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20 Fairytale Christmas Markets in Italy for a holiday trip!

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Christmas markets in Italy are a great way to experience the local culture. You can have delicious food, meet people and get gifts.
Let me show you 20 fairytale markets in Italy you don’t want to miss for your next holiday trip – including the updated 2023/2024 dates!

Italian Christmas ornaments at the Chrismas markets in Italy
The Christmas markets in Trentino Alto Adige are super popular!

There are quite a few Christmas markets in Italy. As you might guess, it’s all about authentic seasonal food and local folklore. The Italian markets are also great if you are looking for Italian Christmas treats and street food (on a budget!).

If you’re planning a trip to Italy in December, this list of the very best 20 Christmas markets in Italy will be super useful. Add at least one to your holiday trip itinerary, or you’re going to miss out!

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Italian flag made of lights at Christmas in Italy
There is so much going on in Italy at Christmas!

Christmas Markets in Italy: why you should go

Italy at Christmas is decorated with cute lights, nativity scenes and huge Christmas trees.
They’re basically everywhere.

Those who visit Italy expect Christmas to be a purely religious holiday, yet the truth is that us Italians also love to enjoy the folklore and the cultural aspects related to Christmas.

I’m thinking for example of old family recipes that have become the staple of the regional Italian Christmas food, usually exclusively cooked a few times during the year, to celebrate Christmas with the family.

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Christmas markets have become super popular, but people mostly think of the big, iconic European cities like Vienna or Berlin, forgetting that there are other areas in Europe where you can see them just the same. 

In Italy we’ve had Christmas markets for many years and the best ones have become the perfect destination for those who want to plan an unforgettable Christmas trip.

When you visit the Italian Christmas markets, you will always find delicious seasonal food, Italian Christmas ornaments, handmade gifts and many of the amazing souvenirs from Italy I’ve often talked about.

Visiting our Christmas markets is a good idea if you want to know more about the authentic Italian regional culture. There’s nothing touristy about most of them, and besides, they’re free, so they are a great option for those who plan to visit Italy on a budget!

Let’s find out more about the best Christmas markets in Italy, divided by region! 

The Bolzano Christmas market in Italy
The Italian Christmas markets are full of life, fun and… street food!

Christmas holidays in Trentino Alto Adige

Trentino Alto Adige, in the North, is where the most popular Christmas markets in Italy are held.

There are quite a few of them: here I’m listing only those that both me and Al think should absolutely be in your itinerary if you’re lucky enough to visit Northern Italy at Christmas.

The Trentino Christmas markets have a Tyrolean atmosphere that is usually associated with European markets held in snowy areas: there are wooden stalls, good food and handmade souvenirs.

Many people who visit the Christmas Markets in Trentino and Valle d’Aosta can only associate them with gorgeous Christmas villages. Let’s see which of those winter wonderlands you should add to your bucket list!

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Cinnamon stick ornaments at Bolzano Christmas Market (Italy)
Handicrafts and cute souvenirs make the best Christmas souvenirs!

Bolzano Christmas Market

The Bolzano Christmas market is the oldest and largest market in Italy.

This lovely Christmas village started in 1991, just like the Bressanone Christmas market (keep reading for more info). There are 80 stalls in Piazza Walther, and while it was decided not to add more, the Municipality chose to invite only the finest artisans, selling high quality Italian products and great food.

If you have an extra day and want to experience the Italian Dolomites covered in snow, I have a tip for you.

Instead than a carriage ride, hop on a snowmobile and follow the Great Dolomites Road for an adventure of a lifetime! This UNESCO world heritage site can be explored by sledding and snowmobiling with an expert guide.

This day tour will guide you through the Isarco Valley and up the Misurina Lake, up a scenic road to view the Three Peaks of Lavaredo. By booking this group tour you’ll also get to Cortina d’Ampezzo where you’ll get the chance to explore the Christmas markets over there!

Click here to check rates and availability.

Worried you’ll need a bit of help?
Download the FREE Italian Travel Phrasebook here! It includes the correct Italian pronunciation and lots of useful sentences that you’ll be able to use on your trip to Italy!

Since 2014 the Bolzano Christmas market (just like the others mentioned here for Trentino Alto Adige) has been working with the Ecoistituto Alto Adige: sustainability and ecology have become their main keywords. That’s why it is a certified Green Event!

2023 Update

The Bolzano Christmas market 2023 will be officially open from November 24, 2023 to January 6, 2024.
On Christmas day the market will be closed.

Opening times: daily, 10 am to 7 pm.

Christmas decorations on a house in the Italian Dolomites
The Italian Dolomites (and Alps) are gorgeous at Christmas!

Bressanone Christmas Market

The Bressanone Christmas Market is the second oldest one in Italy, after the market in Bolzano.

The wooden stalls are located in Piazza Duomo, and the background is the gorgeous Bressanone Cathedral, with its two towers.

This is one of the Christmas markets in Italy which smell like cinnamon and fried apples: drink a cup of Italian mulled wine while browsing through nativity scenes, wooden sculptures, ceramics, handmade candles and much more.

Your Italy trip in Bressanone wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Hofburg palace, where you will find the Museo del Presepe. The exhibit counts hundreds of nativity scenes!

Tickets to the Museo del presepe will cost you 5€. Kids under 13 will only pay 2€.

2023 Update

The Bressanone Christmas Market 2023 will be open from November 24, 2023 to January 6, 2024.

Opening times: Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 7 pm; Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 7:30 pm; Sunday 9:30 am to 7 pm.

On Christmas Day this Italian market will be closed.

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Brunico Christmas Market

The Brunico Christmas market is tiny but lovely.
Only 35 wooden stalls are scattered in two locations, via Bastioni and Piazza Municipio, but they sell a lot of cute things if you’re interested in buying 100% Italian souvenirs.

Handicrafts, Italian Christmas ornaments, wooden toys and lots of leather products reflect the Tyrolean culture and the essence of a real Christmas market.

Foodies love to go to Brunico during the Christmas holidays as this market is very popular thanks to its local treats. You should definitely try their loaded potatoes, the Tyrolean “tirtlan” and “niggilan“.

It’s all aboutthe local wine and the roasted chestnuts: there’s a reason why Brunico Christmas market is the best choice for all the food lovers out there!

2023 Update

The Brunico Christmas market 2023 is open from November 23, 2023 to January 6, 2024.
The market will close on Christmas day.

Opening hours: daily, 10 am to 7 pm.

Handicraft at the Italian Christmas markets in Trentino
Handicrafts and local treats are common at the Italian Christmas markets

Vipiteno Christmas Market

The Vipiteno Christmas market is a great place to go if you’re planning a Christmas Italy trip.

The very traditional setting is in fact a mix of Italian and Tyrolese culture.

All the wooden stalls are located in the main square, in front of the Torre delle Dodici.

The ancient tower also hosts a “Mostra dei presepi“, a small exhibition of Italian nativity scenes.

Vipiteno was an old mining district which has turned into one of the most beautiful towns in Italy: walking hand in hand in the narrow streets when they are all decorated with Christmas lights is super romantic.

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Vipiteno sweets and pastries are very popular. The air smells like cinnamon and mulled wine, but I strongly encourage you to also try the local bread with Italian speck!

2023 Update

The Vipiteno Christmas market 2023 is open from November 30, 2023 to January 6, 2024.
It will be closed on December 25.

Opening times: daily, 10 am to 7 pm.

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Tyrolean Christmas market in Italy
Tyrolean Christmas markets are like nothing else you’ve seen before!

Merano Christmas Market

Another popular spot for those who love to visit Northern Italy in December is the Merano Christmas market in Trentino Alto Adige.

This certified Green Event is quite big: 80 wooden stalls will wait for you in Piazza della Rena, Lungo Passirio and Piazza Terme.

They actually turn Merano into one big Winter Wonderland, filled with Christmas lights, great food and lots of family activities.

The Merano Christmas market also has an official mascotte, Goldy, who invites children to take part to the workshops (unfortunately only in Italian) and the family-friendly Christmas shows.

Among the food you should eat at Merano, our favorites are the cheese Spatzle (a particular type of Tyrolese dumpling) and Stockbrot, a traditional kind of bread that people cook and eat near the fire.

2023 Update

The Merano Christmas market 2023 is open from November 24, 2023 to January 6, 2024.
It will be closed on December 25.

Opening times: Sunday to Thursday, 10 am to 7 pm; Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm.

Christmas markets in Italy
At Christmas Italy goes overboard with the decorations!

Trento Christmas Market

Trento is a lovely Italian city that many people add it to their Italy itinerary.

If you’ve planned to visit Italy at Christmas, then you might also want to visit the Trento Christmas market: you’ll find a huge Christmas tree in Piazza Duomo, perfect for Insta-pictures, thanks to the historical buildings surrounding the square.

The first part of the Christmas market in Trento is located in Piazza Fiera, with about 70 wooden stalls. The second part, 16 wooden stalls mostly dedicated to cheese, wine, local food and cured meats, is located in Piazza Cesare Battisti.

2023 Update

The Trento Christmas market 2023 is open from November 18, 2023 to January 7, 2024.
It will be closed on December 25.

Opening times: Sunday to Thursday, 10 am to 7:30 pm; Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 8:30 pm.

Seasonal cupcake in Italy at Christmas
Look for all the seasonal treats if you’re planning to visit Italy in December!

How to spend a fantastic Christmas in Tuscany

While Tuscany doesn’t really have a long standing Christmas markets tradition as other Italian regions, it’s still a magnificent area that many people love to visit in December, when it’s way less crowded.

The little Tuscany towns all decorated for Christmas, the delicious local dishes and the great wines make Tuscany Christmas markets a must see if you’re interested in the authentic Christmas spirit in Italy.

Let me show you the best Christmas markets in Tuscany and why you should go.

Montepulciano Christmas Market

Montepulciano is a lovely town in Tuscany, not far from Siena and about one hour and half from Florence by car. You probably heard of it because of the super famous red wine (Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG) and because of the great food.

Wine tours in Montepulciano are particularly popular.
If you have enough time you could book a Wine Tasting tour in Montepulciano (English speaking guide), which includes also a selection of pecorino cheese, Italian salame, bruschetta and so much more!
Click here to check out dates and availability.

You should also be aware of the fact that your trip in December can only get better, since in Montepulciano they have some of the best Christmas markets in Italy!

Click here to check how much renting a car in Tuscany would cost you!

The Montepulciano Christmas market is very much family-oriented, thanks to the “Castello di Babbo Natale” (Santa Claus’ Castle), which is, obviously, the favorite spot of every kid in town.

The Christmas market itself is located just next to the Castello di Babbo Natale, and it’s pretty big. 80 wooden stalls are usually built in Piazza Grande, in Via San Donato and in the surrounding streets.

Every year the municipality selects the best artisans and cooks for the Montepulciano Christmas market: they have to be original and sell top quality products.

You will find lots of Italian Christmas ornaments, candles, leather products, but also tons of street food.

Me and Aldo always make sure to eat at the Montepulciano Christmas market instead of going to a restaurant. Not only we save quite a lot of money (which is perfect if you’re planning to visit Italy on a budget), but we can also sample a bit of everything, from pastries to pasta, and of course skewers with the delicious Chianina meat.

2023 Update

The Montepulciano Christmas market 2023 is open from November 18, 2023 to January 7, 2024. On Christmas day it will only be open in the afternoon.

Opening times: daily, 10:30 am to 7:30 pm.

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Woman drinking at one of the Christmas markets in Italy
Visiting the Christmas markets in Italy is perfectly safe also if you’re a solo female traveler!

Florence Christmas Market

I could never write about Tuscany without mentioning Florence. The end of November and the first part December is when this iconic Italian city is slightly less crowded, because the city is colder. Many people decide to visit to try and enjoy the authentic Tuscany feel.

If you have an extra day, book a tour to visit San Gimignano, Siena and the Chianti area. A local guide will drive you to the medieval town of San Gimignano, which is absolutely gorgeous during the Christmas holiday, then you can explore the Siena Christmas market and then you’ll have a lunch/wine tasting with traditional Tuscan dishes!
Click here to check rates and availability

What you probably don’t know is that there’s one Florence Christmas market so beautiful that it feels almost out of place.

The Weihnachtsmarkt in fact is a German Christmas market in the heart of Florence. 55 wooden stalls sell unique souvenirs, Christmas decorations, German handicrafts and food.

Every evening there are family-friendly shows, music and events.

Last year a bunch of the local restaurant owners gathered at one of the stalls to cook traditional food with family recipes so they could offer it to the tourists visiting from abroad!

The Weihnachtsmarkt is a relatively new event but not the only Christmas market in Florence.

2023 Update

The official dates for the Florence Christmas market has just been set!
You can find it at Piazza Santa Croce (Florence), from November 18 to December 17, 2023.
Opening hours: daily, 10 am to 10 pm.

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Arezzo Christmas Market

Let me start by saying that old town Arezzo is absolutely gorgeous.
Quite a few of my friends have had their wedding pictures taken in Arezzo so believe me when I say that it’s one of the hidden gems in Tuscany you should absolutely visit!

Arezzo is also a very friendly city. To fully understand how it is to live there, you could book a tour to visit the Arezzo market with a local, then enjoy a private cooking show and have a 4-course meal with an Italian family.

After all, the best way to really get to know a place is by eating with the locals, away from the tourist traps!

The nice bonus is that this tour also offers an apron and shopping bag as souvenirs from Italy so you won’t have to buy them!
Click here to check out rates and availability.

The Arezzo Christmas market is particularly beautiful because they actually hold the biggest Tyrolean market in Italy outside of Trentino Alto Adige.

Located in Piazza Grande, it’s a sight to behold thanks to its Christmas Garden and a huge Christmas-themed Lego village (yes, it’s a thing!).

As I already mentioned, Italy at Christmas is even more yummy, so at the Arezzo Christmas market you will be able to enjoy quite a few tastings (at random timings). Italian (and Tyrolean) beer, traditional Tyrolean main dishes and pastries.

At the Palazzo della Fraternita there will be a Casa di Babbo Natale (Santa’s House), with traditional Christmas dinners, music and Christmas shows.

2023 Update

The Arezzo Christmas market 2023 will be held from November 18, 2023 to January 1, 2024.

Opening times: Thursdays, 2 pm to 9 pm; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am to 9 pm.

Christmas decorations on a red car at Montepulciano Christmas Market in Italy
Make sure you take a lot of pictures and try tons of great food!

Visit Lombardy for Christmas

When people think of Lombardy, and specifically Milan, the first thing that comes to mind is the delicious Panettone. Yet there’s so much more!

I have obviously added Milan to this list not only because I know it quite well (my sister lives there), but because it’s one of those places that usually are always added to an itinerary for a trip to Italy (also thanks to the fact that Milan has 3 airports nearby).

Yet if you have rented a car I suggest you  drive around because there are many nice events in Cremona, in Valle Camonica and Valtellina, among others!

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Christmas in Milan Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
Christmas in Milan is busy, colorful and full of life

Milan Christmas Market

There are quite a few Christmas markets in Milan that you can (and should!) visit, and even a lovely event which celebrates the old arts and crafts.

The biggest Milan Christmas market is located in Piazza Duomo. Here’s where you can go buy lots of Italian souvenirs and of course also Christmas pastries and treats.

Those who are going to spend the holidays in Italy with their family can head over to the Giardini Indro Montanelli (Corso Venezia, Milan).

Here they will find a “Villaggio delle Meraviglie” which has a Santa’s house built for the little ones. It’s definitely the most family-friendly Christmas market in Milan!

Yet Christmas in Milan means also lots and lots of interesting events. If you’re planning a trip there in December, you should head over to the Castello Sforzesco, where you can find the “Fiera degli Oh Bej, Oh Bej!“.

This event dates back to the thirteenth century and is literally huge. Over 400 stalls representing the old Italian arts and crafts. Here’s where you can find lovely souvenirs and amazing street food.

But what is even more interesting is the fact that at the Fiera degli Oh Bej, Oh Bej! there are artisans, florists and toy makers actually working in front of you!

Attending means having the opportunity to buy and touch unique creations of the highest quality, that you won’t find anywhere else.

The Fiera dell’Artigianato (also known as “Artigiano in Fiera“) also hosts dance performances, music shows, show-cooking sessions and tastings of international dishes!

2023 Update

The official dates for the 2023 Milan Christmas markets have finally been published!

  • Piazza Duomo: December 1, 2023 to January 6, 2024
  • Oh Bej! Oh Bej!: December 7-10, 2023
  • Villaggio delle Meraviglie (Porta Venezia): November 18, 2023 to January 7, 2024
Colorful houses sold as souvenirs at Milan Christmas Market
Ceramics are a pretty popular souvenir you can buy

What to see in Veneto for Christmas

Christmas in Veneto can be absolutely unforgettable. I’m not only talking about the cute, little markets, but about the amazing historical buildings all decorated and covered in Christmas lights.

If Venice is already gorgeous on a regular day, just imagine how much more it can be during the Christmas holiday!

Veneto is where you can eat delicious Pandoro, which is a sweet bread, tall and star-shaped, originated in Verona. While you can find the industrial version in every supermarket in Italy, I suggest you walk into a pastry shop and order the handmade version. It’s like nothing else you’ve ever eaten!

Are you looking for a unique foodie experience in Verona, with or without your significant other? How about a Cheese tasting lesson that will teach you how Italians pair cheese and wine? The lesson, with an English-speaking local expert, includes the most delicious tastings. Not only cheese but also mustards, jams, bread and fresh fruit.
Click here to check rates and availability.

Big Christmas tree in Verona at Christmas
Verona at Christmas is both romantic and absolutely gorgeous

Verona Christmas Market

Verona is one of the most romantic cities in Italy, home to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
It’s perfect if you’re planning to travel with your significant other!

Every year Piazza dei Signori turns into a magical village thanks to the Verona Christmas market. In collaboration with Nuremberg’s “Christkindlmarkt“, this market features over 100 wooden stalls, selling Christmas treats, gifts and souvenirs.

The main city gate will be decorated with thousands of little lights: the final effect is a bit like the Champs Elysees in Paris!

In Piazza Bra, next to the amazing Roman Verona Arena, there will be a huge comet: it’s the biggest movable sculpture in Italy.

Other (smaller) Christmas markets will also be located at Cortile Mercato Vecchio, Via della Costa, Piazza Indipendenza, Piazza Viviani, Lungadige San Giorgio, Ponte Pietra, Ponte di Castelvecchio and Piazza San Zeno.

2023 Update

The Verona Christmas market 2023 will be open from November 17 to December 26, 2023.

Opening times: Sunday to Thursday, 10 am to 9:30 pm; Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 11 pm.

Girl holding a Christmas garland in winter in Italy
Italy in Winter can be absolutely gorgeous

Venice Christmas Market

Venice at Christmas is even more beautiful than usual. Spending your Christmas holidays in the Italian laguna will be truly unforgettable (albeit a bit crowded)!

Piazza San Marco at Christmas is all decorated, and Christmas lights will be activated from sunset to midnight, every day.

All the surrounding colonnade is going to be decorated with lights that will make you think of falling snowflakes, and the narrow streets will smell like cinnamon and Italian panettone.

Click here to book a water taxi from Venice Marco Polo airport to your hotel without breaking the bank!

Because of the unique setting, Venice at Christmas will feature a lot of Italian Christmas lights, but not a Christmas market as you will find it anywhere else in Italy.

You can find a proper Christmas market, with wooden stalls and lots of Christmas events, in Mestre.

Venice usually holds a smaller market which is a “Fiera di Natale di Venezia“, with smaller stands, between Campo di San Felice and Campo dei Santi Apostoli.

Another very interesting feature in Venice is the ice skating rink: you’ll find it at Campo San Polo!

2023 Update

The Venezia Christmas market 2023 will be held at Campo Santo Stefano.

The dates have yet to be confirmed. They should be held (take it with a grain of salt!) from November 13, 2023, to January 22, 2024.

We will update this article as soon as we have official info!

Traditional Italian Befana sold at one of the Christmas markets in Italy
According to some local legends the Italian Befana will protect you from evil!

Spending Christmas in Piedmont

Christmas in Piedmont means enjoying a lot of Christmas markets and… chocolate!

If you have rented a car, I suggest you also visit Ornavasso, Govone, Santa Maria Maggiore and Val d’Ossola, where you will find lovely Christmas markets and the authentic Italian Christmas traditions.
In case you don’t have a car, stick with Turin and you won’t regret it!

Once you’re there, drink Bicerin, a yummy hot beverage which is traditionally served in Turin, yet it can now be found in the whole region.

Bicerin is served in a round glass, and it’s a mix of Italian espresso, chocolate, milk cream and foam.
The locals sometimes add liquor to Bicerin but the original recipe is alcohol free.

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Turin Christmas Market

When my dad used to travel a lot for work, he often had to visit Turin. Whenever he went there, he always returned with a bag of Gianduiotti, the traditional Turin chocolate with hazelnuts.

Now it’s our turn: whenever me and Aldo go to Turin, we always bring back a huge bag of Gianduiotti for my parents.

Since it’ll be cold, you won’t risk the chocolate melting. So make sure to stock up and buy tons of Gianduiotti in Turin, because they are probably the most delicious chocolates in Italy. Not just a souvenir, but a reminder of your Italian trip once you’re back home!

The Turin Christmas market is a mix of lights, decorations, events and of course the traditional stalls.

At the Borgo degli stracci (where all the antique shops are located) you will find traditional Italian “trattorie” (for casual dining) and about 50 wooden stalls.

At Borgo Dora on the contrary there’s a themed market: some stalls sell vintage clothes, others art stuff, then musical instruments, vinyls and so on.

2023 Update

The only event that has been confirmed at the time of writing (October 2023) is Luci d’Artista 2023/2024.
Light installations will be displayed throughout Turin from October 27, 2023, to January 8, 2024.

This event is collaboration with Luci d’Artista in Salerno (scroll down to read more).

As soon as the following Christmas markets in Turin will be confirmed, we’ll update with new info.

According to last year’s dates, they should be held between December 8, 2023, and January 8, 2024.

  • Torino Piazza Castello: to be confirmed
  • Torino Piazza Solferino: to be confirmed
  • Torino Piazza Santa Rita: to be confirmed
  • Torino Cortile del Maglio – Borgo Dora: to be confirmed
Italian Christmas decorations on a tree in the Italian Dolomites
Be extra careful with your fragile Christmas ornaments: hand luggage only!

The best Christmas Markets in Emilia Romagna 

Emilia Romagna is where the foodie magic happens: tortellini, agnolotti, ravioli, prosciutto, mortadella… There’s no way you’re not going to put on some weight if you’re planning a Christmas trip to one of the most amazing Italian regions!

Traditionally the Christmas markets and events open on December 8, when it starts to get cold and the air smells like cinnamon and lit fireplaces.

As in many other Italian regions, there are quite a few lovely places you might visit, but it’ll be easier to do so if you have a car.

Forlì, Cervia, Rimini, Riccione and Cattolica are only some of the cities  you can visit in Emilia Romagna, other than Bologna and Ferrara.

Click here to check how much renting a car in Emilia Romagna would cost you!

Bologna Christmas Market (Italy)
The Bologna Christmas Market is a must see in Emilia Romagna

Bologna Christmas Market

Christmas in Bologna doesn’t mean that you’ll only get to see the Christmas markets. Events, Christmas decorations, colors and traditional holiday dishes will make this city even more beautiful.

Two main events usually gather lots of tourists and locals.

The first one is the Mercatino di Santa Lucia, which is very old and full of interesting findings. Walk to Strada Maggiore, inside the Chiesa dei Servi to get to the stalls.

The second event is the Villaggio di Natale francese (“French Christmas village“) in Piazza Minghetti, where you will find a lot of Christmas French dishes and great sparkling wines.

2023 Update

The Bologna Christmas markets have just been confirmed.

The official dates are November 16 to December 26, 2023.

Make sure you enjoy a guided food tour in Bologna: it’s the very best way to experience the foodie scene like a local!
The food tour we liked the most lasts 3.5 hours and includes 5 food and wine tastings at 5 different places, a trip to the oldest market in Bologna, and to a pasta laboratory.
Click here to check rates and availability

Ferrara Christmas Market

Every year Ferrara celebrates Christmas with events that make sure that everyone has a great time, including the little ones. It is thus one of the Italian cities that are very family-oriented. Yet it doesn’t mean you will have time to get bored!

There will be lirical concerts (last year it was dedicated to the Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti), dancing fountains at Piazza Castello, Christmas choirs and plenty of activities for adults and young adults.

At the Castello Estense you can test your abilities with a special event “The Castle Escape Room“: you have 45 minutes to try and find enough clues to get out from the escape room. It’s an awesome group activity!

On January 1, you shouldn’t miss the “Incendio del Castello Estense“, an unforgettable fireworks show that seems to put the sky on fire, above the majestic Castello Estense.

2023 Updates

The Ferrara Christmas market should be officially confirmed in the next few weeks.

The unofficial dates for 2023 are November 17, 2023 to January 6, 2024.
We will update them as soon as we have an official confirmation!

Girl holding a wooden Christmas ornament with gloved hands
Chances are that Christmas day will be snowy in Northern Italy

Christmas in Umbria: Italy off the beaten path

Umbria is a lovely region of central Italy. Too often it’s neglected in favour of the most famous cities: yet there’s so much to see and do!

The small towns in Umbria are usually very quiet and peaceful. Perfect if you’re not interested in being crushed by the huge crowds, if you’re traveling with toddlers or if you’re interested in a romantic Italian getaway.

There are many Christmas markets and Presepe (the Italian nativity scenes) exhibits.

Being an off the beaten path destination in Italy, Umbria is a region that you should explore by renting a car, to make sure you can visit also the smaller villages.

Click here to check how much renting a car in Umbria would cost you!

Perugia Christmas Market

When Aldo was studying at Perugia University, we spent more than one Christmas over there. And actually, we drove to Perugia from Naples quite often. It’s also a good homebase if you’re interested in an off the beaten path Italian road trip in Umbria.

The old city center in Perugia hosts the Mercatino delle Strenne.
Piazza del Circo will thus be decorated and filled with wooden stalls for this Christmas market where you will find gifts, lots of toys, handmade Italian products, ceramics and jewels.

A very unusual and highly recommended Christmas market is Natale alla Rocca, which has been held for over 20 years at the Perugia Castle, in the surrounding medieval streets and in the Undergrounds.

Basically it’s like a labyrinth which makes you feel like you’re back in the old times, surrounded by Christmas colors and scents.

2023 Update

The official dates for the Perugia Christmas market 2023 haven’t been confirmed yet.

According to our sources, they might open from December 16, 2023 to January 7, 2024.
We will update this post as soon as we have news!

If you don’t feel like driving, book a tour to Assisi and Spello from Perugia! Not only it includes a hotel pick-up service, but also wine and olive oil tastings and a local, English-speaking guide.
Click here to check rates and availability.

Gubbio Christmas Market

At Gubbio you will find some of the best Christmas markets in Italy, loved by us Italians and usually neglected by the tourists.

The most popular event is known as ChristmasLand. The whole town turns into one big Christmas village. Piazza dei Quaranta Martiri hosts the wooden stalls for the Christmas markets, but every tiny shop and restaurant has its own window displays: usually everyone loves to walk around to try and establish which one is the best!

Gubbio also has the biggest Christmas tree in the world. You can find it on Mount Ingino, facing Gubbio.
It’s 750 meters tall and decorated with over 700 light sources!

2023 Update

The Gubbio Christmas market 2023 should be open from November 18, 2023 to January 7, 2024.
We will confirm the dates as soon as we have official news.

Opening times: daily, 10 am to 8 pm.

Click to watch our Gubbio Walking Itinerary on Youtube!

Fireworks show in Rome at night
Stay a few days more and also enjoy the fireworks show held for the New Year’s eve!

Lazio Christmas Markets: where to go

When you think of Christmas markets in Italy, Rome isn’t the first city that usually comes to mind. The fact is that many people believe that because of Vatican City, Rome sticks only to the religious aspects of Christmas, hence forgetting all the festive traditions. It’s absolutely not true!

Those who have planned a longer trip to Italy in December should rent a car to explore the little villages in Lazio. That’s because Rome is absolutely not the only nice city in this region!

Even the Tuscia Viterbese area turns into one big Christmas Village, with the added bonus that you will be able to enjoy narrow streets flanked by historical buildings. Some of the smaller towns even look like time has crystallized them into a postcard of the early 1900!

If you want to visit the Colosseum in Rome I highly suggest you buy a Priority Ticket.
Rome at Christmas can be pretty crowded and you’d be wasting too much time in line!
Click here to buy a cheap but legit priority ticket covering Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill!

St Peter at Christmas in Italy
There’s a midnight mass at Christmas in Rome!

Rome Christmas Market

The Rome Christmas market is the most famous in Lazio. Yet, while many people associate it only to the Piazza Navona Christmas market, there are markets and events in several parts of our Capital.

It’s dedicated to the “Befana“. The legend says that, to celebrate the Epiphany, the “Befana“, an old witch flying on a broomstick, will gift toys and sweets to the good children, or lumps of coal to the bad ones.

The Piazza Navona Christmas market in Rome is thus full of sweets, food, pastries, chocolate and toys. They also sell a sweet version of the lumps of coal, made with sugar: lots of kids (and adults) like it even if traditionally it’d mean they’ve been bad!

In Piazza Primoli there’s a Christmas Market and a Secret Garden, where the Italian Ape Cars (the traditional three-wheeled vehicles) will sell traditional street food and treats.

2023 Update

The Rome Christmas markets 2023 will be held from November 18, 2023 to January 8, 2024.

Traditional nativity scene in Naples San Gregorio Armeno
Via San Gregorio Armeno in Naples is known as “Christmas Alley”

Christmas in Campania: the must-visit spots

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I like it more than my birthday, and that’s because I live in a region, Campania, that is even more beautiful during the holidays.

While of course the religious aspect is very important, Christmas in Campania is also made of great food and quality time spent with your beloved ones and your friends. We leave tons of unopened gifts under the Christmas tree and we smile thinking of how much they’ll like what we have bought for them. And we spend hours cooking dishes that we can actually eat once or twice per year, only during the Christmas holidays!

Every city in the South of Italy has something special, so I encourage you to explore because even the smallest towns now have their very own Christmas markets. Yet I have two that are my favorite cities ever.

One is Naples, and I’m super-biased because it’s my hometown. The other is Salerno, where my sister in law has lived most of her life. It’s thanks to her if I’ve discovered one of the most beautiful Italian Christmas lights shows in the world!

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Naples Christmas Market

Christmas in Naples is when the nonne (grandmas) cook for an army, and often hand over some food to the less fortunate, because honestly, everyone should celebrate Christmas!

While people expect a Naples Christmas market, the staple of our Christmas is a specific narrow street in the old city center.

Via San Gregorio Armeno is also known as “Christmas Alley“. Here our artisans craft the famous Italian nativity scenes, from tiny things to huge ones that take years to finish.

Every year the artisan craft statues that represent the most popular politicians, singers, actors and celebrities. There are thus limited edition statuettes: from Trump to Salvini and Berlusconi, from Theresa May to Beyonce and Ariana Grande. They are always ready to craft the newest flavour of the month, and they do it throughout the year!

What you might not know in fact is that Christmas Alley is always open, 365 days a year. The small workshops usually close for lunch because the artisans need a break, but they stay open until late at night, also at Christmas!

If you want to visit Christmas Alley in Naples, November is better than December. The reason is quite simple: the narrow street is super crowded in December and that makes it difficult to actually enjoy this unique experience.

Luci d'artista Salerno Lights festival with dolphin statue in the center
The Salerno Christmas Lights Festival is unique and a must see

Salerno Christmas Lights Festival

The best Christmas markets in Italy in my opinion have be unique and offer a very distinct feel. Well, then while you’re visiting my region, I encourage you to add Salerno to your itinerary.

The Salerno Christmas lights are in fact super popular in the whole world!

This lights show started in 2006, following the success had by the same event in Turin. Yet throughout the years this event in the South of Italy has grown bigger and turned into something else entirely.

From Piazza Portanova to Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and in the most beautiful parts of the old city center, Salerno turns into a magical Christmas village at night.

Children are not the only ones who gape in seeing the magnificence of the lights installations!

Luci d’Artista is in fact an event that transforms the Medieval part of Salerno into a fairytale world. If during the day people prefer to eat pizza or gelato (even in winter), at night they all walk hand in hand reverently exploring every inch of the city lights, through neon light tunnels, or chasing fairies hidden among the trees.

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It takes 3 months to build all the lights installations, with over 30 km of streets decorated with sea scenes, mermaids, Christmas trees and angels. Luci d’Artista in Salerno is huge!

Not many know that Salerno and Turin sometimes exchange the most popular lights installations, to make sure they reach a wider public!

You can get from Naples to Salerno using a local bus: the last ride is usually at 10:30pm. There’s also a Trenitalia train from Naples to Salerno. From the Salerno central station you can hop on the metro to visit the city center.

2023 Update

Luci d’Artista 2023 is a free event.

The official opening dates have just been confirmed.
You can visit from November 24, 2023 to January 21, 2024.

If you’re visiting with a group of friends or with your family, consider booking a transfer from Naples to Salerno.
It’s the easiest way to enjoy the day (and night) without having to worry about train delays and traffic.
Click here to check how to get to Salerno from Naples (different options for different budgets!)

Girl enjoying her time at Christmas markets in Italy with a striped lollipop
Christmas is by far the best time of the year!

Christmas greetings in Italian – How to from a local

A couple of years ago we published a short video on our Facebook page to wish our followers a merry Christmas in Italian.

Since then we have received a lot of requests from people asking us to teach them how to say Merry Christmas in Italian.

While you can hear how we pronounce it by clicking on the video here, I thought I’d also leave you a few pointers in case you need to write a Christmas card!

Don’t hesitate to ask us if you need more info or a specific sentence, we’ll be happy to help!

Merry Christmas: Buon Natale – we also elaborate with a longer “Auguri di Buon Natale

Happy Holidays: Buone feste – same as above, we can also use a longer “Auguri di Buone Feste” (it usually includes the new years greetings)

Happy New Year: Buon Anno Nuovo

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year: Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo

For a Christmas card you might want to add a little something more.

I wish you (to one person): Ti auguro

I wish you (to more people): Vi auguro

We wish you (to one person): Ti auguriamo

We wish you (to more people): Vi auguriamo

(second part of the sentence)

[…] a Christmas filled with love, peace and happiness: un Natale pieno di amore, pace e felicità

[…] and a Happy New Year: e un felice Anno Nuovo

With best wishes: Con i migliori auguri

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Travelling Dany – Danila Caputo

Danila Caputo is a bilingual travel writer living in between Naples and the Amalfi Coast (Italy), graduating from the University of Naples Suor Orsola Benincasa in Foreign Languages and Literature. She travels and works with her husband Aldo, photographer and videographer. Their blog chronicles their adventures around the world, their love for the USA (where they have family), Italian/European culture and tips on how to be responsible travelers. You can find out more about their latest trips and their life on Youtube, Instagram and Facebook.

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2 Comments

  1. Hello, can you tell me what dates the Christmas Markets will be on in Venice?
    Thank you

    1. Ciao Lindsay, there are still no official dates for the Venice Christmas Markets 2019! I will update the article as soon as the Municipality of Venice officially publishes the dates. Unfortunately they are a bit late this year, sorry!