The allure of visiting Italy during the month of December is wonderfully tempting. If you are ever presented with the opportunity to do so, seize it immediately! At Christini’s, one if the best Italian restaurants Orlando, we encourage everyone to experience the seasonal joys of Italian culture. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your visit:
If you enjoy skiing and wish to frolic in the snow, then Northern Italy is the place to be. The closer you are to the Swiss Alps the more amazing your snow experience, but keep in mind, the temperatures are likely to plummet, maybe even below freezing, and the cold can be quite daunting.
In Northern Italy, you will find Alpine-inspired Christmas festivals that are celebrated from the beginning of December to the Epiphany. From seasonal foods, sweet delicacies, and inspired beverages, to handcrafted decorations and manger scenes, the spirit of the season rings through every community. Many villages have rides and musical events in conjunction with the festivals. Be prepared to spend a lot of time outdoors and remember to dress warmly.
Now, if that much cold and snow isn’t really your thing, a trip to Central Italy will still afford you that wintry feel with temperatures that average between 42⁰F – 57⁰F. Here you will likely experience frequent rains mixed with clear, crisp days. Festivals and beautiful manger scenes (known as Presipi or Creche) dot the villages surrounding Rome. Rome is a very popular tourist destination during the Christmas season. If a visit to the Vatican is on your “must do” list, be sure to plan your trip well in advance and be prepared for the crowds gathering to celebrate Midnight Mass to hear the Papal address.
Southern Italy still gets quite chilly, but the odds of snowfall or other heavy precipitation is considerably reduced. It’s not swimming weather on the beautiful beaches for sure, but the landscape is beautiful. The temperatures range between 54⁰F – 61⁰F. Sicilian and Sardinian sweets are featured everywhere during the month of December and these bite-size morsels usually vary the further south you travel.
Common folklore in all of Italy shares in the anticipated visit of La Befana (The witch–who rewards good children with candy and ill-behaved ones with coal) and Babbo di Natale (Santa Claus). They are both known to make appearances at festivals throughout Italy from December to the Epiphany.
Many of us will probably not make the trip to Italy for the holidays this year, but we can still enjoy them the authentic Italian way! Make a reservation at Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, and and our Italian restaurant in Orlando will transport you to the best Northern Italian experience on this side of the Atlantic! Christini’s is impeccably appointed and the cuisine is divine. During the holiday season you will find authentic seasonal fare, prepared with the finest ingredients. Buone Vacanze!
