Christmas is considered one of the most important festivities at the international level, and is celebrated in almost every country in the world. As the streets become illuminated with Christmas lights, shop windows fill with decorations and traditional Christmas markets open, Advent brings the Christmas spirit alive, inviting us to seek gifts for our loved ones.
In
Verona’s marvellous Piazza Brà, the
Santa Lucia Market will be held from 10th-13th December, before giving way to the city’s
Christmas Markets, which this year will continue along Via Roma, in the heart of the city centre. From 1st December to 18th January, the Arena will be hosting the
25th International Exhibition of Nativity Scenes.
The
Christmas crib tradition, however, is inextricably tied to
Naples. Neapolitan nativity scenes will always feature the classic characters of the Holy Family, the three Magi, shepherds and figurines representing traditional crafts and trades, though in recent years celebrities from the worlds of show business, politics and sport have become popular additions. The workshops specialised in creating these small masterpieces are concentrated in Via San Gregorio Armeno, near Spaccanapoli. A visit to the Church of San Lorenzo Maggiore to see the display of traditional
walnut shells featuring miniature nativity scenes inside is also a must.
The Christmas season is also a
shopping season, and what city lends itself better to the purpose than Italy’s shopping capital
Milan, with its exclusive
boutiques, and so much more. Christmas shopping in Milan is also a delight though for its
temporary stores and, of course, the
Christmas Market on the Navigli.Bologna in December will once again play host to the city’s
Santa Lucia Fair and
Christmas Fair. The Santa Lucia Fair is held under the porticoes of the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi in Strada Maggiore, in the very heart of the city’s historic town centre, offering a vast selection of Christmas decorations, nativity sets and supplies and typical Christmas sweets. On occasion of the Santa Lucia Fair, famous works by the artist Gino Pellegrini will also be exhibited. The Christmas Fair, on the other hand, is held beneath the Basilica of San Pietro, featuring original craft goods and artistic items as well as gourmet delights.
The renowned
San Michele Fair in
Lucca is traditionally opened on 8th December to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The market stalls feature a rich assortment of craft goods and gourmet specialties, and stay open until Christmas Eve. The
Christmas Markets of
Pisa, held in Logge di Banchi and Largo Ciro Menotti, are famous for the beauty and appeal of their stalls, which feature the excellence of local craftsmen and the delights of the local cuisine.
Florence is host to two markets of great attraction – the traditional
Florence Christmas Market, held from 23rd December to the Epiphany on 6th January, and the characteristic
Heidelberg Market in Piazza Santa Croce, where in a wonderfully evocative setting, traditional German Christmas products are sold, including Christmas tree decorations and nativity sets, as well as German delicacies such as mulled wine, beer, sausages and sweets.
For further information please visit the website
www.mercatini-natale.comoffering a handy, up-to-date guide to Christmas Markets in Italy and around the world.