Every year, on the first moon of May, a woman would immerse herself in the sea to gather this gold and use it to make a yarn with which she would weave incredible fabrics. It sounds like a myth but it actually still happens in Italy today: this woman is called Chiara Vigo and she lives on the island of Sant’Antioco, the biggest of the islands of Sardinia, to the south west, around eighty kilometers from Cagliari.

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.

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.

The holiday season: stressful, magical and filled with love … and anxiety. This year, gather the entire family and escape on a vacation with a Christmas in Italy. Our villas offer enough space for the entire family to reunite and share the special season without the need for extra work in an already busy time of year.

Close to tourist destinations but secluded and private, you’ll find so many ways to make new Christmas memories and keep family traditions in these amazing vacation homes.