Episode #303: The most Christmassy towns in Italy

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Summary

In this special holiday episode, host Katy Clarke takes us on a festive journey through the most Christmassy towns across Italy. From snow-dusted alpine villages to historic cities glowing with sparkling lights, discover how communities big and small celebrate with cherished traditions, beautiful displays, and delicious seasonal treats.

What you'll learn in this episode

• Explore Italy’s unique festive atmosphere, from small towns to the countryside, and how Italian Christmas differs from other European traditions
• Learn about typical Italian Christmas customs, including Presepe, community celebrations, and the extended season lasting until Epiphany on January 6th
• Discover what to expect in major cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan, including iconic decorations, markets, light displays, and festive events
• Highlights from Italy’s most Christmassy towns, such as Greccio, Candelara, Gubbio, and South Tyrol, show-casing live nativity scenes, candle festivals, and the world’s largest Christmas tree
• Understand the spirit of community and tradition behind Italian Christmas, including support for local food, crafts, sustainable practices, and family-friendly celebrations

Timeline Overview

• 04:21 Discover how cities and small towns celebrate the season with unique local traditions
• 09:10 Learn about Presepe, holiday customs, and contrasting regional festivities
• 16:51 See Italy’s spectacular light projections and Gubbio’s giant Christmas tree
• 23:54 Get tips for immersive holiday experiences and must-visit towns during Christmas
• 25:36 Explore additional festive towns and seasonal highlights across Italy

Italian places, foods and concepts mentioned

Places

• Trastevere and Monti – neighbourhoods in Rome to find local Christmas charm
• St Peter’s Basilica – at Vatican City, Rome, where you'll find the impressive Christmas tree
• Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Villa Borghese, Piazza Navona, Colosseum and Piazza Venezia – spots in Rome to visit for Christmas decorations and activities
• Navigli – district in Milan with its canal decorations, which is particularly lovely at Christmas
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – to find one of the most amazing Christmas trees in Italy
• Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza Santa Croce – spots in Florence for Christmas decor and light displays
• Via San Gregorio Armeno – street in Naples famous for nativity figures
• Locorotondo – town in Puglia, famous for its Christmas decorations
• Bari – another Puglian town
• Greccio – town in Lazio, home to the first ever nativity scene, created in a cave by St Francis in 1223
• Candelara – another great Christmassy town in the Marche region, with its candlelit celebrations
• Arezzo – this Tuscan town has a special Christmas, centered around Piazza Grande
• Empoli – another town in Tuscany, which transforms into “Empoli Città del Natale” (City of Christmas)
• Gubbio – in Umbria, this town is famous for it's giant Christmas tree up on Mount Ingino
• Bressanone/Brixen – charming town in South Tyrol, a great Christmas stop-off
• Bolzano – with the largest market in South Tyrol, in Piazza Walther

Food / Drink

• panettone – originating in Lombardy, a sweet, fluffy bread studded with raisins and candied fruit, is a Christmas staple across Italy
• apfelstrudel – famous Germanic pastry dish

Words / Concepts

• Christmas World – runs in Villa Borghese in Rome over the Festive period
• Babbo Natale – Father Christmas/Saint Nicholas
• Venice's Babbo Natale Regatta – the city holds a regatta on the canal in December, where rowers are dressed as Santa Claus
• Presepio – an Italian nativity scene of figurines

Related content on Untold Italy

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• Ep 259 – Winter in Italy – A Trip Report
• Ep 253 – Buon Natale! Italian Christmas Traditions
• Ep 252 – Let’s go skiing in Italy – The Dolomites, Alps, and Beyond
• Ep 204 – A Sparkling Sorrento Christmas
• Ep 153 – Christmas markets in Northern Italy's South Tyrol region
• Ep 152 – Dishes to try in Bologna and the Emilia Region
• Ep 146 – Best Food and Wine Gifts to Bring Back from Italy
• Ep 124 – Enchanting Arezzo – Tuscan Town of Your Dreams
• Ep 111 – Carnevale in Venice – Parties, costumes and more
• Ep 103 – Buon Natale – Tastes of an Italian Christmas
• Ep 102 – Christmas in Capri
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• Ep 051 – Christmas in Rome and Italy

Articles

• Italy in December – Reasons to Visit and What to Expect
• Top Reasons to Visit Venice in Winter
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