It’s that time of year again: Babbo Natale is rubbing his hands together with glee at the thought of another bumper year for business. “Christmas in Italy” can conjure up images of the charming wooden huts set up in Florence’s Piazza Santa Croce (running until December 22), the transformation of Rome’s Piazza Navona into a fairytale village (until La Befana arrives on January 6), the warming mulled wines of Bolzano’s blockbuster affair (also running until January 6), and the over-the-top nativity scenes on Via San Gregorio Armeno in Naples (visible year-round, but especially vibrant in December).

But seasoned visitors to Italy may find they’re in the mood for something that feels a little more local. Many Christmas markets and festive rituals beyond the “marquee headliners” up and down the Boot are worth visiting — and all offer plenty of seasonal spirit. As always, be sure to check the provided websites for any last-minute changes to these events.