The holidays are quickly approaching, which is why we were motivated to find some tips from our valued community on what they do when they visit Italy this season.
Italy is extremely charming during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Many towns around the boot have lights strung up on tiny city streets, with carefully placed Christmas decorations which create an even more festive atmosphere as you sniff roasted chestnuts in the chilly air.
Don’t forget to also check out our suggested list of events for this December, plus the Christmas edition.
Rome
We got some wonderful responses from ITALY community members, and we really appreciate these amazing suggestions from Andrea of Why Roam.
Check Out the Nativity Scenes
During the Christmas holidays, you’ll see nativity scenes set up all over the city - from churches to shops. On December 19 the famous life-sized nativity in St. Peter’s Square will be unveiled. Join the many visitors and locals that flock here each year to see it.
Go to the Theatre
From December 18th to January 4th, Teatro dell'Opera di Roma will be putting on performances of the Nutcracker. The Italian orchestra and ballet is sure to be a magical holiday experience.
Go Ice Skating
Hit the ice and go skating next to the iconic Castle Sant’Angelo. You can also find other ice skating rinks around the city at Re di Roma, Tor di Quinto, and Villa Gordiani.
Tuscany
One of Italy’s most famous regions, Tuscany is sometimes best enjoyed in the most simplest of fashions, as suggested by Sophie, a Dutch blogger and ITALY community member. She says, "I just love walking around Florence in December and be hit by the thousands of lights sparkling up La Rinascente store in Piazza della Repubblica, marveling at the Christmas decorations hanging above our heads while shopping and the windows looking extremely Christmassy; just the way Italians like it! Merry Christmas Italy Magazine!"
While sommelier Laura of Il Palazzone winery suggests a more wine-based approach to the holidays. “Colder weather is perfect for Brunello tastings, and there are few lovelier places to be than in between the barrels, glass in hand, on a winter afternoon... For the first time, we are organizing intimate tastings for small groups on Saturday and Sunday afternoons all through the winter. They have to be booked and are conducted by an expert. Details are on our website."
There are also many properties adhering to the "Cantine Aperte a Natale" initiative, which is definitely worth investigating.
Bologna
ITALY Magazine Assistant Editor Silvia Donati, a native Bolognese, has a suggestion for New Year's Eve: "If you are in Bologna, head to Piazza Maggiore, the town's main square, to witness 'il rogo del vecchione' (burning of the old one): at exactly midnight, a large sculpture, usually in the shape of an old man symbolizing the year that is about to conclude, is burned. A shuttle bus connects the city center to several bars and clubs after midnight to continue partying into 2015."
If we missed anything let us know! Share your ideas on this post in our community and we will share them on our social networks.
