And, in my opinion, there is no more beautiful time to see it than at Christmas time! Streets are strung with warm white lights that make the stone buildings glow. Historic facades are lit with subtle projections that highlight the architecture without overpowering it. Trees in the piazzas sparkle, and shop windows lean into a mix of tradition and craft. The city hosts several Christmas markets, each set in a different corner of the centre, making it one of the most atmospheric places to visit in Italy during the holidays. So come with me now on a full guided tour of Christmas in Padua.

Table Of Contents

1. Map of Guided of Christmas in Padua
2. How to Get to Padua by Train
3. Winter Travel Tips
4. Start Your Day at the Scrovegni Chapel
5. The Christmas Market in Piazza Eremitani
6. Palazzo della Ragione
7. Palazzo Moroni Christmas Tree
8. University of Padua
9. Lights along Via Roma & Umberto I
10. Skating Rink Prato della Valle
11. The Christmas Train
12. Piazza Duomo
13. Battistero di San Giovanni
    • Happy Travels, Adventurers

Map of Guided of Christmas in Padua

This guide will highlight the best things to see and do in Padua at Christmas, but we’ll also stop at key places that matter year-round, landmarks woven into the city’s history that you shouldn’t miss, no matter the season.

How to Get to Padua by Train

You can easily visit Padua as a day trip from several major Italian cities. From Venice, it’s especially quick. Direct trains from Venezia Santa Lucia reach Padua in about 25 to 30 minutes. Trains run regularly, and you don’t need to book far in advance. Once you arrive, it’s an easy walk from the train station to the historic centre, with markets, piazzas and sights all within reach.

If you’re starting in Florence, the fastest trains reach Padua in about an hour and 40 minutes. You’ll depart from Firenze Santa Maria Novella and arrive at Padova Centrale with no need to change trains. The ride is smooth and direct, making it another solid option for a winter day trip.

From Milan, the trip takes longer, but it still works well for a day. Fast trains from Milano Centrale reach Padua in just under two hours. Depart early in the morning, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city before heading back in the evening. Trains run often, and the route is straightforward.

Winter Travel Tips

If you want to see as much of the city as possible on your day trip to Padua, it’s best to arrive early in the morning. Especially in the winter, when the days are short, you want to see as much of the city as possible before darkness transforms it into a completely different place.

Padua’s winter weather is similar to that of nearby northern cities like Venice and Milan, but it can feel slightly colder due to its location in the Po Valley, where damp air and fog are common. Average highs in winter sit around 7 to 9 °C, with lows often dipping close to freezing. Compared to Florence, which tends to be a bit milder, Padua’s climate has a sharper edge, colder mornings, more frost, and a heavier, misty feel. While it’s not dramatically colder than Venice or Milan, the air often feels more brisk and still, especially in the early hours or after sunset. So be sure to wear layers!

Start Your Day at the Scrovegni Chapel

After grabbing a counter-side espresso, make your way into the city to visit the famed Scrovegni Chapel, while the town awakens and sets the scene for you. Try to book one of the earliest slots, just after opening, and you’ll find that the chapel is much less crowded than later in the day when the day trip bus tours arrive.

The Scrovegni Chapel stands on the edge of the old city, just beside the ruins of an ancient Roman arena. It was commissioned in the early 1300s by Enrico Scrovegni, a wealthy banker who wanted to secure both his legacy and his salvation. He built the chapel beside his family palace, and hired Giotto, already a well-known artist at the time, to decorate the interior with a full cycle of frescoes.

The result is one of the most complete and moving works of early Italian art. Giotto painted the entire space in just over two years. The walls tell the story of the Virgin Mary and the life of Christ, starting from the ancestors of Mary and ending with the Last Judgement on the chapel’s back wall.

Stepping inside, the first thing you notice is the ceiling. It’s painted deep blue, like dusk, and filled with golden stars. The effect is both cosmic and intimate. Along the walls, each panel is framed like a page in a book, leading you through the sequence of events. Giotto’s figures feel grounded and human. Their faces are expressive. They hold real emotion, sorrow, joy, hesitation, and that gives the space a quiet weight.

At Christmas, the Nativity scene becomes one of the most moving parts of the chapel to linger on. Giotto paints it with gentle detail, Mary resting beside the newborn Christ, Joseph close by, angels gathered overhead. Seen in December, it feels especially meaningful. Standing before that panel during the holiday season brings a quiet sense of stillness, like the room itself is holding its breath.

The Christmas Market in Piazza Eremitani

By late morning, the Christmas market in Piazza Eremitani is in full swing. Open from late November into early January, the festive Eremitani Village in Piazza Eremitani is where you’ll find a charming mix of artisan markets, traditional carousels, and seasonal food stalls. The market isn’t huge, and the atmosphere leans more toward local charm than tourist spectacle, but it’s a delightful mix of tradition and community that makes the whole city feel festive without feeling overdone.

Rows of wooden stalls offered handmade scarves, wool hats, silver jewellery, and small leather goods. One stand sold glass ornaments shaped like stars and animals. Another had jars of chestnut honey and dried orange slices. I warmed my hands on a cup of mulled wine and took in the smells of cinnamon, roast nuts and cold pine. They also serve apple punch (both spiked and alcohol-free) which is a unique winter offering I only saw in Padua!

They also had plenty of stalls with hot chocolate since this market was definitely geared towards families. Kids ran all over, laughing as they climbed into a small carousel and excitedly lining up to greet Santa. Santa’s House is open on selected days in December and when he’s away, children can still drop off their letters in the official mailbox inside.

Palazzo della Ragione

Make your way into the city center, towards the Palazzo della Ragione. Built in 1218 and expanded in the 1300s, the Ragione Palace served as the town’s courthouse and market hall, a place where justice and commerce met under one roof. The building is striking for its size and shape. It has a long, rectangular form with an enormous roof that looks almost like the upturned hull of a ship.

The largest of Padua’s holiday markets is the Christmas Fair, which wraps around the Palazzo della Ragione. The building itself sits between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, two of the main squares where the fair unfolds. From December 6 to January 6, the fair turns the historic centre into a festive marketplace that runs daily from morning to evening.

The market mixes traditional holiday shopping with local flavour. You’ll find artisanal gifts, decorations, seasonal sweets and regional food and wine, all under a canopy of lights and framed by the stone buildings of Padua’s medieval core. It’s busy but never chaotic, with locals doing holiday errands alongside visitors browsing for souvenirs or festive snacks. On December 25 and January 1, only food and drink vendors are permitted to open, with hours stretching as late as midnight. December 26 is a flexible day for all stalls, running until 10:00 pm.

Inside, the Palazzo della Ragione you’ll discover one of the largest medieval halls in Europe, supported by wooden beams and decorated with a sweeping cycle of frescoes. These images, painted and repainted over the years, reflect medieval ideas about the cosmos, justice, and daily life. Stalls sell local cheese, cured meats, bread, herbs, and more, continuing a tradition that’s been in place for over 800 years.

At Christmas, the entire market is decorated with festival baubles, heaps of ivy and fresh fir wreaths and dazzling twinkle lights that shine above your head. Locals were packed into the marketplace on the days leading up to Christmas, buying up all the freshest ingredients to host Christmas dinners Italian style.

In the market around the Palazzo della Ragione, one of the simplest and most satisfying things you can find is a mortadella sandwich, warm, soft, and deeply local. Head to one of the small panini stalls tucked under the arcades or just beside the main market entrances in Piazza delle Erbe. These vendors serve sandwiches straight from fresh rolls, sliced open and packed with thick cuts of mortadella, sometimes with a smear of mustard or a piece of cheese, but often left plain to let the meat speak for itself. Pair it with a hot drink from a nearby booth, usually either mulled wine, apple punch, or a strong espresso served in a small paper cup. You can eat it standing up, leaning on one of the old stone walls, watching people pass through the winter crowd. It’s not fancy, but it’s one of those small, everyday pleasures that feels perfectly right in the middle of a cold December market in Padua.

Palazzo Moroni Christmas Tree

After lunch and exploring the Christmas Market, you might need to warm up a little bit, so it’s time to head inside and visit the University of Padua. On your way there, stop just outside the Palazzo Moroni, Padua’s historic city hall. Built in the 16th century and expanded over time, it has long been the seat of the city’s municipal government. Architecturally, it’s an elegant building with a mix of Renaissance and later influences, known for its arched windows, classical lines, and stone balconies.

At Christmas, the space just outside the palazzo becomes a focal point for the city’s celebrations. It’s here, along the Liston, that Padua’s enormous Christmas tree is installed each year, creating a festive landmark in one of the most visible and well-loved corners of the historic centre.

University of Padua

Founded in 1222, the University of Padua is more than just an academic institution; it’s a living monument to centuries of science, philosophy, and the pursuit of free thought. From its earliest days, it stood apart for its independence from Church control and its commitment to open inquiry, drawing scholars and students from across Europe. The guided tour leads visitors through the Palazzo del Bo, the university’s historic heart, where generations of thinkers, scientists, and reformers once studied, lectured and debated. Within these walls, groundbreaking ideas took shape, some that would go on to challenge tradition, shift scientific understanding, and reshape European thought.

Walking into the courtyard of the University building, you’ll be struck by the hundreds of coats of arms displayed on the outside (and inside) of the Palazzo del Bo. These serve as a visual record of the university’s long academic legacy. Each one represents a student who served as rector, a leading student official, during their time at the university. The tradition began in the 15th century, and over time, these symbols formed a kind of public archive of Padua’s diverse student body. Many of the coats of arms include place names, showing that students came from across Italy and Europe to study in Padua. In a time when universities were few and travel was difficult, this diversity reflected the university’s reputation as a centre for serious, independent learning.

One of the key highlights is the Aula Magna, the grand lecture hall still used for official ceremonies. The wooden ceiling and wall-mounted coats of arms speak to the university’s deep academic tradition.

Nearby is the Anatomical Theatre, a steep, circular wooden room built in 1595, the oldest surviving one of its kind. It was used for public dissections and stands as a symbol of the university’s early embrace of science and medical study.

You’ll also have a chance to see Galileo’s lecture podium, a quiet but powerful presence in one of the classrooms. Galileo spent nearly twenty years teaching here, and standing in the same space, history feels close and unmistakably authentic.

Lights along Via Roma & Umberto I

Walking down Via Roma and Umberto I at Christmas feels like moving through a ribbon of light and quiet celebration. The street itself is one of Padua’s main shopping avenues, but in December it becomes part of the city’s holiday scene. Strings of warm white lights stretch above the road, framed by the stone buildings and shop fronts, so everything feels gently illuminated rather than bright or overwhelming.

Window displays lean into seasonal touches, simple wreaths, candles, small nativity scenes, and twinkling bulbs, but they stay elegant and understated, like the city itself.

As Via Roma shifts into Umberto I, you will come across the iconic Ponte delle Torricelle. The bridge spans the Bacchiglione River, and from its stone edge, you get a wide view of water, sky and old walls that speak to Padua’s long past. In winter, the river often looks like liquid silver, and it makes for a stunning photo spot. Continue walking along Via Umberto I until you begin to see the narrow street open up into a grand piazza, or Prato della Valle.

Skating Rink Prato della Valle

Prato della Valle is one of the largest public squares in Europe and the most iconic open space in Padua. Originally a swampy area in Roman times, it was transformed into a vast, oval-shaped piazza surrounded by a canal and lined with 78 statues of historical figures in the late 1700s.

At Christmas, Prato della Valle transforms into a festive winter setting, with a large open-air ice rink set just beside the Basilica of Santa Giustina. The “Christmas on Ice” event fills the square with music, lights and a lively energy that adds to the holiday spirit.

The rink includes a heated changing area, with rentals available for skates, helmets and gloves. There’s also a dedicated platform with free access for disabled visitors. Opening hours run from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays, and until 11:00 pm on weekends and public holidays. On New Year’s Eve, the rink stays open until 1:00 am. Entry is free, but skate rentals cost 10 euros per day.

Around the edge of the ice rink at Prato della Valle, you’ll find a small cluster of wooden market booths that add to the festive atmosphere. These stalls carry a mix of seasonal snacks and warm drinks you can enjoy between laps on the ice or while watching from the sidelines.

The Christmas Train

The Christmas Train in Padua is one of the city’s most charming seasonal touches, a small, open-sided train that rolls gently through the historic centre, offering an easy and festive way to take in the sights. From late November to early January, it travels along a loop through the city’s main streets and squares, giving riders a relaxed view of Padua dressed in holiday lights.

The train departs and returns to Piazza Cavour, making it a convenient way to get back to the centre after a visit to Prato della Valle, especially after skating or browsing the nearby market booths. It passes some of the city’s key landmarks along the way, moving at a slow pace that lets you take in the decorations, architecture, and everyday street scenes.

The route varies slightly depending on the day.

On weekdays and January 1, it runs from 4:00 to 7:00 pm with a longer route, while weekends and holidays (like December 8, 24, 26, and January 6) offer both morning and afternoon rides. Tickets cost 5 euros for adults and 4 euros for children.

Piazza Duomo

As you make your way back into the city centre, you reach Piazza Duomo just as dusk begins to settle. The light fades, and the city quietly shifts, buildings glow, streets shimmer, and Padua transforms into a fairground of light, subtle and dazzling all at once. Starting December 5, the city’s central piazzas take it a step further. Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza dei Frutti, Piazza dei Signori, and Piazza Duomo become a full-scale light show.

From 5:00 pm each evening, soft, immersive projections cast across the stone, not just lighting the buildings but transforming them. Columns, arches, and cornices are picked out in gold, while waves of colour move slowly across the surfaces like shifting sky. In 2024, the designs were drawn from night skies and cosmic imagery, reimagining Padua’s medieval architecture as part of a star-filled landscape.

Battistero di San Giovanni

If you still have time before the day winds down, it’s well worth stepping inside the Battistero di San Giovanni, right next to the Duomo. From the outside, it’s a quiet, round Romanesque structure, easy to pass without much notice. But inside, it holds one of Padua’s most remarkable treasures.

Inside, the fresco cycle by Giusto de’ Menabuoi is nothing short of extraordinary. Commissioned by Fina Buzzaccarini, the wife of Francesco da Carrara (Padua’s ruling lord at the time), the paintings reflect both religious devotion and civic pride. Giusto’s work filled every inch of wall and ceiling with narrative, theology, and celestial symbolism. It was designed to impress, to educate, and to awe, and even centuries later, it still does.

The dome, with its radiant image of Christ in a star-filled heaven, is one of the most important visual representations of paradise from the period. Around it, the frescoes follow an elaborate programme that weaves together the lives of Christ, the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, and key biblical events, told in scenes that are richly detailed but surprisingly clear and accessible.

Visiting during the Christmas season adds depth to the experience. The frescoes don’t just illustrate the birth of Christ; they invite you to stand quietly in front of them, surrounded by colour, light, and layered meaning. The Nativity scene in particular, rendered with warmth and humanity, takes on added resonance in December.

As you make your way back to the train station, don’t rush. Take the long route and wander once more through the Christmas markets, now glowing under a canopy of twinkling lights. The stalls feel different in the evening, warmer, livelier, and touched by something softer. It’s a quiet, final chance to soak in the mood before heading home.

Padua was one of my favourite cities in Italy to visit at Christmas. There are no big crowds or over-the-top displays, just quiet beauty. Old streets, good food, soft lights, and everyday life all moving at their own pace. For a day trip, it offers enough to feel full, but never hurried. And around Christmas, that kind of balance is hard to find.

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post The Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Padua: What to See, Eat and Explore in One Day first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Travel planning has become a bit of a minefield lately, thanks to the flood of AI-generated images saturating social media. Cities like Venice (and pretty much everywhere in Italy) are being reimagined with surreal, fantasy aesthetics, but the catch is, they don’t actually exist. These pictures might be beautiful, but they’re quite literally not of this world. And that can make your imagined travels a massive disappointment if you arrive to find a scene nothing like the lies you were sold online.

The truth is, I think the real Venice at Christmas is even more magical than those artificial images suggest. It’s a quieter kind of enchantment, one not made for postcards but revealed in the hush of misty mornings, the glow of flickering candles, and the soft echo of footsteps on rain-slicked stone.

So I’ve put together a personal guide to what Venice is really like at Christmas. The honest details to help you plan your trip with confidence.

Many Venetians have family roots that stretch back generations, but larger parts of the family have moved out of the island in search of better jobs and more affordable housing. However, at Christmastime, it feels like so many people come back home, or to stay with their relatives and the city is filled with a warm, local festive spirit that radiates through the canals.

Early in the morning, we’d be walking around little side streets in the Cannaregio neighbourhood, and we would stumble upon almost pop-up fish markets. Nothing you’d find in a guidebook or even online, this is just for the locals who were all huddled around gathering up fresh fish for their Christmas Eve dinners.

One on random morning, while taking in our coffee walk we even passed by a few kayakers wearing Santa costumes!

Bakeries were choc-o-bloc filled with delicious Christmas treats, and locals would pile into these tiny shops, waiting in long lines for their turn to pick up their orders of giant Panatones. Despite the long lines, they would happily chat away with the bakers, catching up on holiday gossip in quick-paced Italian and always leave by wishing each other a joyful “Buon Natale” or “Buone feste!”

As we took our post-dinner evening stroll along the waterways at night, we loved listening to the Christmas music drifting through open windows and hearing laughter from families and friends celebrating together in the illuminated windows dotting the canal.

Despite everything we’d heard about Venice being overrun with tourists, visiting in winter, during the quiet, low season, felt completely different. Locals were warm and welcoming, happy to have us join in their holiday traditions. Our neighbourhood wine bar, La Bottiglia in San Polo, felt like gathering with friends rather than strangers. On Christmas Eve, they even invited us to join in the celebrations, sharing a few final glasses of wine alongside the stylish locals before everyone headed home to spend the evening with family.

Restaurants, shops, churches, and hotels throughout Venice were all beautifully decorated for Christmas. The decorations felt warm and genuine, never over-the-top or commercial, just enough to remind you that Christmas here is still about tradition, community, and quiet beauty rather than spectacle.

One of the most breathtaking and unexpected Christmas displays in Venice that we found was inside the Church of San Salvador. Stepping through the heavy wooden doors at the front of the nave, we found a shimmering, 2.5-metre-tall sculpture crafted entirely from Murano glass. Funnily enough, it looks like something AI dreamed up, but it was made from the mind and handiwork of Seguso, one of Murano’s most historic glassmakers, whose family has been shaping fire and sand into masterpieces since 1397!

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Drawing inspiration from traditional Venetian chandeliers, the glass Christmas tree sparkled with more than 40 lights, transforming coloured glass into a warm, flickering glow that mimics candlelight. The classic red baubles hang alongside three golden spheres, which were made as a nod to Saint Nicholas, the original Babbo Natale and the patron saint of glassmakers.

We stumbled upon this completely by accident while wandering into a small church, proof that exploring Venice’s quiet canals and lesser-known corners is the best way to uncover its hidden Christmas gems. These are the moments made for locals, not advertised to tourists, and that’s exactly what makes them so special.

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Going grocery shopping in a foreign country is always one of my favourite things to do, it’s practically the first thing I do whenever I arrive somewhere new. I love wandering the aisles, discovering local products, and picking up a few treats to enjoy back at the hotel. During Christmas in Venice, it’s even more special, with shelves full of seasonal Italian favourites and beautifully wrapped festive foods.

Shopping in Venetian grocery stores like Despar or Coop was such a treat. Many sold ready-made gift boxes filled with beloved Italian Christmas staples; panettone, olive oil, cured salami, Lambrusco wine, and Parmigiano Reggiano, a perfect mix of savoury and sweet, all in one convinient package.

There were also entire aisles dedicated to panettone and pandoro, Italy’s beloved Christmas cakes. Panettone is a rich, buttery bread studded with candied fruit and raisins, while pandoro is its lighter, golden cousin, dusted with powdered sugar to resemble the snowy peaks of the Italian Alps. I couldn’t believe how many varieties there were! Some were filled with pistachio cream, others with chocolate or dried fruit, and every one came in beautifully designed, festive packaging that made it look like a gift in itself. With so many brands and flavours to choose from, it was almost impossible to pick just one.

Not knowing what to expect from Christmas in Venice, a city without forests and where transportation happens mostly by boat, I wasn’t sure if I’d see any Christmas trees at all. But one afternoon, while wandering through our neighbourhood, I stumbled upon the most charming scene: a small gathering of fresh spruce trees piled along the canal, with a man unloading them from a motorboat. Locals soon appeared, cheerfully choosing their favourite trees before loading them onto their own boats or gondolas to take home. Watching Christmas trees being delivered by canal felt like a moment straight out of a storybook, one of the most memorable and uniquely Venetian sights of the entire trip.

Every restaurant we visited showcased incredible seafood dishes, the kind that can only be found in Venice during the colder months. Menus featured creamy risotto di gò (made with goby fish from the lagoon), tender seppie (cuttlefish) in black ink sauce, and delicate scallops served with seasonal vegetables. There’s something wonderfully authentic about the way Venetians celebrate the holidays through food, focusing not on extravagance, but on honest flavours, shared meals, and ingredients that truly reflect the spirit of the season and the rhythm of the lagoon.

Venice is one of those cities where, if you know where to look, you’ll discover some of the most talented artisans in the world. It’s a place where tradition truly lives on, and where artists come to be part of a world that feels beautifully frozen in time. I loved Christmas shopping in the city’s tiny boutiques and tucked-away workshops hidden along quiet, unnamed alleyways. Everywhere I turned, I found exquisite Murano glass Christmas baubles, each one a delicate work of art. Though they were sold throughout the city, they never lost their charm; every piece reflected the heart of Venetian craftsmanship and creativity, a perfect blend of history, beauty, and timeless artistry.

We made sure to attend a Christmas concert at the Teatro Goldoni, and even though the entire performance was in Italian, and I barely understood a word, the spirit of Christmas came through in every note. A few songs were sung in English, but language didn’t matter; the warmth and joy in the theatre were universal. You could tell the locals all knew each other, waving across balconies, blowing kisses, and meeting afterward for drinks to wish one another a heartfelt “Buon Natale.”

One of the most unexpected and heartwarming Christmas touches I saw in Venice came from the city’s garbage collectors. In the days leading up to Christmas Eve, many of them decorated their wheelbarrows and wagons with tinsel, garlands, and ornaments, while some even wore reindeer antlers or Santa hats. It was such a delightful sight, simple, cheerful, and entirely genuine. You could tell this wasn’t done for show or to impress tourists, but purely out of joy and community spirit. It perfectly captured the essence of Christmas in Venice: small, thoughtful gestures that make the city feel alive with warmth and festive charm.

Even the smaller islands, like Burano, were beautifully dressed for Christmas. Wreaths adorned the brightly painted doors, while holly and ivy were draped across windowsills and balconies. The island’s colourful houses, already picture-perfect, looked even more magical with their festive touches, each one adding to the cosy, storybook charm that makes Burano so enchanting during the holidays.

Local florists filled their windows with poinsettias as bright as Santa’s robe, adding splashes of festive red to the city’s winter palette. Even some gondoliers joined in the Christmas spirit, decorating their gondolas with golden bells, Santa hats, and bits of sparkling tinsel. Seeing these small, joyful touches scattered throughout the canals made the whole city feel wrapped in quiet holiday cheer.

We spent Christmas Eve attending Midnight Mass at St. Mark’s Basilica, an experience I’ll never forget. We arrived about 45 minutes early to make sure we’d get a seat, thankfully we did, as the church quickly filled to capacity. Even waiting in line felt magical. Standing in St. Mark’s Square beneath a sky full of stars, the red brick bell tower rising above us, I couldn’t help but feel like I was dreaming. In summer, this piazza is overflowing with tourists, shoulder to shoulder in the heat. But on this peaceful winter night, only a small group of worshippers and quiet onlookers gathered, the vast square hushed and serene, Venice at its most timeless and beautiful.

On the morning we left Venice, just a few days after Christmas, I woke up before sunrise and walked to St. Mark’s Square to see the city one last time. As the first light touched the lagoon and the sun began to warm the Serenissima, the scene felt almost unreal. The square was completely still; with the holiday rush over, locals were easing back into routine, and the waves of tourists and cruise ships had yet to return. For a few fleeting moments, I had St. Mark’s Square entirely to myself.

It was one of those rare, perfect experiences that stay with you forever. In summer, this piazza is packed shoulder to shoulder, but that winter morning, it felt peaceful, sacred even, just me, the water, and the rising sun over this ancient city. Visiting Venice at Christmas was truly one of the most magical experiences of my life, and I wish for everyone to see it this way at least once, a quiet, shining dream suspended in time.

So no, you won’t find gondolas blanketed in snow or markets glowing like something out of a storybook Photoshop tutorial. But what you will find is something far more rare: a Venice that feels quietly alive, rooted in its traditions, and wrapped in the real warmth of community. It’s not about perfect photos, but about small, sincere moments that leave a lasting impression. Christmas in Venice isn’t artificial magic, it’s the kind that sneaks up on you, tucked between foggy canals and flickering lights, waiting to be found.

The post What Venice REALLY Looks Like at Christmas first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Italy doesn’t tend to top the list of classic winter getaways. It doesn’t have the massive celebrations of New York, the snow-covered forests of Scandinavia, or the expansive Christmas markets of Germany. However, after spending last Christmas in Florence, Venice, Bologna and Padua, I was amazed at the festive experience I found! The streets were filled with twinkle lights, the air smelled of roasted chestnuts, and every bakery window was ablaze with panettone and festive sweets.

That said, there were a few hiccups I hadn’t really seen coming. Some museums were closed without much notice, information was hard to find, trains were more packed than I expected, and the sun seemed to disappear way too early in the day. But with a bit of flexibility and plenty of tasty snacks, those little bumps felt less like problems and more like part of the experience. If you’re dreaming of your own Italian holiday escape, here are my best tips for making the most of a winter visit and soaking up the magic that only December in Italy can offer.

Table Of Contents

1. Plan Around Italy's Holiday Calendar
2. What to Know About Holiday Travel Costs
3. Use Big Cities as Bases
4. Make the Most of Holiday Closures
5. Reserve Restaurants in Advance
6. When Everything’s Closed: Plan a Home-Cooked Italian Feast
7. Know Your Winter Weather (It's Not the Same Everywhere)
8. What to Pack for Christmas in Italy?
9. Staying Warm the Italian Way
10. Make the Most of Shorter Days
11. Travel by Train and Book Ahead
12. Visit Churches for Atmosphere and Art
13. Enjoy the Christmas Markets
14. Carry Some Cash
15. Where to See the Best Christmas Lights in Italy
16. Trying the Best Christmas Foods in Italy
17. Experience the Magic of Christmas Concerts
18. Catch the Santa Canal Parade in Venice
19. Meet La Befana, Italy's Christmas Witch

Plan Around Italy’s Holiday Calendar

Christmas in Italy isn’t just a single day; it’s a whole season. The festivities begin around mid to early December with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and run through January 6, the day of the Epiphany (known locally as La Befana). Between those dates, life slows down.

• December 24 (Christmas Eve): Shops often close early, and restaurants fill with families enjoying special dinners.
• December 25 (Christmas Day): Most businesses, museums and many restaurants close entirely.
• December 26 (St. Stephen’s Day): Another public holiday, many attractions remain shut. I actually found this to be the quietest day of the holiday calendar.
• January 1 (New Year’s Day): Transport and services are limited.

Plan your must‑see visits around these closures. In Florence, I discovered that the Uffizi was closed on both Christmas Day and New Year’s. However, in Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica remains open for Mass and welcomes visitors who want to experience this seasonal service.

What to Know About Holiday Travel Costs

Generally, Christmas travel to Italy is less expensive than summer travel, particularly in terms of airfare and hotel rates. Although December is considered a low season in many parts of Italy, demand does increase during the holiday season, especially from December 23 to New Year’s. Festive events and celebrations are frequently held in major cities like Rome, Florence, and Bologna, drawing both locals and tourists from abroad. Hotel rates during these holiday periods are typically lower than peak summer rates, although they may be higher than the rates for the rest of the winter.

It’s important to book your lodging early if you’re visiting over Christmas and New Year. Popular hotels fill up fast, and prices rise quickly. We were lucky to get a great deal at the historic Hotel Loggiato Dei Serviti in Florence, the week before Christmas. In Venice, we even found a Grand Canal view room at the Locanda Leon Bianco Hotel for a fraction of the summer price. Apart from December 25 and 26, most of our stay was surprisingly affordable.

Selecting less crowded neighbourhoods or neighbouring cities can also help you find more affordable accommodations and a more intimate, local experience. Nevertheless, Christmas in Italy offers a more economical and distinctively atmospheric alternative to the crowded and costly summer months, despite slightly higher prices around the major holiday days.

Flying to Italy at Christmas

When it comes to airfare, prices can be a bit of a mixed bag. Flights to Italy are usually cheaper outside of the summer months, but they tend to spike around peak holiday travel dates, especially for departures between December 20 and 24 and returns around January 1 and 2. To score the best deals, try flying midweek, booking as far in advance as possible, and being flexible with your travel dates and airports. If you’re planning to travel over Christmas, start tracking flights early and book as soon as you spot a reasonable price; it’s likely to sell out quickly.

Flying into alternative hubs, such as Milan or Bologna, rather than Rome or Venice, can sometimes offer lower fares. One tip is to avoid flying in or out of Florence in winter. The airport is known for weather issues, especially fog, which often makes it hard for planes to land. Delays and cancellations are common during this season. It’s usually easier to fly into Rome or Venice and take the train to Florence instead.

Use Big Cities as Bases

Large cities like Florence, Milan, Bologna and Venice stay lively throughout the holidays, with glowing lights, bustling markets, and festive concerts even on the quietest days. In contrast, smaller towns often shut down almost entirely between December 24 and 26, with closed restaurants and empty streets that can leave you feeling stranded if you’re not prepared. By using bigger cities as your base and timing your countryside visits outside those closures, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: quiet, scenic escapes followed by a return to warm dinners and evening strolls under sparkling city lights.

Make the Most of Holiday Closures

While many restaurants, shops, and museums close on December 25, that doesn’t mean your day has to feel empty. It’s a great chance to appreciate a more peaceful side of your destination. Bundle up and take a morning walk through nearly empty piazzas, stroll along calm streets decorated with festive lights, or visit a church to see the nativity scenes up close. We were in Venice on Christmas Day, and it felt like we had certain areas of the city all to ourselves. A quiet, dreamlike atmosphere that’s rare to experience at other times of the year.

Reserve Restaurants in Advance

Tables fill up quickly around Christmas and New Year’s, especially in smaller cities where family-run spots often close for the holidays. In Bologna, there was one local place I had my heart set on. Luckily, I’d booked early. When we arrived, a sign out front confirmed they were fully booked for the entire week with no chance of walk-ins. I was beyond relieved to see my name on the list.

Yes, advance planning takes away a little spontaneity, but it gives you peace of mind and saves you from wandering cold streets in search of an open table. This is especially true for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Some restaurants do stay open and serve special holiday menus but, reservations are essential for these meals.

If you make a reservation online, it’s worth confirming. More than once, even though I’d booked online and even received a confirmation email, I showed up at a closed door and a “Closed for Christmas” sign. Google hours can also be very unreliable (even outside of Christmastime), and holiday schedules are often subject to change without notice. To avoid this, call the restaurant on the day of your booking or check their social media for updates. If you can’t, always have a backup place in mind nearby. It saved me more than once.

One of the best tips I can give is to ask your hotel for help. Staff usually know which restaurants will stay open on Christmas Day and can even secure hard-to-get tables. In Venice, they found us an unforgettable family-run spot on Christmas Eve, well away from the tourist hubbub. It turned out to be one of our best meals of the trip!

When Everything’s Closed: Plan a Home-Cooked Italian Feast

If you find yourself in a small town where everything is closed on Christmas Day, or discover that the few restaurants still open are fully booked, this can actually turn into a wonderful opportunity to cook your own festive Italian meal. Shopping at a local market the day before is not only affordable, but also a truly memorable experience. Italian markets in December are bursting with seasonal produce, think bright citrus, wild mushrooms, fresh herbs, fennel, chestnuts, and leafy greens, as well as rich cheeses, handmade pasta, cured meats, and freshly baked bread. Add a bottle of local wine and you have everything you need for a beautiful holiday spread. Just be sure to shop early, ideally on the 23rd or early on the 24th, as many markets and shops close early on Christmas Eve.

One of my favourite memories was putting together a Christmas Day meal in Venice, even though we didn’t have a kitchen in our hotel. We made do with what we had, shopping the day before at the local markets and picking up a mix of prepared and ready-to-serve items. There were marinated artichokes, fresh bread, a wedge of aged cheese, some beautifully sliced prosciutto, and a bottle of prosecco to toast the day. For dessert, we had panettone with a little tub of mascarpone we found at a grocery store. It wasn’t fancy, but it was festive, comforting, and felt completely tied to the place and season.

Know Your Winter Weather (It’s Not the Same Everywhere)

The weather in December in Italy can vary significantly depending on your location. You can anticipate chilly, rainy days in places like Florence and Bologna. In the winter, Venice’s distinctive lagoon is home to some warmer weather than Florence, but on windy days, the dampness can feel bone-chilling. The weather in nearby Padua is comparable, though typically a little drier, which makes it more comfortable for day trips or lengthy walks.

Don’t let the thought of cold, chilly, or rainy days keep you from Italy at Christmas. While the weather can be a bit damp, the benefits far outweigh a little drizzle.

Winters are generally much milder in Rome. The days are frequently sunny and crisp, making them ideal for exploring antiquities and open piazzas without the summer crowds, though you’ll still need a jacket. With daytime highs frequently in the low to mid-teens degrees Celsius, other well-liked southern locations, such as Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily, are even warmer. Although beach days are out of the question, these locations provide a milder winter getaway with fewer visitors and a slower tempo.

What to Pack for Christmas in Italy?

Warm, waterproof shoes are a must for Italy in December, not due to snow, which is rare, but to stay dry in the rain and comfortable when the chill sets in, especially after sunset. Cobblestone streets, beautiful as they are, become slick and slippery when wet, so be sure to wear sturdy boots or shoes with a good grip. I packed my heavy-duty winter boots, which I wear in Canada during the winter, and while they occasionally felt a bit too much, they kept my feet warm and dry every step of the way. I never once regretted bringing them.

Layers will be your best friend! While a full-on down puffer might be overkill, a classic wool coat strikes the perfect balance, warm enough to keep the chill out and stylish enough to blend right in with the locals. Italy in December isn’t as cold as Christmas in Sweden, but I still found a scarf and gloves absolutely essential. I also rarely went a day without wearing a hat. The cold sets in quickly, especially in the evenings, and a cozy hat made all the difference. I packed a few festive ones, which not only kept me toasty but added a touch of holiday cheer to every outfit.

Thermal layers were truly the unsung heroes of my trip! They were thin enough to disappear right under my jeans or a dress, but they trapped heat like magic. I also relied on Merino wool socks to keep my feet toasty without ever getting sweaty. And for those days when I needed just a little bit more warmth without looking like the Michelin Man, heat-tech camisoles or a lightweight fleece were absolute lifesavers. Be sure to pack a compact umbrella that can withstand strong winds and rain. I was especially grateful for mine while walking along the misty canals of Venice at dawn, where the fog settled low and the stone paths glistened beneath my feet.

Looking for more details? Check out our dedicated post on what to pack for Christmas and winter in Italy!

Be Aware of the Acqua Alta in Venice

If you’re visiting Venice in December, be prepared for the possibility of Acqua Alta (high water), a natural high-tide phenomenon most common in the late autumn and winter. The flooding is usually minor, short-lived, and localized, typically affecting only the lowest areas like Piazza San Marco for a few hours around midday. To stay dry, download a tide forecast app and watch for the sirens that warn of higher water. If the forecast suggests high water, pack a pair of cheap plastic overshoes (you can easily find them online). They’re much cheaper to bring with you than to buy at inflated prices once you’re there.

The city is well-prepared, installing elevated wooden walkways (passerelle) in key areas, and most sights and restaurants remain open. While it may be a slight inconvenience, seeing St. Mark’s Basilica reflected in the flooded square is a truly unique, memorable part of a winter visit. We didn’t have an acqua alta (which I was honestly a bit disappointed about, as it would have been unique to see), but I was glad to have the booties anyway, just in case!

Staying Warm the Italian Way

While Italy in December isn’t Arctic-level cold, the damp chill can definitely creep in after a few hours outdoors. The good news? Italians have mastered the art of staying warm without missing a beat. One of my favourite ways to escape the cold was by ducking into a museum or church. Not only do they offer a break from the elements, but you also get a dose of history and beauty while you thaw out. In Florence, I spent nearly an hour in the Medici Chapel just soaking in the quiet and warmth after a breezy morning stroll along the Arno.

Cafés are another winter haven. Grabbing a cappuccino at the bar, or better yet, lingering over a hot chocolate thick enough to eat with a spoon, is a great excuse to rest your legs and warm your hands. In Venice, we’d dip into tiny cafés just for a few minutes of heat and a fresh pastry before heading back into the fog.

Shopping also offers a welcome escape from the cold. Whether you’re browsing designer boutiques in Florence, hunting for artisanal gifts under Bologna’s porticoes, or wandering through Venice’s glass shops, retail therapy doubles as a cosy indoor activity. Many shops are beautifully decorated for the holidays, adding to the festive feel. It’s a great way to stay warm and pick up a few special souvenirs (or last-minute Christmas gifts!).

At night, the same idea applies, only this time, trade in your afternoon espresso for a glass of wine. Italy is home to some of the world’s finest wines, and there’s no shortage of cozy wine bars to settle into once the sun goes down. Whether you’re sipping a bold Chianti in Florence, a crisp Soave in Padua, or a smooth Valpolicella in Venice, it’s the perfect way to warm up and unwind after a chilly evening stroll. Don’t underestimate the power of these little warm-ups!

Make the Most of Shorter Days

In December, sunset in northern Italy can be as early as 4:30–5:00 p.m. Museums and shops are also often on a shorter schedule, closing by 5:00-6:00 p.m. Therefore, plan your sightseeing for mornings and early afternoons. Evenings are best for strolling through illuminated streets, sipping hot chocolate or mulled wine at a Christmas market, or attending a concert in one of the city’s historic churches.

Travel by Train and Book Ahead

Italy’s trains are your best friend at Christmastime, especially when travelling between major cities. They’re warm, reliable, scenic and often faster than flying. Trust me, you want to avoid the airports at all costs during the holidays when you can! However, even the trains do get significantly busier around the holidays, particularly on 23–24 December and 1–2 January. When we travelled from Florence to Venice on December 21st, our train was already packed with passengers coming from Milan. Despite having reserved seats, the entire carriage’s luggage racks were overflowing, both overhead and in the designated storage areas near the doors. We ended up balancing our hand luggage on our laps and leaving our suitcases loose in the corridor near the bathrooms.

One lesson we learned was to try to travel earlier in the day, the first train if possible, when trains are typically less crowded. Also, consider upgrading to first class for the holidays if your budget allows. The trip is much more comfortable when travelling with larger bags because train cars are usually roomier, have fewer passengers, and have more ample luggage storage. Or travel light, if possible, or opt for small bags that are easier to fit in overhead bins. It’s also worth arriving at the station early so you can board as soon as the doors open and claim a spot for your bags before space runs out.

Train travel during the holidays is often more expensive, particularly as Christmas approaches. We ended up paying a lot more for the tickets to our last-minute day tripto Bologna than we would have if we had done a little more preparation. Booking in advance can significantly impact availability and cost, even for short regional trips, so it’s worthwhile to secure your day trips in advance to avoid stress and save money.

Book directly with Trenitalia (the national railway) or Italo (a private high-speed operator) for the best train fares in Italy, particularly during the holidays. Both offer access to the most affordable official fares and reliable service. Trainline is a great aggregator that displays both Trenitalia and Italo options for comparing routes and costs. Another easy-to-use website for booking trains throughout Italy is Omio.

Visit Churches for Atmosphere and Art

Christmas is one of the most evocative times to visit Italian churches, even if you’re not a religious person. There is an atmosphere unlike any other time of year as the nation’s cathedrals and basilicas come alive with candlelight, music, and tradition. With choirs resonating beneath centuries-old domes and the aroma of incense filling the air, midnight mass at St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice or the Duomo in Florence is genuinely unforgettable. Additionally, many churches feature ornate nativity scenes, or presepi, which are often highly detailed and represent local traditions and customs.

When I attended Midnight Mass at St. Mark’s in Venice, the experience was both magical and surprisingly intense. We arrived about 45 minutes before the service and still barely found a chair, with hundreds of people streaming in behind us. The basilica glowed with golden mosaics as the lights dimmed, and the sound of the choir carried through the vast, shimmering space. It felt as though the centuries of history surrounding us came alive in that moment, making the long wait and the crowd well worth it. If you plan to attend Midnight Mass in any famous church in Italy, arrive early, ideally an hour or more, to secure a seat and take in the atmosphere before the service begins.

Enjoy the Christmas Markets

Italy’s Christmas markets may be smaller and less grandiose than those in Germany or Austria, but they’re packed with charm, tradition, and a festive spirit. Each city puts its own spin on the holiday market, often blending local craftsmanship, seasonal treats, and regional culture into a cozy, celebratory atmosphere. You’ll find wooden stalls selling everything from hand-carved ornaments to wool scarves and gourmet panettone, all set against a backdrop of twinkling lights and the scent of roasted chestnuts.

In Florence, the most well-known market takes place in Piazza Santa Croce, where alpine-style wooden huts sell artisanal gifts, mulled wine, and festive snacks, all set against the backdrop of one of the city’s most beautiful churches. Bologna comes alive with two traditional markets: the Fiera di Natale, set up near the cathedral, and the Antica Fiera di Santa Lucia, tucked under the city’s iconic porticoes along Strada Maggiore, both offering nativity figurines, sweets, and seasonal decorations.

In Padua, head to Prato della Valle, one of Europe’s largest squares, where you’ll find a bustling market accompanied by light projections on nearby historic buildings, adding a touch of theatre to your shopping experience.

Other cities also offer unique market experiences. In Rome, visit Piazza Navona for a traditional fair with toys, sweets, and carousel rides. Bolzano and Merano in the South Tyrol region are home to some of Italy’s most picturesque markets, characterized by a strong Alpine influence and a stunning mountain backdrop. Even coastal towns like Sorrento host smaller markets that blend seaside charm with festive cheer. It’s important to note that most Christmas markets in Italy begin in late November or early December and close by Christmas Eve. Some remain open a few days longer, but the atmosphere is most vibrant in mid-December. If you’re visiting Italy specifically for the markets, plan your trip accordingly to avoid arriving after they’ve closed.

Carry Some Cash

Card acceptance in Italy has significantly improved over the past few years. Most hotels, big restaurants, and train stations take them without issue. But once you step into small trattorias, family-run cafés, or Christmas markets, cash is still the safest option. Stalls selling roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, or handmade ornaments will almost always prefer coins and notes.

During the holidays, ATMs can be tricky. Long lines build up on Christmas Eve and New Year’s weekend, and sometimes machines even run out of cash. To avoid stress, withdraw money ahead of the big days and keep a small stash of euro notes with you. It’s also useful when splitting bills with friends, leaving tips, or hopping on a bus where cards aren’t accepted.

Where to See the Best Christmas Lights in Italy

Be sure to set aside time each evening to enjoy the festive light displays if you’re visiting Italy in December, they’re truly one of the season’s highlights. Every town and city brings its own unique charm to the decorations. While the displays might be more understated than in some of the other places I’ve visited at Christmas, there’s a sense of authenticity to them that stands out. The lights feel like a genuine celebration of the season, less about commercial flash and more about tradition, quite a contrast to the glitzier displays I’ve seen in places like London.

Bologna and Padua turned out to be two of the most unexpectedly beautiful cities for Christmas lights. Their displays were warm and understated, with an artistic, almost poetic quality woven through the portico-lined streets. In some areas, lines of poetry were projected onto building façades, transforming the city into an open-air gallery of light and words. Evening strolls through these illuminated streets felt especially memorable, like being let in on a quiet, local holiday tradition tucked away from the usual tourist trails.

Trying the Best Christmas Foods in Italy

If you’re visiting Italy during the holidays, be sure to try the festive foods that only appear this time of year. Panettone and pandoro are the stars of the season; look for artisanal versions in local bakeries rather than supermarket shelves. Christmas markets are also great for sampling regional treats, such as torrone (nougat), struffoli (honey-drenched dough balls in Naples), and mostaccioli (spiced chocolate-dipped cookies). In the north, especially around Bologna, be sure to try tortellini in brodo, a comforting bowl of pasta in rich broth that’s a classic Christmas dish.

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A traditional Christmas Eve dinner in Italy is typically a meatless, seafood-focused feast, known as La Vigilia, and it’s one of the most delicious ways to experience the season like a local. If you find yourself in a coastal city like Venice or Naples, don’t miss the chance to order dishes like baccalà mantecato (creamed salted cod), clams with spaghetti, or crisp, golden fried calamari, each one celebrating the sea’s bounty with simplicity and care. Many menus also highlight seasonal produce, like artichokes, fennel, or citrus, which appear in salads or side dishes to add freshness and balance to the meal. To finish, enjoy a glass of prosecco or spumante, followed by a thick slice of panettone or pandoro, often served with mascarpone cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Everywhere we went in Italy, we were delighted to find a festive twist on even the most everyday experiences. It felt like the entire country had quietly dressed up for the holidays. Coffee shops served seasonal specialties like panettone-flavoured lattes, and even the most humble morning pastry came topped with a dusting of icing sugar or a hint of citrus zest, giving it a subtle Christmas flourish. Bakeries filled their windows with artfully wrapped holiday treats, miniature pandoro, chocolate-dipped biscotti shaped like stars, and piles of torrone tied with ribbon.

And as you stroll through the streets after dinner, you’ll almost certainly catch the unmistakable scent of roasting chestnuts, sold from little street carts on nearly every corner. Their warm, nutty aroma fills the air, adding another layer of cosy, festive comfort to the evening!

Experience the Magic of Christmas Concerts

Christmas in Italy isn’t just about the lights and food, it’s the music that truly brings the season to life. From classical ensembles to traditional Italian carols, holiday concerts are held in churches, theatres, and piazzas across the country. Even if you’re not someone who usually seeks out live performances, the acoustics in Italy’s historic churches and grand theatres make these events feel incredibly moving and atmospheric. One of our most memorable experiences was attending the One Million Dreams Christmas Concert in Venice, where 200 members of the Big Vocal Orchestra filled one of the most breathtaking theatres I’ve ever stepped into with a joyful mix of seasonal songs. To catch something similar, check local event calendars or ask your hotel staff, they’re often a great source for finding festive concerts, especially ones off the usual tourist radar.

Catch the Santa Canal Parade in Venice

If you’re visiting Venice in December, even just for a day, try to time your trip around the Santa Claus Regatta (Regata dei Babbi Natale), one of the city’s most delightfully quirky holiday traditions. Usually held in mid-December, it features dozens of rowers dressed as Santa, paddling their way down the Grand Canal in classic Venetian boats like gondolas and sandoli. It’s festive, fun, and a little surreal, in the best way, mixing Christmas cheer with Venice’s age-old love of rowing.

If you’re planning to catch the Santa Claus Regatta in Venice this December, the best way to find out the exact date and route is to keep an eye on local event listings and Venice Tourism websites. The regatta usually takes place the Sunday before Christmas, but the exact date can vary each year. Social media is also a great resource; look for Instagram or TikTok posts about the Regata dei Babbi Natale. When in doubt, ask your hotel staff or a local tourism office.

For views, Rialto Bridge is a classic choice, offering a high vantage point over the Grand Canal, but it can get very, very crowded! You can also stake out a spot along the Ponte dell’Accademia, but honestly, anywhere along the Grand Canal is a great spot to watch the event!

Meet La Befana, Italy’s Christmas Witch

One of the most unique and charming traditions in Italy is the story of La Befana, a beloved figure who plays a starring role in the country’s Epiphany celebrations. According to legend, La Befana is an old woman, part kind witch, part grandmother, who flies from house to house on a broomstick on the night of January 5th, delivering sweets and small gifts to children. Unlike Santa Claus, she wears a shawl, carries a sack of treats, and is often depicted with a sooty face from climbing down chimneys.

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The myth comes from the story of the Wise Men, who once stopped at the house of La Befana on their way to see the baby Jesus. They invited her to join, but she said she was too busy with chores. Soon after, she regretted it. She gathered gifts and set out to find the child, but never did. Ever since, she has flown across Italy on Epiphany Eve, leaving presents for good children and lumps of coal for the naughty.

Even in early December, La Befana is already making her presence known all across Italy. Market stalls overflow with witch-shaped chocolates, shop windows feature her as a cheerful, grandmotherly figure smiling down at passersby, and Befana-themed candies line the shelves in local supermarkets!

I hope these tips give you the confidence to embrace winter in Italy and make the most of all the magic this festive season brings to its cities. There’s so much beauty to discover when you lean into the slower pace, the cozy traditions, and the unexpected joys that December in Italy has to offer.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Best Tips on Traveling in Italy at Christmas first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.