Postcards from Italy

Buon Natale – 2016

Italy’s love of Christmas decorations has exploded over the past two decades, and the country has gone from muted holiday decor that centered almost exclusively around the traditional crèche scene to downtowns fully decked out in fairy light canopies, shooting stars, blinking swags, and towering, twinkling firs.

buon-natale-assisi

(Photo by Concierge in Umbria via Flickr)

Though the love of the artisan Nativity scene endures, today most private homes sport a tree and the beauty of a city’s Christmas lights has become so entwined with civic pride that mayors from Rome to Assisi have been forced to upgrade meager first attempts at public decorations by outraged citizens. Alongside the traditional outings to visit the most elaborate and beautiful Christmas creches, Italians – and tourists – can now take an evening stroll to admire the beautiful light displays along the city streets and elegant trees in the main squares.

christmas-gubbio-umbria-cr-brian-dore

(Photo by Concierge in Umbria via Flickr)

If you are in Italy during the holidays, be sure to wander the streets from the biggest city’s to the smallest villages and enjoy the unforgettable sight of these beautiful, historic palazzi and homes warmly lit with fairy lights. If you couldn’t make it this year, we have some shots of holiday cheer to share in the meantime.

christmas-lights-buon-natale

(Photo by Concierge in Umbria via Flickr)

buon-natale

(Photo by Concierge in Umbria via Flickr)

christmas-umbria-cr-brian-dore

(Photo by Concierge in Umbria via Flickr)

From Concierge in Umbria to you, our warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a New Year filled with travel and discovery!

buon-natale

(Photo by Concierge in Umbria via Flickr)

Travel Specialists

Maria Landers

Brian Dore