7 Christmas Markets in Italy to Visit (and Still Be Home for Christmas)

Have you ever wanted to experience Christmas in Italy but don’t want to be without your family and friends over the holidays?

Well, get your travel journal out and start planning your next Italy vacation right now, because you can celebrate the holiday season in Italy and still be home in time for Christmas.

We’re talking aboutvisiting the Christmas markets in Italy!

We always wanted to experienceChristmas in Europe, and decided to spend the early holiday season in Italy last year because, well, who doesn’t love Italy!

With such diverse cultures and traditions between northern Italy and central Italy alone, the Christmas holidays are unique in many ways, and that’s even before you factor in the amazing food and steaming mugs of glühwein.

Everyone becomes a part of the merrymaking during the Christmas season in Italy, from Nonnas to little children.

You’ll be in awe of the festive spirit you’ll feel in the vibrant piazzas, beautiful neighborhood cathedrals, brightly decorated city streets, and the osterias and trattorias that offer the most delicious holiday treats — need we say more?

What’s in this Article?

Christmas markets in italy

History of European Christmas markets

When Are the European Christmas Markets?

Getting Around Italy by Train

Christmas Market Food

Best Christmas Markets in Italy

Christmas markets in italy

But if there’s one celebration that steals the show, it’s a good Christmas market in Italy.

You might think Christmas markets are moreEuropean比地中海在大自然中,你会right! Christmas markets are a very Germanic tradition.

But some of thebest places to visit in northern Italyare much more European than other parts of the country, and Christmas markets are a rich part of history.

Picture this… cobbled alleys illuminated by hundreds of twinkling lights, the sweet fragrance of pine and cedar, and the aromas of sweet treats and pastries that are just waiting to be devoured.

It’s a manifestation of Italy’s la dolce vita(the sweet life)at Christmastime, and everysmall town in Italycelebrates the joy!

Tourists and locals alike enjoy the activities that are as much a part of the markets as theholiday food— singing Christmas songs, dancing, and small shows making for a much-awaited break from daily life.

Does this sound like your kind of Christmas?

Then read on to know just where to find the perfect Italian Christmas Markets that are filled with goodies and memories to be kept for a lifetime!

History of European Christmas markets

Bazaars held at Christmastime are a rich cultural custom that has continued since the Middle Ages.

Christmas markets actually began as a German tradition before eventually spreading to the rest of Europe.

The winter market was always the biggest and involved people living in scattered communities coming together after church services for some feasting and merrymaking.

The Industrial Revolution and the subsequent rise in standards of living are what led these markets to become more widespread and grow in size. It wasn’t long before they turned into a yearly fare with Germanic feasts in the name ofSt. Nicholas.

The markets ofGermanyandSwitzerlandare still carrying on this tradition today.

In places likeAustria, you’ll even find some of the more unique holiday traditions carried out today — like theKrampus run— designed to scare children into being extra good!

One of theearliest Italian Christmas marketswas inspired by these traditional German markets and is still held today inBolzano at the Piazza Walther.

Today, you'll see many old traditions slowly making their way back into the markets. Thronged by visitors, stalls offer everything from carved wooden gifts, clothes and ceramics, to jewelry and local crafts.

而相对n装饰圣诞树ew addition to many of these markets, the strands of twinkling lights and lanterns in different patterns and shapes is a beloved practice that has stood the test of time.

Must-try sweet and savory treats and traditional holiday drinks like glühwein (mulled wine), coupled with local folk music, nativities, carol singing, and the widespread international spirit of Christmas make this season of the year a fun time to consider a holiday abroad!

When Are the European Christmas Markets?

Sorry if this may sound like a dumb question to our European friends, but for those who may not be familiar with the Christmas markets in Europe, you may think these markets are held only during Christmas week, until New Year’s Day or Three King’s Day (the Epiphany).

In which case, you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

>>> Most Christmas markets in Europe kick off in early December

— in some cities even in late November —and run through the beginning of January. <<<

This means that you can plan a week-long trip or longer to Europe or Italy to immerse yourself in the holiday markets and still be home in time to celebrate the holidays with your family!

So if you’redreaming of Italyand have yet to visit a Christmas market in Europe, we suggest youstart planning a tripfor the holidays.

It’s a fantastic way to get yourself in the holiday spirit!

Getting Around Italy by Train

Train travel is a must in Italy, no matter the time of year, but especially during the wintery months of December, and they’re a perfect way to get around to visit 2 or 3 cities with Christmas markets.

Above all else, traveling by train is the ideal addition to a relaxing Christmas experience in Italy.

You’ll fall in love with the changing landscape as your train shuttles along fromFlorenceto Venice, Bologna to Milan. It’s also great when you’re with kids as it does away with the monotony, and expense, of air travel.

Trains in Italy are a safe, fast, and convenient mode of transport, and a great way to cover a number of places while spending the least amount of money.

High-speed train lines such as those Trenitalia runs go right down the center of Italy and are ideal for quick city-hopping. Besides, you won’t have to worry about winter weather and driving conditions.

After your Christmas shopping in Florence, take a train to Venice (witha stop at Bolognaof course) or head to Milan and end yourjourney in Turin.

Switch lines for other cities and circle back to the center. This way, you can map out the perfect itinerary to visit those markets most appealing to you.

Book Train Tickets Before You Go

When it comes torail travel in Europe, or Italy, It's a good idea to book your tickets ahead of time.

The Christmas rush in Italy is real, and you don't want to spend your holidays waiting in a queue.

Plus, pre-booking seats will give you more time to relax and enjoy Italy, the Mercatini di Natale, and even Christmas if you want, plus there’susually a small discount for advance bookings.

If you’re staying through Christmas, plan to spend Christmas Eve and the 25th in a single town to avoid the hassle of traveling.

Check the routes and timetables online before you plan anything else and remember to book your tickets well before Christmas week to avoid price hikes.

With easy access to major cities, inexpensive tickets, and a wealth of attractions and activities, it's no wonder that so many visitors to Italy choose to see it via rail.

Christmas Market Food

The food at Christmas markets is always a highlight for many, not to mention the warm, European-style beverages like glühwein (spiced mulled wine), glühGin, glühRhum and other concoctions!

Without giving it all away, we’ll let these pics tell the story.

Our favorite treatswere thesticky sweet pretzels drizzled with glaze, the steaming cups ofhot chocolate(what Italians callCioccolata Calda), the mugs of mulled wine, and the French Raclette — melted mountain cheese topped with Speck on a crusty roll! O - M - G!

Best Christmas Markets in Italy

1.Bolzano

Piazza Walther Bolzano Christmas Market

Usually held at Bolzano's quaint city square, Piazza Walther, theBolzano Christmas Marketis one of the largest in Italy and the perfect place to get into the festive spirit.

This Italian Christmas market is quaint and beautiful, filled with little wooden huts, traditional gifts, brightly-lit lamps, candles, garlands, and a huge decorated Christmas tree.

It really brings out the medieval feel of the Piazza but with a Christmassy charm!

Bearing hints of German and Austrian traditions, this South Tyrol market meanders through the city and is a tour in itself. Walk around and look at the range of gifts on display including the wools, ornaments, and more.

Don’t forget to try vin brulé (hot mulled wine), speck cured ham, and Schüttelbrot flat-bread, regional classics that usher in a merry Christmas.

Usually beginning in the month of November and continuing until January, there’s a lot to experience. Definitely something you don't want to miss!

2.Milan

Oh Bej! Oh Bej! at the Piazza del Castello

Oh Bej! Oh Bej! (which translates toHow Beautiful! How Beautiful!)is one of the longest-running Christmas markets in Milan.

As the name itself suggests, it is also one of the most breathtaking markets during this special time of year.

Dating back to the 1500s (or even before), thePiazza del Castellomarket was originally a place for locals to pay homage to the city’s patron saint, Sant’Ambrogio.

Over time, it became the forebearer for all the rest of the Christmas markets in Milan. Today it boasts a busy piazza bustling with activity.

Locals and tourists alike engage in the joyous festivities here. You’ll find a range of Christmas items in their 300+ exhibitions and wooden stalls decorated with dainty fairy lights, pine cones, and tinsel.

From handicrafts, ornaments, and antiques to clothes and toys, there’s something for everyone. You’ll even find artistic secondhand dealers, florists, and booksellers.

Don't forget to eat some of the delicious treats you will find here while getting your gifts packed. Treat yourself to sweet pancakes, roasted chestnuts, cotton candy, and the traditional panettone (traditional Christmas sweet bread).

Italy’s Mercatini di Natale doesn’t get any better than this!

3.都灵

Borgo Dora Christmas Market

都灵, the capital city of thePiedmont region, is one of the easiest and most directday trips from Milan, so if you want to see several Christmas market cities in one trip, this is a good option.

TheBorgo Doramarket in Turin is one of the best examples of the traditional Italian Christmas market. Located at theCortile del Maglio, this is just the place to experience the timeless Christmas spirit.

Typical Piedmontese Christmas decorations, hand-painted baubles, glittering lights, and lanterns adorn every corner. Stalls with food, wine, ceramics, ornaments, sculptures from all over the world, and of coursefamous Torino chocolatesare displayed for you to peruse (and buy) to your heart’s content!

There’s even a themed market that changes every year with stalls that sell vintage clothes, art, musical instruments, and vinyls, among others.

Marvel as the entire city comes to life illuminated by theLuci d’Artista,一系列的19个露天艺术设施,rival light displays anywhere. Wander the streets and try festive delicacies like agnolotti and risotto with radicchio and toma, a kind of cheese.

While certainly considered a bit off the beaten track, Christmas in Piedmont is a glorious way to spend the pre-Christmas holidays. The carols, nativities, and a light snow really bring it all together to create precious memories.

It’s an experience you’ll never forget!

4.Merano

A South Tyrolean Tradition on the Passerpromenade

In the wonderful spa town of Merano, the Christmas Market goes from November to January.

Thepromenade along the Passirioriver is lined with stands. TheTyrol holiday traditionsare magical, from the scent of cinnamon and spice reminding of homemade cakes, the soft lights and the decorated Christmas tree, and the merry atmosphere.

Eighty stands offer Christmas decorations, boiled wool slippers, pottery, traditional fabrics, wooden statues and toys, traditional objects such as nutcrackers, Christmas pyramids, and musical boxes, and it’s not uncommon to see craftsmen at work on their creations.

In the Christmas stands of Merano you’ll also find many localTyrolean foodproducts, such as speck, apple strudel, wine, mulled wine and cakes, while you listen to the music of choirs and bands and experience the traditions of Advent.

5.Venice

Christmas Market at the Piazza di San Marco

Christmas in Venice is a sight to behold — the city is decked out with all sorts of festive things to do around this holly, jolly time of year.

The Venice Christmas market is smaller than some other cities, but it’s surrounded by some of the most magnificent decorations you’ll find in Italy.

Each year, the small city turns into a tiny Christmas village with magnificent decor and countless fairy lights illuminating the streets and canals.

But thePiazza di San Marcois especially festive with cute wooden stalls, dozens of Christmas trees, and streets overflowing with visitors from far and wide. Concerts, events for kids, and traditional functions are available for all to participate in.

如果是食品你后,最好,melt-in-your-mouth treats are brought out for everyone to enjoy.

Some of the delicacies include a creamy almond-studded nougat, fruit-filled panettone from Verona, and delicacies made with white truffles from Alba. What you don’t devour, you can easilytake home as souvenirs!

Carry home bags of special pasta, candied chestnuts calledmarron glacés, dried porcini mushrooms, and tiny biscotti to remember your special Christmas stay.

From the world-renowned Murano hand-blown glass to carnival masks, marbled paper, and other Venetian crafts, these stalls are just waiting to be explored on your next holiday.

Cozy and warm, you’ll find yourself swaying to the Italian version of Silent Night as you prepare to usher in the new year. Set against the Venetian backdrop, this experience is picture-perfect.

6.Florence

Piazza Santa Croce German Christmas Market

The annual German Christmas market in thePiazza Santa Croceis such a festive and fun event each year.

From November till December (the exact dates vary), the square comes to life with luminous lights and mouth-watering aromas of delectable wintry dishes - pastries, cakes, and savory items.

This lively market is one of the oldest Christmas traditions in Florence. It began in Germany and has since spread to nearby regions and become a proud event in this part of Italy. German-style, open-air wooden stalls are filled to the brim with local and international products.

Heritage, artisanal, as well as rustic, the vibe is cute and homely.

Sample international treats such as Dutch crepes and Austrian pastries, and you have to try the pretzels and bratwurst accompanied by a pint of kraut or German beer.

Kürtőskalács (a kind of chimney cake) is another favorite covered in delicious toppings such as cinnamon and chocolate washed down with mulled wine is guaranteed to warm you right up.

This market boasts a beautiful collection of fine ornaments, antiques, and jewelry. Browse the many diverse stalls and have a gala time celebrating your Christmas in one of the finest Italy Mercatini di Natale.

7.Verona

Piazza dei Signori Christmas Market

Verona is one of the top tourist destinations in Italy, and Christmas in Verona makes the journey even more worth it!

As you enter thePiazza dei Signoriduring Christmastime, you’ll find yourself suddenly exposed to a world of all things cheerful and merry.

With stalls selling everything from chocolates, warm slippers, and woolen essentials, to mulled wine, cheeses, and soap, there’s really no end to the goodies here to keep you occupied!

The location is amazing with beautiful buildings and architecture enclosing the market within. Decorated with twinkling lights, muted shades of red and green, and bewitching aromas of food, a walk through the market is all you need to get your holiday spirit going.

Try the famous Venetian pandoro, a kind of star-shaped light Christmas cake, and sip copious amounts of mulled wine.

Pay a quick visit to the Arena of Verona with its artistic nativity scenes, and stop by at thePiazza Bra’s Christmas market that is filled with unique crafts and snacks.

***

Christmas markets in Italy may not be the global attractions of larger European cities, but the Italian charm more than makes up for their size.

With their vibrant festivities, decorated Christmas trees, and joyful music in the streets, they have a way of immersing visitors in the Christmas spirit while making them feel right at home.

Don't wait — there’s so much delicious food, rich culture, and dazzling sights that await you on your pre-Christmas holiday in Italy!