Ok, it may be a little early to be talking about Yuletide, four months too early to be accurate, but I visited this market last year and got so happy that I could only wait until now to comment about it. I was so gutted last year when I turned up in January, only to find one day remaining in the market. So , my plans for this years Yuletide vacation are quite obvious ; Im returning to stay in one of the appartement rome for a week to do some festive shopping and to take in the sights of the city while under the Yuletide spell.

The market occurs every year in the Piazza Navona, which was originally built in the 15th century on an already existing amphitheatre and now provides the city with one of its liveliest squares. The square used to be the home of many games, competitions, processions and shows and now hosts some of the finest bars and restaurants in the city. In the square you'll find some of Romes most noted fountains ; del Moro, di Nettuno and dei Fium. Additionally, you'll be able to find the series of famous statues, picturing the 4 corners of the world ; the statues of the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube and the Rio de la Plata. In the winter, from December to Epiphany, you can find tons of stalls, selling humanities, crafts, food and drink.

So , lets get down to business. Romes Christmas market is as spectacular as you might imagine. Theres Father Xmas, nativity scenes ( or presepi ) and rows on rows of stalls selling pretty much anything to with Christmas and more. Then, on the 6th of Jan Befana comes along to reward all of the good little girls and boys with presents and all the naughty tiny girls and boys with a pile of coal. So be sure to behave yourselves! Theres different events held on different dates in the month, but one thing is beyond doubt ; children can visit Chris Cringle and folks can wander round the romantic setting of the market, taking in some of the finest sights in Rome.

ensure not to miss the food stalls in the market as youll kick yourself if you do. Expect to be fed like a king, as the stall owners are extremely enthusiastic to show off their creations. Some of the most loved Italian Yuletide treats are torrone ( nougat bars crammed with almonds and various other delights ) and biscotti ( standard Italian biscuit ). My belly is rumbling just thinking about them! Dont forget to take in the amplified romance of the town that Christmas time provides! The atmosphere of the Yuletide market is just amazing ; festive music is played thru speakers or by one of many live bands, the decorations are extraordinary and everyone is bouncing with joy. Get in to the Christmas spirit ( well perhaps not just yet ), and make sure you prepared your location rome for December.
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