"Tu Scendi dalle Stelle" (You Come Down from the Stars) is one of Italy's most beloved Christmas carols, written by Saint Alfonso Maria de' Liguori in 1754. This traditional Neapolitan song celebrates the nativity and is sung throughout Italy during the Christmas season. The beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a cherished part of Italian Christmas traditions, often heard in churches, homes, and Christmas markets across the country.
Here are the lyrics to one of the most popular Italian Christmas carol “Tu scendi dalle stelle”, in Italian and with an English translation…
Tu scendi dalle stelle
(Italian)
Tu scendi dalle stelle
O Re del Cielo
E vieni in una grotta
Al freddo al gelo.
E vieni in una grotta
Al freddo al gelo.
O Bambino mio Divino
Io ti vedo qui a tremar,
O Dio Beato
Ah, quanto ti costò
L’avermi amato.
Ah, quanto ti costò
L’avermi amato.
A te che sei del mondo,
Il creatore
Mancano panni e fuoco,
O mio Signore.
Mancano panni e fuoco,
O mio Signore.
Caro eletto, Pargoletto,
Quanto questa povertà,
Piu m’innamora
Giacche ti fece amor
Povero ancora.
Giacche ti fece amor
Povero ancora.
Here’s a rough English translation of “Tu scendi dalle stelle” …
You Come Down from the Stars
(English)
You come down from the stars
Oh King of Heavens,
And you come in a cave
In the cold, in the frost.
And you come in a cave
In the cold, in the frost.
Oh my Divine Baby
I see you trembling here,
Oh Blessed God,
Ah, how much it cost you,
Your loving me.
Ah, how much it cost you,
Your loving me.
For you, who are of all the world
The creator,
No robes and fire,
Oh my Lord.
No robes and fire,
Oh my Lord.
Dear chosen one, little infant
This dire poverty,
Makes me love you more
Since Love made you
Poor now.
Since Love made you
Poor now.
If you're planning to experience an authentic Italian Christmas or simply want to connect more deeply with Italian culture and traditions, learning some basic Italian phrases will enrich your experience immeasurably. My Italian for Holidays course is perfect for understanding and participating in local celebrations, whether you're attending midnight mass in Rome, shopping at Christmas markets in Florence, or joining Italian families for festive meals. Discover how to speak confidently during your Italian holiday here and make those magical Christmas moments in Italy even more meaningful!
Buon Natale a tutti!