Every country has its own unique Christmas traditions, and Italy may not be the first European country you’d associate with winter cosiness. But the country goes all out for the holidays, and does Christmas bigger and, we think, better than anywhere else. If you’re a fan of all things festive, here’s why Italy is the place to be.

Rome’s beleaguered tree usually gets all the attention. But for something really spectacular, go to the town of Gubbio, Umbria, which holds the record for the largest albero di Natale in the world. No trees are harmed in the making of it though, as the giant ‘tree’ on the slope of Mount Ingino is made of hundreds of multicoloured lights. The tree stands at an enormous 650 meters high and has held the Guinness World Record since 1991. The tree lights are switched on each year on December 7th and can be seen until January 10th.