Christmas is here. Even though it's not December 25th yet, you can feel the Christmas spirit everywhere. People are running around shopping for gifts, and Christmas lights are shining everywhere. But probably the most beloved feature every holiday season is the Christmas markets in Europe. Who doesn't like visiting a Christmas market with their family? It's one of the most fun things you can do during the holidays.
Nothing embodies the Christmas spirit as well as these markets do. There is music and fun children's activities. Of course, Santa is there as well, with many vendors selling all kinds of fun Christmas treats. It's fun for the whole family. But the key is knowing which ones are the best, especially if you plan to travel and spend holidays abroad.
That's why we made a little guide to the best Christmas markets in Italy for anybody who is spending the holiday season there.
In case you haven't made plans for the holidays, perhaps this list will motivate you to spend them in Italy. After all, experts from heavenlymove.com advise that sometimes it's best to change our surroundings. Not only will we get to experience new things, but we will also be able to relax and enjoy the holiday season.
But where exactly is the best place to spend the Christmas holidays In Italy? Well, that's where we come in to help. Here is our list of the best Christmas markets in Italy this holiday season:
4. Bressanone Christmas market
6. Befana – Roman Christmas Market
7. Piazza Santa Croce Christmas Market
1. Bolzano Christmas market
The first on our list is the beloved Bolzano Christmas market. Balzano Market is one of the best Christmas Markets in Italy. During the holiday season, the beautiful Piazza Walther becomes a Christmas fairytale, with colorful lights and decorations all around. Every year, all kinds of entertainment are organized for the visitors, both young and adult ones.
More than 70 wooden houses sell all Christmas products, from traditional Christmas ornaments to delicious mulled wine. The market is open every day (except Christmas day) from November 25th until January 6th. It opens at 10 am and closes at 7 pm.
If you don’t fear the cold, the Trentino area can be a winter wonderland with some of the best Christmas markets for the elast sporty and some great skiing resorts for those who love exercise.
The cities of Bolzano and Trento are both lovely and full of things to see, then you can travel down towards Veneto and finish your trip with a visit to the Garda lake, Verona, and Venice. Foodwise, Trentino is heavily influenced by Austria, so expect great soups (like canederli soup, with chunky bread dumplings), apple-based desserts, mulled wine, and rich and flavorful pork and venison dishes.
Another great amountain area is Valle d’Aosta, with more gorgeous slopes, and nice Christmas markets. Valle d’Aosta is more influenced by southern France (indeed, there are a French-speaking and a Provençal-speaking minority in this area). Aosta is absolutely a lovely city, originally a Roman colony which sports major Roman remains.
The food is milder in flavors than what you can find in Trentino, still a hearty fare made of soups, polenta, and a great traditional coffee serve in an unusual way. And if you are tired of the mountains, you can travel down towards Turin and the Langhe/Monferrato/Roero: the cradle of the best Italian wines, of the world’s most precious truffle, and a very scenic area.
2. Brunico Christmas market
The next Christmas market on our list is maybe smaller than the Bolzano market, but that doesn't mean it lacks the Christmas spirit. It is a traditional event that happens every year from November until January. This market is all about recreating the spirit of traditional Christmas celebrations and being authentic.
Most of the vendors selling products are handcrafted and incredibly detailed. Delicious food and hot drinks keep you warm while exploring the market. One of the good parts about this market being a bit smaller than the others is that you really get to see and feel the community In the city, which makes the atmosphere more warm and cozy.
3. Govone Christmas market
One of the best Christmas markets in Italy is the Govone Christmas market. If you want to give your children an incredible holiday experience, this is the place. The Govone Christmas market is perfect for kids. During the holiday season, every year, the small town of Govone in the Italian province of Cuneo in Piedmont becomes one of the most popular places in the country.
And there is a good reason for that. The event usually starts with a live concert and marks the begging of Christmas celebrations in Govone. Then there are various performances and Nativity scene exhibitions. But its best feature is the House of Santa Clause, set up inside the Govone Royal Castle. Inside there are live performances, children's musicals, fun games, and hundreds of Christmas lights and decorations.
4. Bressanone Christmas Market
While in Italy you have to visit the Bressanone Christmas market. At Bressanone Christmas market, you can buy some handcrafted traditional Christmas ornaments. Everything is decorated with colorful Christmas decorations, and vendors sell their carefully handcrafted Christmas products. Every year Cathedral Square becomes a go-to place for everybody who wants to feel the infectious Christmas spirit.
5. Trieste Christmas Market
From December 7th until January 1st, you can enjoy the Christmas magic at Trieste's Christmas Market. Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Piazza S. Antonio marks the beginning of the Market, and the festivities continue every day until January (except Christmas day). You will have to opportunity to eat delicious food, enjoy the music and decorations and buy authentic Christmas gifts for your family.
6. Befana - Roman Christmas Market
Spending the holidays in Rome wouldn't be complete if you didn't visit the famous Befana market at the Piazza Navona. Befana Market is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Italy. There is music, food, and games. The vendors sell gifts, toys, and ornaments. But the best part of the whole experience is the magnificent carousel.
Overall, the Befana Christmas market embodies the Christmas spirit and will surely be an unforgettable experience for you and your family.
7. Piazza Santa Croce Christmas Market
We move Christmas festivities to beautiful Florence with the Piazza Santa Croce Christmas Market. German Christmas traditions heavily influence the biggest Christmas market in Florence. That influence is best seen in the delicious food the vendors sell. Things like bratwurst, kraut, and Dutch crepes will leave an impression. Get a cup of mulled wine, stroll through the market and feel the infectious Christmas cheer!
8. Verona Christmas Market
The Christmas market in Veron is one of the most festive in the whole country. The celebrations happened on two squares, Mercato Vecchio and Piazza Dei Signori. This market is perfect for any tourist to learn a lot about the Christmas traditions in Verona. For example, on December 13th every year, the people of Verona celebrate the feast of Saint Lucy, a significant traditional event, and it's one of the most fun days of the whole Christmas celebrations.
9. Merano Christmas Market
On November 25th and onward, you can visit the Merano Christmas market. There is everything you need for a perfect Christmas holiday. Carousels, shiny lights, Christmas decorations, and various fun games. But the best feature is the mouthwatering delicious Christmas cakes and desserts that will leave you wanting to come back for more the following year.
10. Milan Christmas Market
To have an authentic traditional Christmas experience in Italy, you should visit the Milan Christmas Market. This event brings all the fun Christmas traditions and leaves space for modern features. More than 50 vendors sell all kinds of Christmas treats. There is food, music, and the much beloved mulled wine, and everything is decorated with bright shining lights.
If instead you want to warm up, while still wintery Southern Italy has a much milder climate and can be a great place where to stay in December. Southern Italy has very peculiar Christmas traditions, like the nativity scenes that in Naples become an art.
On via Gregorio Armeno you can find a unique market of figurines of all sizes and shapes, from the traditional ones the ones that are inspired by he past (current) year events, plus some classics like footballer Diego Armando Maradona. In the whole south you will also probably catch the traveling musicians playing zampogna (the Italian bagpipe) and ciaramella playing folk Christmas music, or the roasted chestnuts sellers. Do not expect Southern Italy to have beach weather, but the air will be balmy and the temperatures pleasant, at elast as long s you stay by the sea.
In conclusion
These were the best Christmas markets in Italy. And as you can see, Italy is an incredible place with many fun options to choose from. We hope this list was helpful to you, and we wish you happy holidays!
