy time on Wednesday, December 23, because no flowers go out on Christmas Day. Orders are delivered the next day, Monday to Saturday, through FlowersItaly.
What Flowers Do Italians Give at Christmas?
Red and white flowers suit the season best. The poinsettia is the plant most people think of, and it is a familiar sight in Italian homes at Christmas. The Christmas rose (Helleborus niger), which blooms in the cold months, is another seasonal choice. Evergreen greenery adds a festive look to a bouquet without any special arrangement.
Skip chrysanthemums. In Italy they are linked to cemeteries and All Saints' Day (Ognissanti), so they do not work as a Christmas gift.
Why Is the Poinsettia Called Stella di Natale?
Stella di Natale means Christmas star, a name that matches the plant's star-shaped red leaves. The poinsettia is native to Mexico, where it is known as flor de Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve flower. It was named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States minister to Mexico, who sent plants home to the United States in the late 1820s.
A potted stella di Natale is an easy gift to receive. It can stay in the home well past the holidays with regular watering and a bright spot away from cold drafts.
When Is the Last Day to Order Flowers for Christmas in Italy?
The last order date for Christmas Eve delivery is Wednesday, December 23, 2026, before midnight Italy time. FlowersItaly delivers next day for orders placed before midnight, so that order goes out on Thursday, December 24. An order placed on December 24 would fall due on Christmas Day, which is a public holiday, so it cannot be delivered then. Our tip is to order at least 2 to 3 days ahead, which means December 21 or 22 for the safest margin.
| Date (2026) | What happens |
|---|---|
| Mon, December 21 | Recommended order date for a safe margin |
| Wed, December 23 | Last order before midnight Italy time for Christmas Eve delivery |
| Thu, December 24 | Christmas Eve, a regular weekday: orders placed December 23 are delivered |
| Fri, December 25 | Christmas Day, public holiday: no deliveries |
| Sat, December 26 | Santo Stefano, public holiday: no deliveries |
| Sun, December 27 | No Sunday deliveries |
| Mon, December 28 | Next regular delivery day |
How Does Delivery Work Over the Christmas and New Year Holidays?
Delivery runs Monday to Saturday only. There are no deliveries on Sundays or main public holidays. Over the holidays, that means Christmas Day, Santo Stefano on December 26, and New Year's Day on Friday, January 1, 2027 are all off. Epifania on Wednesday, January 6, 2027 is also a public holiday in Italy.
You can write a preferred time in the delivery instructions. The florist tries to meet it, but exact time slots are not guaranteed. The florist also needs the recipient's name, full address and a phone number to coordinate the delivery.
Christmas Flowers in Italy for Family: What Works Best?
For parents, grandparents or siblings in Italy, a potted poinsettia is simple to receive and easy to display. A bouquet works if you want more color. Prices start at USD 12.99, plus a flat USD 14.95 delivery fee. Browse the Christmas flowers collection for seasonal options.
If you want the flowers in a vase right away, add a glass vase to your order. If your family lives in Florence, our Florence flower delivery page covers the city.
What Should You Write on the Card for a Christmas Gift in Italy?
Every order includes a free printed card, so keep the message warm and short. Buon Natale means Merry Christmas, and Buone Feste works for the whole holiday period. Sign with your name, and if the recipient is family, add a line that says you are thinking of them.
For example: Buon Natale a tutta la famiglia. Con affetto, and your name.
To order, go to flowersitaly.com, choose a bouquet or plant from the flowers collection, and enter the recipient's name, full address and phone number. Pay in USD by Visa, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal, and orders are accepted from any country. For more on sending from abroad, read our guide on how to send flowers to Italy.
Frequently asked questions
Is a poinsettia the traditional Christmas gift in Italy?
A poinsettia, called stella di Natale in Italian, is a familiar Christmas plant in Italian homes, so it is a recognizable and safe choice. Red and white flowers also fit the season well. A poinsettia works especially well if you want a gift that stays in the home after the holidays.
Can I order Christmas flowers for delivery on Christmas Eve?
Yes, if you order before midnight Italy time on Wednesday, December 23, 2026. FlowersItaly delivers next day, so that order goes out on Thursday, December 24. Ordering on December 21 or 22 gives you more room in case something changes.
Are flowers delivered on Christmas Day or December 26 in Italy?
No. FlowersItaly does not deliver on Sundays or main public holidays, and Christmas Day and Santo Stefano on December 26 are both public holidays in Italy. The next regular delivery day after that weekend is Monday, December 28, 2026.
How much does it cost to send a Christmas bouquet to Italy?
Bouquets start at USD 12.99, plus a flat USD 14.95 delivery fee. Prices are charged in USD, with EUR and GBP shown for reference. Catalog prices range up to USD 172.49, so you can choose a smaller or larger gift.