[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]December is a magical time in Italy. With Christmas around the corner, city streets and shop doorways are lit and decorated, markets offer seasonal produce, and there’s always something special to see or do. Here’s our picks for your best Italian experiences in December.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][image_frame url=”4258″ action=”open-lightbox”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][title type=”special-h3-left” color=”#660000″]Feast of the Immaculate Conception – 8th December[/title][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]This is one of Italy’s most important national holidays, and many towns will celebrate, while many churches hold special masses. The biggest celebration is in Rome, where crowds gather around the Spanish Steps area to see the Pope celebrate a ceremony and top the Column of the Immaculate Conception with a wreath of flowers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][image_frame url=”4259″ action=”open-lightbox” image_caption=”photo courtesy Andrew Cusack”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][title type=”special-h3-left” color=”#660000″]Florence Winter Park – Until March 6th 2016[/title][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][image_frame url=”4261″ action=”open-lightbox”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Looking for some winter sports and ice skating but not close to the alps? Florence Winter Park offers skating, dry-skiing and snow tubing on the banks of the River Arno. Also available is the new sport of Broomball – similar to hockey but with specially designed shoes rather than skates. After the activities, don’t forget to stop in the Park’s restaurant for some winter fare. www.firenzewinterpark.it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][title type=”special-h3-left” color=”#660000″]Suvureto Wild Boar Festival – November 29th – December 8th[/title][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Suvureto – a small Tuscan town – hosts it’s annual Wild Boar Festival in the first week of December. A celebration of one of the regions’ traditional animals and dietary staples, it is a perfect opportunity to sample local delicacies. Apart from the Wild Boar (cinghiale) dishes and products, the festival also highlights local wines, oil and honey, while locals dress in medieval costume for a parade and archery contest. The festival culminates in a grand celebration.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][image_frame url=”4262″ action=”open-lightbox”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][title type=”special-h3-left” color=”#660000″]L’Artigiano in Fiera, Milan – December 5th – 13th[/title][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][image_frame url=”4263″ action=”open-lightbox”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Milan’s artisanal fair is one of the city’s highlight events every year. Held at Fiera Milano, the fair features stalls selling almost anything you could think of that can be handmade – jewellery, art, furniture, food and more. A perfect place to buy those unique Christmas gifts for loved ones.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][title type=”special-h3-left” color=”#660000″]Christmas Markets[/title][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]During December, many Italian towns and cities host Christmas markets. Here’s our pick of the best:
Rome, Piazza Navona (Dec 8th – Jan 8th) – While many of the stalls now sell mass-produced items as well as traditional gifts, the atmosphere of this square gives the market a magical quality. As well as stalls, there’s a carousel and plenty of games.
Florence, Weihnachtsmark German Market (Dec 2nd-20th) – Set in the magnificent Piazza Santa Croce, this market comes from the German city of Heidelberg and is possibly Italy’s best German Christmas Market, selling both Florentine and German specialities.
Naples, San Gregorio Armeno Presepi (All Year) – While presepi – Italy’s traditional Nativity scenes – are common in December, Naples is the place for handmade Nativity scenes. All types are to be found on Via San Gregorio Ameno, with some charming and unique creations..
Bolzano, Christkindlmarkt (Nov 27th – Jan 6th) – South Tyrol – on Italy’s border with Austria and Switzerland – is famous for it’s Christmas Markets, and Bolzano is no exception. Small stalls sell handmade traditional gifts and regional specialties like Vin Brulé (hot mulled wine).
Pisa, Fabbrico di Babbo Natale (Dec 4th-8th) – A Christmas Market that is dedicated to children, the Father Christmas Factory in Pisa offers everything for the young and young at heart. Children can even visit the workshop to help make presents, and write a letter to send direct to Santa at the North Pole.
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