Palma Campania is a small village in Southern Italy, between Naples, Avellino and Salerno, a tiny dot that shines, however, on the map of Italy thanks to the talent and creativity of Pietro Parisi, a young chef who was born here and where, in 2005, he opened his restaurant, Era Ora, where stars and heads of state have sat at his tables, from Nicolas Sarkozy, accompanied by his wife, Carla Bruni, to Hugh Laurie, the star of "House”.  Pietro is also known as the Farmer Chef  because, in his dishes, he uses produce from his own land, a very fertile area situated between the Avellino valley and the valley of Vesuvius, the Terra Felix of Campania as it was defined in the 80s, when it was one of the biggest producers of walnuts, hazelnuts and, above all, vegetables cultivated by the farmers that Pietro knows personally.

In the 1200’s, excited after seeing the birthplace of Jesus Christ, St. Francis of Assisi held a reenactment of the Christmas miracle in a cave outside of Greccio, Italy. With the Pope’s blessing, nativity scenes, both static and live, became a cherished part of the Italian – and worldwide – Christmas celebration. Presepe, or Presepi Viventi, are still set up and reenacted all throughout Italy.

Football is a way of life in Italy. Kids grow up playing for the youth divisions of their hometown soccer club, and families spend their weekends cheering on the home team from the stands. Italian soccer is a must to see for any sports fan while on holiday, whether you attend a Serie A match or a tilt between two local clubs.

Just like top-tier leagues around Europe, Serie A matches are full of international superstars and top-quality football. Here are some of the most important matches on the calendar before the end of the year:

Christmas is such a special time of year in Italy. The Advent season brings communities together to celebrate, including one of the best – and tastiest – traditions, the Christmas market.

Stalls of handcrafts, food, drink and games pop up in city centers, with something fun and delicious for everyone! Here are a few of the best Christmas markets, perfect for visiting during your holiday in Italy in December.