In Italy the Christmas season officially kicks off with the Day of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 and runs through January 6 — the Day of the Epiphany. Fancy lights decorate the streets, huge Christmas trees sparkle in the main piazzas and presepi – nativity scenes – are displayed in every church.

From North to South the atmosphere is magical! We have gathered for you 5 under-the-radar destinations that really capture the holiday spirit. Mostly known to locals, these spots are well worth a detour off the beaten path…

Pesaro – Marche

Pesaro hosts the first market – or festival – in Italy dedicated to candles . The event takes place during three consecutive weekends starting from the end of November in the picturesque, fortified town of Candelara set on the hills near Pesaro. The peak of the event is when street lights are turned off and the centre of the village is illuminated only by candlelight, creating a truly magical – some would say even romantic – atmosphere!

Gubbio – Umbria

Do you know that Gubbio – a stunning medieval town in Umbria –  is home to the largest Christmas tree ever (well, of a certain sort)? The light installation shaped like a Christmas tree is made up of nearly a thousand multi-colored lights and is visible 30 miles away!

The tree is lit on Dec 7 and the event kicks off a unique and joyful season of celebrations!

Naples

Christmastime accentuates Naples’  already colorful and lively atmosphere. One of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit is to visit Via San Gregorio Armeno, the alley of the nativity scene makers. The narrow street sparkles with fairy lights and is adorned with these works of art made with cork, tree bark and musk. Each scene, along with the traditional components, is complete with figurines showing daily life in the city, from the baker to the fishmonger to the pizza-maker!

Caltagirone – Sicily

This small town in the Sicilian province of Catania is renowned for its pottery and its craftsmen’s ability to realize unique nativity scenes with wood and terracotta. Every year the zealous artisans stage impressive artistic performances throughout the streets of the city and even private houses! The Christmas traditions of this lovely baroque town will leave you breathless.

Bolzano – Alto Adige

Our top pick is the charming city of Bolzano. Nestled within the province of Alto Adige,  it is a winter wonderland and at Christmastime, it is simply magical! The lights, the decorations and the spectacular Christmas market turn its streets and squares into a swirl of colors, flavors and fragrances, welcoming locals and tourists from all over the world.

Which one would you like to visit??

***Buone Feste!! Happy Holidays!!***

At AlbaChaira Events we believe Italy is not just a country but a fascinating story about passion, dreams, excellence and creativity.  It is this extraordinary synthesis that constantly inspire us and stays at the hearth of what we do. 

Schedule a complimentary consultation with our staff at info@albachiaraevents.com and let us craft for you a bespoke experience in Italy!