CHRISTMAS

December 25

Christmas in Italy is all about the nativity scenes.

Pictured: An austere nativity scene in the Cathedral of San Cerbone in Massa Marittima

If you spend Christmas anywhere in Italy, and certainly Massa Marittima is no exception, you will be amazed by the amount of nativity scenes you'll see in homes, in shop windows, in piazzas, and in any cave or crevice around town!

Pictured: a psychodelic nativity scene in a random crevice of Massa Marittima

You may notice that the three Wise Men are always placed at a distance, en route to the manger until the Epiphany on January 6. On this day, the Catholic Church celebrates the visitation of the Magi and nativity scenes everywhere undergo a makeover and the Wise Men are placed surrounding the baby Jesus.

In addition to admiring these displays, from traditional to creative, the Christmas season offers a lot in a town like Massa Marittima.  For starters, many restaurants remain open on this holiday.  If you're visiting from out of town, you won't have a problem finding a restaurant where you can celebrate with traditional Tuscan fare.

Every year, Massa Marittima constructs a small ice skating rink in its main piazza.  So if you're traveling with children, this makes for a charming activity for the little ones and spectacular photos to cherish!

Massa Marittima is also known throughout the region for its Santa Claus Village, or "Villaggio di Babbo Natale".   This is when the most charming street in the medieval historic center of town is turned into a magical Christmas experience for children.  It's something that puts our mall Santas to shame and must be seen with your own eyes!

The town square also plays host to a Christmas market where you can purchase crafts and trinkets, and enjoy an aperitivo al fresco with spiced wine or cocktails with delicious home-made snacks.