Italians love parties and celebrations, so imagine how people across Italy embrace the season of Christmas and make Italy vacations during December a magical journey. When you book Italy Vacation packages with Avventure Bellissime, expert licensed guides serve as cultural ambassadors on every tour. They share their love for their country and in-depth knowledge of Italian cultures and traditions. During the Christmas season there is much to see and do, so much to learn and enjoy.
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Nativity scenes
Most people know St. Francis of Assisi as the patron saint of animals and friend to the poor, while Italians also revere him as patron saint of Italy. A visit by St. Francis to the birthplace of Jesus inspired him to illustrate the humble beginnings of the saviour for the people of Italy.
Tradition holds that during Christmas 1223 the much-loved saint created a presepe (nativity scene) in a cave near the town of Greccio with a baby in the hay and an ox and ass nearby. For people who flocked to hear the good friar preach and celebrate Mass, seeing the humble babe lying in a manger resonated with Christians and presepes have become an integral part of Christmas across Italy.
Today visitors to Italy will find presepe everywhere – in piazzas (squares), at every Catholic church, and in most homes. There are even special museums devoted to preserving the rich artistic tradition of nativity sets, some carved from wood and others from marble.
Usually presepe will include figures of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, the infant Jesus, shepherds, angels, the Magi (wisemen), and assorted animals. Some are simple while others are very elaborate representations of the whole village of Bethlehem. Many towns and cities here stage presepe viventi (living nativities) with costumed participants recreating the nativity much the way St. Francis did so many centuries ago.
Where should you go to see a presepe? Truthfully it would be difficult to avoid seeing a nativity scene! Naples and Tuscany are renowned for beautifully staged presepes and presepe viventi, as are Milan and Venice. Naturally Rome does not disappoint, and Vatican City unveils an impressive presepe in St. Peter’s Square for Christmas Eve. Tickets for Mass inside the Vatican are booked months in advance, but visitors gather outside in the historic St. Peter’s Square to hear the Pope celebrate Mass.
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If seeing thousands of nativity sets from around the globe interests you, Il Museo Tipologico Nazionale del Presepio is located under the church of Saints Quirico e Giulitta in Rome and boasts a huge collection of nativity figures. It is typically open a few hours each day between Christmas Eve and January 6.
Enchanting Christmas markets
Italian Christmas markets may rival Germany’s special Yuletide marketplaces. Across Italy there are wonderful outdoor markets set up in historic piazzas. Locals and visitors alike come to peruse the market stalls to find one-of-a-kind crafts by gifted artisans.
If you are interested in shopping at an Italian Christmas market, it is useful to know where some of the best known markets are before booking Italy tours and vacations.
Unforgettable Venice features a delightful Christmas village each holiday season at the Campo Santo Stefano. Here you’ll find exquisite mock wooden houses set up, each a stall full of superior gift ideas created by Venetian artisans and craftspeople. The atmosphere is festive, with delicious food and beverages for sale and festive music.
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Romantic Verona, forever linked to Shakespeare’s tragic romance Romeo & Juliet, hosts a very popular Christmas market in Piazza dei Signori. Here you will find a wide array of vendors selling their handmade items from wooden stalls. After you enjoy some of the regional foods for sale, Verona is a beautiful city to walk at night, with Christmas light displays throughout and exceptional nativities to see.
Historic Bologna is another excellent destination if you want to explore a memorable Christmas market. Here in the beautiful city centre you will easily spend hours looking at handmade wares and discovering wonderful gifts. This market usually runs throughout the month of December.
Pretty Panettone
Not surprisingly, Italy (a country famous for its cuisine) has some wonderful culinary traditions for Christmas. One that you will encounter everywhere you go is the beautiful baked Panettone.
These rich pastries, something of a hybrid of bread and cake, are made with generous servings of butter and eggs. The sweet yeast bread is light and delicious and the delectable confection is packaged in tall elegant boxes. Traditional Panettone are flavoured with dried fruit and citrus zest, often with a hint of almond flavour.
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No matter where your sojourn to Italy takes you, or which Italy vacation packages you select, rest assured that Italy extends a very warm welcome over the holidays. Last year we listed 5 Reasons to love Christmastime in Italy. You’ll see that Italy is a place where the celebration is more important than the gifts, connecting with people is valued over consumerism.
Ready to visit Italy’s ancient cities bedecked with lights for an unforgettable Christmas? Go to Avventure Bellissime online now to book your next Italian vacation.