Ireland is represented for the first time in this years Centopresepi (100 cribs) exhibition in Rome. Designs by Patrick Pye, Thomas Ryan, Carmel Mooney and Andy Devane are among the nativity scenes in the Sala del Bramante at Palazzo Ruspoli in Piazza del Popolo. The annual display features modern cribs as well as traditional ones from the 16th-18th centuries. Admission is free and the exhibition is open 09.30-20.00 daily until 5 Jan.

If you fancy making your own nativity scene, head for the Christmas market in Piazza Navona where stalls are selling cribs and nativity figures. The market runs until 6 Jan, the feast of Epiphany or La Befana, as it called in Rome.