Buongiorno Italy readers!

With Christmas approaching, this month's regular round-up of great events takes a festive approach. Here are some wonderful happenings for the entire family, with plenty to inspire gift and dinner ideas. Wrap up warm, off we go!

It’s back! Spelacchio, Rome’s world-famous Christmas tree, arrived in Piazza Venezia early on Monday after traveling overnight from Varese, in the northern region of Lombardy, on board a truck decorated for the occasion with a Christmas theme.

Get into the holiday spirit when you visit these Italian villages where Christmas is celebrated with special events. 

All aboard! Before you plan your next trip to Italy make sure to save our selection of five super scenic journeys by train.  

Torta Quattro Quarti in Italian, pound cake in English, this dessert is a classic. Although it originated in England, pound cake has, over the centuries, made its way across the globe. Italian versions, not surprisingly, feature Italian flavors, like my version here, which is spiked with Vin Santo, the Tuscan dessert wine.

Antonio Canova, the greatest of Neoclassical artists, is the subject of a major exhibition in Rome.

It’s the time of year when even the healthiest of us can get struck down with a seasonal illness. If this happens when you’re in Italy, it can be helpful to have the right vocabulary to talk about how you feel and what you need.

Beautiful places in Italy: Sperlinga is one of the most typical and fascinating castles in Sicily, an invincible fortress that still retains its original characteristics intact. 

Simple, a bit old style, but very elegant, we're talking about these yellow gold earrings with two beautiful blue oval lapis lazuli. The artisans chose to mount them in the simplest form so as not to take away their splendor.  

Beautiful house for sale in the Marche countryside located in a splendid panoramic position about 100 meters from a small village. The house is divided into two independent apartments but could be easily connected to form a large house. 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend from Georgette, your editor, and the Italy Magazine team.