Where to go for 'Silent Monday' on December 8, 2023?

Where to go on December 8 - skiing in the mountains or on the coast? Which activity to choose - traditional or original? Entertaining or relaxing? In Italy, the official period leading up to Christmas begins. And this year it falls on a Friday, which opens up the opportunity for a full long weekend of celebration. Here are some ideas of where to go.

If you like the sea:

The increasing seasonality of tourism in Italy attracts many resorts in winter too. Immacolata celebrations are not limited to mountains and Christmas fairs. Many seaside towns are ready to welcome visitors and the curious to offer them local traditions. Here are a few activities already''confirmed:

• Rimini - On December 8, Borgosolidale returns to Rimini: the fairs of charities in the old town of Borgo San Giuliano, near the Tiberia Bridge. On the same day, in Via IV Novembre, a few steps from the Malatesta Temple, you can visit the exhibition "Domeniche ad Arte" with local handicrafts and creations. In the historic center there will be a Christmas Fair with traditional wooden booths, Christmas sweets, hemp products and wine from the RiminiRebola project. For children there will be a French carousel with horses. On Sunday, December 11, the December Sunday Fair will take place. Don't miss also the Christmas Village with the Piazza Fellini ice skating rink in the beach area of Rimini, with a 400-meter ice skating rink.''Also the opening of the new Fellini Museum to explore the world of Fellini, at the Museum of Contemporary Art PART- Palazzi dell'\'Arte Rimini.
• SalernoThe city is already transforming into a festive atmosphere in front of the illuminated lights. Immacolata celebrations include activities for adults and children, as well as Christmas fairs along the illuminated path.
• The Amalfi Riviera is another option for a trip to the sea.

If you prefer mountains:

For lovers of tradition and classic challenges, mountain resorts are a must on Immacolata. It's not just ski resorts and hiking. Christmas fairs are available everywhere from the Alps to the Appenines to the south of Italy.

Fans of Christmas fairs:

From classic fairs in Trentino and Alto Adige to original fairs in Montepulciano, Rango, Candelara and Arezzo. The choice is yours: from the Northern Alps to the Appenines to the south of Italy.

The Borg of Italy:

Set against the mountains and hills, the Borg of Italy remain for many the most''adventure stops during the Immacolata. It has it all: culinary routes, trekking, contact with nature, shepherding days and lots of relaxation. A visit to the 'I Borghi più Belli d'\'Italia' website can be an incentive to explore new places and spend New Year's Eve holidays there.

The biggest bonfire in the world:

The world's largest bonfire, Ndocciata 2023, will take place on December 9, 2023 in Agnona, Isernia. The intense torches and unique routes will keep you warm at an altitude of over 800 meters, surrounded by the peaks of the Appenines.

Immacolata on Italy's trans-Siberian railroad:

The Transiberiana d'\''Italia'' train will also operate on Immacolata days to reach Christmas fairs on the long journey between Abruzzo and Molise. The schedule and events are available on the website of "Ferrovia dei'''Parchi'.

In cities:

Immacolata in historic centers and art centers is a classic. Museums and exhibitions may have special openings and free visits in many Italian historical centers. But beyond the traditional visits and activities associated with Italy's historical and cultural sites, there are activities that few people know about, but they are still part of the traditional heritage of Italian cities and communities. Here are some of them:

• Forlì - ExpoElettronica (Electronics Fair) takes place on December 9 and 10;
• Manarola - On December 8, Manarola will launch the lighting of the Christmas counter with 17,000 lamps, visible from the square of the Church of San Lorenzo or from the Via''Rollandi;
• Seriate (Bergamo) - Santa Lucia Fair will be held on December 10;
• Milan - On December 7, the traditional street fair Oh bej! Oh bej!;
• DFieramilano Rho - from December 2 to 10 you can visit the Artigiano in Fiera 2023;
• Floridia (Syracuse) - December 8 will be celebrated by Patron Immacolata;
• Modica - December 7 through December 10 will be celebrated by IGP Chocolate Days;
• Bari - on December 6, there will be the traditional San Nicola parade and street food;
• Carpenedolo (Brescia) - December 8-10 will be the holiday torrone fairs;

Abroad:

In our latitudes, the days of Immacolata are more like winter. But there are places on our planet where''From December to New Year's Eve, you can enjoy a cocktail among emerald seas and fine-grained beaches. Warm destinations popular on Immacolata this year include Sharm el Sheikh (Egypt), Watamu (Kenya), Cape Town (South Africa), Puntarenas (Costa Rica), Sydney (Australia), Cape Verde Islands (Africa), Cuba and the Caribbean, Dubai (UAE), Miami (USA), Chiang Mai (Thailand).

There are some traditional cold places you should definitely visit: fairs in Salzburg, the Festival of Lights in Lyon, Christmas pudding in London.