#91 Ten more things to do in Italy during the festive season

Bonus Christmas Post

Hello Friend,

I've been enjoying putting together these bonus end-of-year posts filled with general tips, hints and ideas on how to experience a winter holiday in Italy and Sicily. I hope they have been helpful to you and given you a little inspiration for your next Italian holiday.

Italy truly comes to life during the festive season, so don't miss out on these magical experiences. Book your trip now and create unforgettable memories in this beautiful country!

This current article will be the last touristy Post for this year. Please let me know if you enjoyed this, and perhaps I can write a few more during 2024.

While I like compiling these kinds of posts, I find them a little repetitive, which is why I'm looking forward to returning to my regular style of descriptive or reflective travel writing in a kind of personal diary of my time in Sicily. And also a smattering of randomness, creativity and inspiration.

Please let me know what kind of things you want to know about life in Sicily. I'll happily answer any of your questions as best I can.

But for now, let's get back to even more of what you need to do if you visit Italy during the festive season.

Photo by Gustavo Peres

1. Experience the magical Christmas markets of Italy: from the charming town of Bolzano to breathtaking Trento, Italy comes alive with festive lights, music, and delicious Italian treats! 

Alongside the Christmas market season, there are various sagre or food festivals. These festivals happen throughout the year and are usually advertised locally, so keep an eye out as they will allow you to taste the best local specialities.

2. Escape the cold and embrace the cosy winter vibes in Tuscany: cosy up by the fireplace, indulge in hearty Italian meals, and explore the quaint villages decked out in holiday decor! 

Many agriturismos offer unique winter getaway specials, which are great for families or romantic holidays. There is something special about staying in a small local B&B in the countryside.

3. Capture the beauty of a winter wonderland in Italy's Dolomites: hit the slopes, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, or simply enjoy the stunning views of snow-covered mountains! 

The mountains are a beautiful perk of life in Italy; you are never too far away from the coast in the summer or the peaks for a memorable white Christmas.

4. Experience a traditional Italian Christmas dinner: from the famous panettone to savoury Tortellini in Brodo, immerse yourself in the delicious flavours of the holiday season! 

Italy's winter menu is just as delicious as its summer one; just think of all the deliciousness you can taste that only comes once a year.

5. Get lost in the charm of Rome during the holiday season: from the stunning Christmas tree in Piazza Venezia to the elaborate Nativity scenes, the Eternal City is a must-visit during Christmas time! 

Italians love a bright decorative Christmas tree, and every city takes pride in their unique Christmas decorations, all free for you to enjoy.

Photo by Işıl

6. Explore the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre during the off-season: with fewer crowds, you can enjoy the beauty of these colourful seaside towns without the hustle and bustle. 

Winter is a great time to explore Italy; while it can be a bit blustery and some places are closed in the off-season, you can wander around without the confusion or heat of the summer. Sometimes, you feel like you have the whole place to yourself.

7. Celebrate New Year's Eve in Florence: join the locals in Piazza della Signoria for a spectacular fireworks show and toast the new year with a glass of Italian sparkling wine!

Italians love a good New Year's party, and many places offer sumptuous meals for you to feast on the new year.

8. Ski and wine in the Aosta Valley: spend your days hitting the slopes and your evenings sampling delicious Italian wines in this picturesque region in Northern Italy! 

The mountains are never too far away for picturesque scenery, scenic drives and frolicking in the snow.

9. Experience a traditional Italian Christmas market in Verona: shop for unique crafts and gifts, taste delicious local food and wine, and soak in the festive atmosphere of this charming city! 

Italian Christmas markets are full of crafts, colours, and delicious treats, from cute Christmas tree ornaments to biscotti and roasted chestnuts. There is something for everyone to see, buy and taste.

Also, between Christmas, New Year, and well into January, the stores are open most days and officially start the winter sales on Boxing Day (or Santo Stefano). There aren't the usual crowds or aggressivity like in the post-Christmas sales in the States or Australia, but it's great to pick up some beautifully discounted high-quality Italian brands for yourself.

10. Take a trip to Naples and celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany with a traditional Neapolitan pastry called "La Befana." it's a sweet treat that marks the end of the holiday season in Italy.

The Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas holidays as the friendly old lady of the Befana visits to fill children's stockings with treats; everyone in Italy gets ready to get back to work and start the new year officially. 

Hopefully, you return home with some freshly made memories from your festive experience in Italy.

From Rochelle

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About me

My name is Rochelle Del Borrello (@rochelledelborrello), and I'm a writer, ESL teacher and blogger based in Sicily, Italy. Over the past decade, I've been writing about Sicily online, as a travel writer and on my blog. I started 'A Load off my Mind' to share more of my writing, thoughts, and discoveries directly and regularly with you. My newsletter is a way of sharing what is happening in my creative life in Sicily—part slice of life, part travel memoir and all with my philosophical yet honest point of view.

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