Christmas in Bologna

Natale has arrived in full force in Bologna. For a few months we have had the stands with roasted chestnuts, which before seemed like a sign of Fall, but have taken on new meaning since they are now accompanied by all of the other Christmas festivities.

The smell of the roasting chestnuts is irresistible and just about everyone seems to love them. Note the ladies in their fur coats in the line.

There is now a big Christmas tree in Piazza Maggiore, Bologna's main square.

On the first night of the tree, there was a quartet playing carols and nearby stands with Vin Brule'.

There are Christmas lights everywhere. Even the Torre Asinelli is lit.

In a few areas around town there are outdoor Christmas markets that are open every day selling sweets, crafts, and decorations, including very elaborate nativity scenes.

I'm crazy about dark chocolate covered orange and citron peels.

Seeing all of these festivities is making it especially hard to leave. Christmas in LA just isn't as classic. It would be fun to stay for actual Natale, but at least we get a sense of the spirit.