So you want to tour northern Italy in December, but just aren't sure what to see and what to do.
Don't despair; there are lots and lots of special events that simply aren't available in the good old summertime.
Here are a few of them.
Get rolling; December is almost upon us.
We start our virtual tour in the northeastern region of Trentino-Alto Adige and work our way east to the border with Slovenia.
There are so many things to see and do in northern Italy in December that this is the second of three articles.
Trentino-Alto Adige is our initial stop on this virtual tour.
On the first Saturday in December Passo dello Stelvio, the highest paved mountain pass in the eastern Alps, holds its Festa dei Klosen dedicated to Santa Claus.
Costumed locals wander the streets until the church bells are rung when everyone unites in prayer.
With its geographical and cultural proximity to Germany, Trentino-Alto Adige is a great place for Christmas markets selling beautiful local handicrafts and plenty of kitsch.
At night the markets are well lit and often provide other festivities.
Some of the best Christmas markets are found in Trento and Bolzano.
The Trento market hosts a large Nativity Scene in its lovely Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square).
You'll enjoy the Nativity Scene in Tesero.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, "the Pearl of the Dolomites" celebrates Christmas Eve with a skiers' torchlight parade; at midnight hundreds of people ski down the mountain carrying torches.
For approximately one month starting in early December Venice hosts the Natale di Vetro, Christmas in glass on Murano Island.
The festival kicks off by honoring San Nicolo the patron saint of glass blowers.
You'll find a glassworks regatta and a glass blowing school including sessions for children, exhibitions, and even a wine tasting by invitation.
The town of Bibione on the sea hosts a Living Nativity Scene at the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in December.
Treviso's annual Radicchio Festival is also held in December.
You might find the answer to that age-old question: What wine with Radicchio? My offhand answer is an Italian Pinot Grigio.
Among the Christmas markets are Campo Santo Stefano in Venice and Verona.
Check the dates carefully; these markets may close earlier than you think.
Venice is a fine place to celebrate New Year's Eve, even more so if you're in love.
The choices include expensive restaurants and a public celebration on St Mark's Square that includes music, a giant fireworks display, bellini brindisi (toast), and a huge group kiss at midnight.
An estimated 60 thousand people participate in this group kiss and the companion one at in Piazza Ferretto in Mestre, Venice.
Our tour ends in Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
Its regional capital Trieste hosts a Christmas market, Fiera di San Nicolo, during the first week of December.
Many Alpine towns and hamlets celebrate the Krampus festivities during the first two weeks of December.
Young men disguised in hideous masks roam the streets and frighten children.
Unlike Saint Nicholas who gives gifts to good children, Krampus warns and even punishes the bad children.
Traditional Nativity Scenes abound in Friuli.
New Year's Eve festivals include Alessio's Twenty Year Festival, La Koleda in Resia, and Cicigolis (Pulfero).
You may prefer celebrating this holiday in Trieste at the seaside Piazza dell'Unita d'Italia (Italian Unity Square), the largest seaside plaza in Europe.
I can't promise you good weather.