Image: New York Panettone Festival

Panettone making may not be all that celebrated in the U.S., but in Italy it is an art form, with pastry chefs and bakers vying for titles such as “world champion.” You can find out for yourself what all the commotion is about by attending the New York Panettone Festival in Long Island City later this month.

Some of Italy’s most noted pasticcieri will be on hand “to redefine the culinary and cultural experience of Panettone and offer attendees the opportunity to taste and learn about the countless excellences that have made this product one of the highest expressions of Italian Pastry,” according to the event’s website.

The festival is free and open to the public; no tickets are required.

The two-day festival will take place at 2 p.m. on Dec. 15 and again at 1 p.m. on Dec. 17.

The Piazza at Hunter’s Point South Park, 5241 Center Boulevard, Brooklyn.