Holiday Season in Umbria

Have you ever been to Umbria? Many people know this Italian region from their summer holidays, but I can really recommend spending the (winter) Holiday Season here. Italians know how to decorate their towns... That includes the Umbrian cities Perugia and Orvieto. You'll be amazed by all the beautiful Christmas decorations and holiday lights! Both in Perugia and Orvieto you'll find (small) Christmas markets, with local delicacies and handcrafted gifts.

Another big plus is the food. In december you'll get lots of winter soups to warm you up. How about zuppa di lenticchie (lentil soup), zuppa di ceci e castagne (chickpea and chestnut soup) or zuppa di fagioli e patate (bean and potato soup)?
On Christmas Day cappelletti will be served (a type of stuffed pasta in the form of little hats), on New Year's Eve cotechino e lenticchie (pork sausage and lentils). The lentils symbolize money and prosperity!

Umbria has a lot to offer during the Holiday Season: pretty Christmas decorations, cosy holiday lights, great food and wines and.... splendid Christmas shopping! Winter sales unfortunately start only after New Year's Eve, unlike in many other European countries. However it's worth waiting for... you will be able to buy sequin party dresses, classic shirts and suits, leather shoes and all kinds of handmade gifts at a fraction of the original price (and a lot cheaper than in many other countries).

In december the Umbria Jazz festival settles in Orvieto, turning it upside down! During winter it's usually quiet and (almost) deserted, but when the jazz circus comes to town, Orvieto becomes lively, busy and cosy! If you want to know more about the winter edition of the Umbria Jazz festival, check out one of my previous blogs:
How to spend an unforgettable New Year's Eve?
New Year's Eve in Orvieto
Ode to Umbria Jazz

Now take my advice and book your vacation in Umbria for next december!