Christmas markets are always fun and good places to pick up unusual gifts. Some of Italy's most characteristic Xmas markets are : the historic Piazza Navona market in Rome, with stalls arrayed around Bernini's spectacular River Fountains, the Christmas crib market in Naples Via San Gregorio Armeno, lined with the shops of craftsmen who have been making traditional Presepi (Nativity scenes) for generations and the Alto Adige market at Trento, full of handcrafts, biscuits and bakes.

Milan, however, puts on one of the world's biggest Christmas markets at the Rho Fair. This year's edition sees the participation of almost 3000 exhibitors  from 113 countries occupying the 8 pavilions of the Fair area. Food features large, with 54 restaurants in the seven taste areas to tempt the palate.