STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Mandy · Kate Spade

italy for christmas

Metric · Gucci

Venice is awesome but just so you know...it will be bloody cold in December and possibly rainy, too. But I believe that Venice does have a NYE festival.

Have fun! Italy is great.

Joina · Kenneth Cole

Yes, Venice is cold in December... I lived there for 5 months and even tho it's cold it's an awesome destination, especially with your significant other.

If you pass by Milan, make sure you go to Foxtown outlet mall... it is the best shopping I ever did in my entire life!!!!

Tiara · Nine West

My parents went to Rome for Christmas a few years ago. The only tip I can give you is that everything is closed on Christmas (they took a day trip to Pompeii, which is open). This may not be a problem if you celebrate Christmas and plan on experiencing a Mass, etc. If you are not, perhaps the actual Christmas day, you can make alterante plans.

Also, I loved Tuscany, although I do not know the weather in December. I took cooking classes in Montecatini, which is known for its spas. This may be a nice place for New Year's, although not sure about actual New Year's celebrations. HTH.

cc · Marc Jacobs

Venice will be cold but probably not unbearable. And I think the worst months for rain/flooding are November and the summer. I've been to Venice twice in March and I think it's lovely in the wintertime. It makes it seem kind of spooky but also really romantic.

SienaSera · Nine West

Xmas in Rome is pretty nice. I spent it there a few years ago and everything shuts down pretty early. I remember public transportation shutting down and cabs were few and in between so we had to walk from Piazza Venezia to the Vatican. Mostly american locales were open and more of the touristy restaurants.

but its cute how Piazza Navona turns into like a mini carnival with lots of games and prizes and cotton candy .

Also visit the Pantheon, it stays open extremely late on that night and its great to visit during that evening.

dc · Dooney & Bourke

Since I lived in Rome for much of my childhood (ages 7-11), some of my best xmas memories are there... shopping at Piazza Navona (agree with SienaSera... I loved the fake sugar "coal" and the yummy nougat) and the Spanish Steps...paper cones of roasted chestnuts... the beautiful creches at the churches... sigh. Italy is gorgeous at xmas - no matter where you'll go, you'll be good.

Awesome sales in January, BTW. The last time I was there it was Jan. I got some of the best deals I've ever gotten. Plus, it's not oppressively cold.