Beyond Italy, Europe is home to some of the most enchanting Christmas markets in the world, each offering a unique blend of festive traditions, culinary delights, and magical settings.

Christmas in Italy is a time for celebration, and with food playing such an important role in global holiday traditions, it’s no surprise that feasting is central to Italian Christmas. Natale is ...

“We drive out of our places of worship all the traditions of the tree, the Nativity scene, the figure of Santa Claus, Jesus as a child, and every other popular tradition,” Donato Trovarelli said.

Here, visitors find the famous Christmas market, set against the Dolomites. During the holiday season, Bolzano’s transformation showcases a touch of Mediterranean and Central European traditions.

According to tradition, it marks the visit of the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus. The three kings —Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar — gifted baby Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh, respectively.

Panettone, an Italian Christmas Tradition Nicola Olivieri moves fresh-baked panettone onto a cooling rack inside his family-owned bakery.

When it comes to holiday traditions, Santa and his reindeer are being upstaged by some quirky and unexpected traditions around the world. From a gift-pooping log in Spain to a mythical cat that ...

The Feast of the Seven Fishes, or Festa dei Sette Pesci, is a popular annual Italian-American tradition in which a large dinner of seven seafood courses is served on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24).

Scungilli is another big item. Another Italian tradition." Part of the tradition, for many, is coming to Peter's. Andrew Fuchs drives there from New York City. "This place is great," he said.