Vigilia
/viˈd͡ʒi.lja/feminine
Vigilia is the Italian term for Christmas eve.
The term is used to refer to the day before Christmas Day. In natural conversation, Italians often shorten the phrase to just la Vigilia when the context of the Christmas holiday is already understood.
Meaning: day before Christmas Day (name)
What does it mean word for word?
Vigilia literally means 'eve' or 'vigil', referring to the period of time immediately preceding a major event or holiday.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify that you are talking about Christmas Eve, the word Vigilia is followed by the prepositional phrase di Natale (of Christmas).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /viˈdʒi.lja/.
Did you know?
- In Italy, la Vigilia is traditionally associated with 'la cena di magro', a dinner consisting of fish or vegetables because meat is avoided on this day.
- In some regions of Italy, la Vigilia is the primary time for exchanging gifts, unlike the tradition of waking up to presents on Christmas morning.
- Because Vigilia can refer to any major event, an Italian might talk about the vigilia di un esame (the eve of an exam) to describe the tension felt before a big test.
Examples in context
- È la Vigilia di Natale.It's Christmas Eve.This sentence is useful for stating that it is Christmas Eve.Tatoeba #13668383 by Guybrush88, translation #13666774 by araneo
- Odia la Vigilia di Natale.He hates Christmas Eve.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for Christmas Eve.Tatoeba #13663532 by Guybrush88, translation #12953143 by Conjuice
- Oggi è la Vigilia di Natale.Today is Christmas Eve.This sentence is useful for stating that today is Christmas Eve.Tatoeba #11367995 by Guybrush88, translation #8401261 by Ergulis
- Ho deciso di cucinare la cena per la vigilia di Natale.I've decided to cook the dinner for Christmas Eve.
- Vieni in chiesa la vigilia di Natale?Are you coming to church on Christmas Eve?
- No, devo prepararmi per il giorno prima di Natale, quando tutta la famiglia si riunisce.No, I have to get ready for the day before Christmas when the whole family gathers.
- Cosa fai il 24 dicembre?What are you doing on the 24th of December?
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are planning their holiday celebrations over the phone.
- AlessandroCosa fai per la Vigilia?What are you doing for Christmas Eve?
- ChiaraVado a cena con la mia famiglia.I am going to dinner with my family.
- AlessandroAnche io festeggerò la Vigilia con i miei.I will also celebrate Christmas Eve with mine.
- ChiaraChe bella idea, Alessandro!What a lovely idea, Alessandro!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “Christmas eve” translations and entries Vigilia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry vigilia.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
