Xmas Time

Forget Christmas shopping in New York, head to Rome's Piazza Navona this Christmas and enjoy a festive experience you'll never forget. At Christmas time, Italy's markets are bursting with foodstuffs as well as wares of all kinds and when it comes to Christmas, the Italians take it very seriously. Marketplaces and piazza's are filled with crowds enjoying holiday treats and everyone is searching for that ideal gift for their relatives and friends.

If you head to Piazza Navona in Rome, you'll be amazed at what's on offer there. Shadowed by Bernini's Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, this famous piazza showcases a memorable scene each Christmas season with its spectacle of lights and fabulous market. Balloons, jars of preserves, bunches of holly, colourful shawls, pots of poinsettias, stuffed bears, metal tops, porcelain dolls, trinkets and sparkling baubles as well as traditional Christmas cake, panettone and all kinds of muld wine, grappa and spirits can all be purchased from the many booths that outline the piazza.

Blessed each year by the auxiliary bishop of Rome, Piazza Navona hosts a traditional Christmas market, complete with Santa Claus, nativity scenes and stalls selling Christmas goodies. Kids can visit Santa Claus and parents can wander around in the happy and expectant holiday atmosphere of the market. It's a wonderful time to visit the Eternal City.

News: For flights to Rome you can try British Airways.