Mangia Bene and Be Merry: Your Guide to Vecchia’s December Cooking Classes!

The scent of pine needles, the jingle of bells, and the irresistible aroma of rich Italian butter—December is a time for tradition, gathering, and, most importantly, extraordinary food. This holiday season, Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato is inviting you to trade in your shopping list for a chef’s knife and create some authentic Italian holiday magic right here in Birmingham.

Our cooking classes, nestled in the picturesque Moss Rock Preserve neighborhood in Hoover, offer an unforgettable, hands-on journey through Italy’s rich culinary traditions. And this December, we’re serving up two festive events that are guaranteed to fill your home with cheer and your belly with buon cibo!

Class 1: Nonna’s Christmas Cookies

Saturday, December 6th | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

What’s the secret ingredient to a truly authentic Italian Christmas? It’s Nonna’s cookies!

On the morning of Saturday, December 6th, we are thrilled to welcome a very special guest: Chef Nonna Tamburello. This is your chance to step back in time and learn the secrets to making those traditional, buttery, and beautifully decorated Italian Christmas cookies just like they’ve been made for generations.

This is a fully hands-on experience. You won’t just be watching; you’ll be mixing, rolling, and decorating alongside a true master of Italian home cooking. Nonna will guide you through the process, teaching the time-honored techniques that result in the perfect balance of flavors and textures—cookies that hold a special place on any holiday platter.

Imagine the joy of presenting a tray of your own expertly crafted Italian treats to family and friends this year. This delightful class will fill your kitchen (and your heart) with the flavors of Christmas. As a bonus, your ticket includes a satisfying lunch service served during the class, ensuring you leave both skilled and satisfied.

Class 2: Limoncello & The Tacky Christmas Sweater Party! 

Thursday, December 18th | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Get ready to sip, shake, and sparkle because the second class of the month is less about cooking and more about cocktails—with a side of holiday hilarity!

Join us on Thursday, December 18th, for our spirited Limoncello-making and Cocktails Class. You will learn the classic Italian art of crafting your very own Limoncello from scratch, mastering the steps that turn simple, fresh lemons into the most refreshing and vibrant holiday spirit. This digestive is the perfect way to cap off any decadent holiday meal, and you’ll go home with the knowledge to make batch after batch.

But the fun doesn’t stop with the lemon zest! To truly embrace the festive spirit, this class doubles as a Tacky Christmas Sweater Party! We encourage everyone to wear their most outrageous and festive holiday knitwear, as we’ll be hosting a friendly contest with prizes for the most memorable looks.

This is the perfect mid-week escape—a blend of Italian tradition, holiday cheer, and friendly competition. Your ticket includes a delicious dinner and your choice of an alcoholic beverage (or a specialty non-alcoholic option) to enjoy alongside your newly acquired Limoncello skills. Don’t miss out on this merry, memorable experience!

Bring Italy Home for the Holidays

Whether you’re looking for a unique date night, a fun outing with friends, or simply want to elevate your holiday hosting game, Vecchia’s December classes are the perfect way to celebrate the season. All skill levels are welcome, and our expert chefs ensure every class is fun, interactive, and educational.

Ready to secure your spot? Classes fill up fast, so be sure to reserve your seats on the Cooking Classes page today. And remember, if you’re looking for the perfect gift, a Vecchia Cooking Class Gift Card makes a wonderful present for the foodie in your life! Come and discover the essence of authentic Italian cuisine—and bring a taste of Italy home for the holidays.

Italian Cooking Classes!

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