Christmas Markets and Christmas Nativity scene (Presepi)

Christmas Markets in Italy are very popular, known in Italian as "Mercatino di Natale": not as numerous or on the same grand scale as the network in other parts of Europe, but a visit to one of these is one to remember. Elaborate crib displays and nativity scenes are a pride of Italy and they can be found on display at many Italian Christmas Markets. Italian stallholders usually have mouth-watering displays of local food and drink, plus of course the usual array of locally manufactured seasonal gift items, handicrafts, Christmas tree decorations. Not only they are beautiful and atmospheric, but they make for an especially fun way to get to know an area's local traditions, delicacies and artisans, and a great place to get that holiday shopping done. So, if you are looking for a festive atmosphere, with a touch of local Italian lifestyle, take the chance to visit them.

In Italy, famous all over the world, one takes place on the narrow street of Via San Gregorio Armeno, Naples: handcrafted nativity figurines made from clay, wax, cork, bronze.

In Sardinia there is no snow at Christmastime, at least at sea level; instead the island is awash in the earthy aromas of nature and the scent of orange blossoms, all around the intense green colours of the landscape, the dark blue berries of the myrtle, the red fruit of the arbutus, the white and pink buds of the heather bushes, the red and black berries of the lentisk. But here people proudly go along with a lot of traditions and handicrafts really amazing. This wonderful island, famous for its emerald seas and its gorgeous coasts, becomes a nativity scene: Sardinia rediscovers its ancient folk traditions, leading us into a truly magical dimension. Its villages are lit up with lights, taking your heart back to many years ago, when all the families and friends got together round the fireplace, eating traditional food. Nativity scenes usually represent the passion, faith and manual skills of the Sardinian people and are a tribute to tradition.

Sardinian Christmas Markets are held many places, from big cities to small villages. A big Christmas Fair takes place in Cagliari at the Fiera Internazionale della Sardegna, exhibition of food products, wine and crafts, etc. from 15th December to the 23rd December 2016. For further information www.fieradellasardegna.it. Also in Cagliari, Christmas Markets from 25th to 28th December (Piazza del Carmine e corso Vittorio Emanuele), and for handmade lovers... Handmade Lovers, Exma 8, 11 and 18 December.

But since we love sustainable and immersive travel we think probably most interesting markets are the smaller ones, cozy, heartwarming and rich in atmosphere and tradition, evoking sense of history. Some towns host live and itinerant nativities and the Churches are crowded to the doors, being flocked by people attending to Midnight Mass (Sa Missa e' Puddu).

The information provided is for guidance: dates may be subject to change. Always check the information before visiting.