I’m doing the Jingle Bell Rock these days (dancing to holiday music while cleaning my kitchen) and wanted to spread my seasonal cheer to all of you. In the words of Edgar Allan Poe: Bells, bells, bells, bells (and more bells).

-Holyn Thigpen, AO Community Editor

The Italian Bells That Survived Nazis, Fires, and Even the Medieval Ages

The Pontifical Marinelli Bell Foundry is Italy’s oldest family-run business and among the oldest businesses in the world. The Marinellis have handcrafted bronze bells since at least the 11th century, although archaeological findings suggest their practice could date as far back as the 9th century. Through centuries of change, including wars and epidemics, the Marinellis have forged on, adapting to the world’s shifting tides while sticking to their passion: the creation of echoing symphonies.

RING A BELL? →

Discover Unique Gifts for the Globetrotters in Your Life

Our 2025 Atlas Obscura Gift Guide has something for every kind of curious adventurer. Here you’ll find practical tools for frequent travelers, clever challenges for the puzzle-minded, and a few brilliant ways to bring global curiosity into everyday life.

INSPIRE WONDER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON →

Clanging and Jangling

Inside the Friday night rites of New York City bell ringers — Choreographing musical moments
These hanging hams helped save a French bell tower — Taste some church-aged charcuterie
Ring the same bell as Paul Revere in Boston’s Old North Church — (And light a lantern if the British are coming)

Place of the Day

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Holiday Nostalgia Train

This holiday treat from the MTA’s New York Transit Museum whisks riders back in time with the “Shoppers Special,” a train composed of cars from the 1930s to ’70s and bedecked with wreaths and bows. Even the ads inside the train are vintage: In one, a flapper encourages you to chew Wrigley’s spearmint after every meal, while another advertises a Central Park “Citizenship Day” celebration hosted by Mayor Robert F. Wagner.

ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS →

Adventure Through Pennsylvania

Market By Day, Fine Dining By Night

See What Lies Under the Surface of Laurel Highlands

If you’re not afraid of heights (or, rather, depths), Laurel Caverns, the largest cave in Pennsylvania, is well worth a visit. The traditional guided tour lasts 45 minutes and covers 1,200 feet using passages illuminated with colorful lights.

EXPLORE THE DEPTHS →

Discover the Trails That Lead Into Central Pennsylvania’s Wild Side

What lies beyond the trees at Galbraith Gap? Gravel roads, huge boulders, a stream that whispers through the forest floor and trails that climb ridge tops above the valley. Grab your boots or bike and head into central Pennsylvania’s wild side.

EXPLORE MORE →

A Picturesque Creek Crossing

Built in 1894, the red bridge is notable for its multiple king post construction. It’s possible to park nearby and walk up to it for a closer look, just note that it is still used to transport cars safely across the creek, which itself is a popular spot for fishing.

WALK OVER A CLASSIC COVERED BRIDGE →