When Christmas is approaching it is always nice to organize a trip with friends or family, even in Italy. Not necessarily, in fact, you have to book a plane or spend an asset to spend a few days full of magic and fun, rather you can choose an Italian location to reach by car or train.
But where to spend the next Christmas holidays? Here are some ideas from which to get inspiration!
Trento and Bolzano with the Christmas markets
Trentino Alto Adige is probably the Italian Christmas region par excellence. Why? The beautiful Christmas markets organized every year in the cities of Trento and Bolzano, from November to the Epiphany, are filled with lights, sounds and colors that provide a backdrop to the stalls full of handicrafts and food and wine.
Walking through the streets of the center, it is impossible to resist the delicious hot pretzels accompanied by an excellent mulled wine, to be enjoyed while you buy Christmas decorations and gifts to put under the tree. In short, both Trento and Bolzano are at the top of the list of Christmas destinations not to be missed!
Turin and the “Luci d’Artista”
On the occasion of Christmas are absolutely not to be underestimated cities of art, to relax among monuments, museums, typical products and engaging events. In this regard, Turin is among those cities that at Christmas turns to become even more beautiful than it already is.
Every year, the calendar of events is always very rich and the markets fill the streets of the old town, animating it together with the numerous concerts based on both sacred and popular music. Not to mention the ice skating rinks and the extraordinary exhibition Luci d’Artista, which decorates the streets and squares of the city with light installations created especially for the occasion by various contemporary artists.
The world’s largest Christmas tree? It is in Gubbio!
The city of Gubbio, in Umbria, is also famous for its Christmas tree, since it is the largest in the world and is able to illuminate the slopes of Mount Ingino. But the city is not only tree, on the contrary: the streets are filled with living cribs, stalls full of handicrafts and flashing lights that give the right atmosphere. Not to be missed!
The Neapolitan Christmas in Naples
In Naples, Christmas has a different flavor. It is one of the oldest and most traditional holidays in Italy and every year it reveals itself as a true fairy tale characterized by the sea air, the warmth of the inhabitants and the theme decorations.
In short, Christmas in Naples is a tradition: the citizens live the Christmas days intensely and in the name of conviviality, as well as good food. Just think of the famous Via dei Presepi, San Gregorio Armeno, for which the artisans of Naples work all year round to create the typical statues of famous people to accompany the Holy Family.
For those who want to live a Christmas with the bows, Naples is definitely the ideal destination!
Lecce and its monumental crib
Lecce is known to be one of the most beautiful cities in southern Italy, but at Christmas it becomes even more so thanks to the lights installed along the streets and the numerous events organized. In particular, the monumental nativity scene set up every year inside the Basilica of Santa Croce: it is a large-scale representation of the birth of Jesus, with moving figures and very elaborate scenography.
Once you have seen the crib, you must stop at a local trattoria to taste the typical products, including pasticciotto!
Roma caput mundi, even at Christmas
For those who have never been to Rome, Christmas could be the right occasion! Among monuments, artistic beauties, museums and events scattered throughout the city, the holiday promises to be really inviting. Thanks to the magic of Christmas, the eternal city becomes even more romantic, especially if you decide to stay for New Year’s Eve: between parties under the stars, evening tours and traditional dives in the Tiber is impossible to get bored!
Don’t miss the beautiful exhibition of “100 cribs” set up in the Vatican, followed by a candlelight dinner in one of the best restaurants with terrace to admire the capital from above!
Christmas in Matera
Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. This should be enough to make it the favorite destination for Christmas holidays, especially because during the holidays the cave-houses carved in the rock typical of the place are transformed into a living crib and are illuminated with candles that give a wonderful soft light.
Christmas in Matera is a unique experience, to live with friends or family, full of culture and, of course, good food lucano!
Christmas with the children
To conclude the list of the best Italian places where to spend Christmas, you can not miss some ideas for those traveling with children. The problem does not arise, because almost all major Italian cities, at Christmas, are transformed and become (even) child-friendly!
An example is given by Montepulciano, in Tuscany, which becomes a real Christmas village, complete with Santa Claus castle, skating rink and creative workshops. Govone also offers a beautiful Christmas Village, where the little ones (but also adults) can meet Santa Claus and stroll through the markets. Finally, there is Riva del Garda, with its beautiful Santa Claus House where children can participate in games and activities in a suggestive environment.
Copertina : Unsplash