Christmas Markets in Italy 2023

Christmas markets have now become a classic part of the Advent season in Italy. Although it might seem like an ancient tradition deeply rooted in the country’s history, it’s actually a relatively young practice compared to the rest of Europe.

Italy has embraced this tradition, with its unique and unmistakable touch, only in the last few decades. Today, Christmas markets are widespread throughout the Italian territory, from north to south, particularly in Trentino-Alto Adige and other Alpine regions.

Here’s our complete guide to Italy’s Christmas markets, each with its own unique and authentic charm. We’ve listed regions from north to south.

Northern Italy

PIEMONTE

The region of Piemonte is a land of extraordinary variety, offering rich and engaging Christmas activities. The city of Turin hosts numerous Christmas markets. In the Courtyard of Maglio and in Piazza Borgo Dora, there is an enchanting mix of stalls and chalets selling objects, ornaments, and Christmas lights. Don’t miss the traditional French market, a village of Alsatian-style huts in Piazza Solferino. Here, French culinary culture takes the stage, featuring oysters, champagne, biscuits, foie gras, and sauternes. The Mamma Margherita Bua Workshop takes place in the Salesian Oratory Michele Rua and combines solidarity with craftsmanship.

The charming medieval town of Candelo near Biella becomes Santa Claus’s village, featuring Santa’s Office, market stalls, nativity scenes, and exhibitions that create a magical atmosphere. In Govone, in the province of Cuneo, the Magical Christmas Village is one of the region’s most famous holiday markets. Finally, in Arona, in the province of Novara, the Christmas market features gift ideas and music, thanks to bagpipe virtuosos and other live music fun. The illuminated underwater Nativity in Lake Maggiore is a must.

LOMBARDY

During the holiday season, Lombardy also transforms into an enchanted place, dotted with Christmas markets. Among the most renowned markets, the “Oh Bej! Oh Bej!” Fair at Piazza Castello, in the heart of Milan, represents an unmissable traditional event. However, one of the most evocative events is “Green Christmas,” held at the Fonderia Napoleonica Eugenia. Here, in a zero-impact setting, artisans and artists exhibit creations made with recycled materials, promoting sustainability in every aspect. In the province of Sondrio, in Albosaggia, the Christmas markets of Valtellina attract attention, with over a hundred exhibitors filling the streets of the picturesque village of Paradiso up to the walls of Paribelli Castle. Here, tradition blends with shows, bagpipers’ performances, and music in the streets. Children can enjoy jugglers, fire eaters, and sit in Santa’s sleigh.

Honorable mention also goes to Livigno, where visitors attracted by the ski slopes can also take advantage of its Christmas markets. For a relaxing and traditional experience, the Christmas markets of the spa town of Darfo Boario Terme offer a variety of locally crafted items and typical food and wine products, accompanied by folk music and traditional songs.

TRENTINO-ALTO ADIGE

The region of Trentino-Alto Adige, thanks to its proximity to Tyrol, is renowned for its longstanding history of Christmas markets. The most well-known Christmas markets in Trentino-Alto Adige are in Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, Brunico, and Vipiteno. Bolzano is famous for its original Christmas market, offering a wide variety of handmade products, Christmas decorations, and food specialties. Beyond these cities, the region offers Christmas markets for all tastes and preferences. The areas around Lake Braies and Lake Carezza offer enchanting views. For those seeking intimate mountain villages, places like Chiusa and Castel Tirolo are excellent choices. The markets of Trento and Rovereto attract thousands of visitors every year from Italy, Austria and Germany. 

VENETO

The region of which Venice is the capital, Veneto, also welcomes the annual tradition of Christmas markets. These events, spread throughout the region, allow Italians to discover the ancient German tradition of Christkindlmarkt. The renowned destination of Cortina d’Ampezzo, besides being a beloved spot for winter sports enthusiasts, transforms into a welcoming winter wonderland adorned with lights and stalls. The picturesque town of Bassano del Grappa welcomes visitors with its “Grappa and Christmas Market,” where wooden chalets and musical performances create a unique atmosphere.

The market in Luvigliano di Torreglia, in the province of Padua, offers locally sourced and organic products, embracing the important trend of eco-friendly tourism. In Venice, ice skating enthusiasts can enjoy a rink at Campo San Polo. The city of Romeo and Juliet, Verona, offers a Nuremberg Christmas Market in Piazza dei Signori, transporting visitors to Nordic traditions with scents of firewood and spices. Finally, near Lake Garda, Bussolengo hosts the Christmas Village Flover, the largest indoor market in Italy. The event, taking place from November until January 7th, offers a wide range of Christmas experiences.

VALLE D’AOSTA

Among the most famous and charming Christmas markets in Italy’s smallest region is the “Marché Vert Noël” in Aosta. This market transforms the city into a real alpine village, with over 50 chalets, alleys, bridges, and a suggestive backdrop of fir trees. Local artisans offer unique handmade items such as candles, ceramics, wooden crafts, and soaps, along with delightful PDO and PGI Valdostan food specialties. Visitors can also find clothing made from materials like boiled wool, felt, leather, and hemp. Chambave hosts the Christmas market “Tsalende a Tsambava,” where visitors can taste the local hot chocolate and mulled wine.

The “Foire Marché de Noël du Grand Combin” in Étroubles is a characteristic event that showcases the unique creations of local artisans. Carved sculptures, ceramics, paintings and compositions of dried flowers are just some of the crafts on sale. Moreover, the exhibition area often hosts charity fundraising initiatives. Even Bard, one of the most picturesque towns in the region, hosts the market “Noel au Bourg,” offering gift items and Christmas ornaments, light displays and exhibitions of wood-carved nativity scenes. In Châtillon, “Le Petit Marché du Bourg” presents the best of local craftsmanship, from the works of carvers to the work of découpage and cartonnage enthusiasts.

LIGURIA

In the coastal region, towns and cities come to life with stalls filled with unique Christmas decorations, special gifts, handmade crafts, ornaments and culinary delights. Genoa, the region’s vibrant capital, transforms into a true Christmas paradise. “Natalidea,” a renowned Christmas market welcomes visitors of all ages. In addition to the more typical stalls, this market also boasts a Santa’s Village, live shows, music, and hands-on workshops.

Rapallo, with its picturesque Santa’s Castle, offers a unique museum-like setup with characters, decorations, and ornaments crafted by hand. The promenade furthermore hosts the Christmas Village, a delightful place filled with a festive atmosphere. In Santo Stefano d’Aveto, the charming Christmas market features Santa’s house, elves, and creative workshops. The real stars are the flavors of the Aveto Valley: savoring mulled wine or delicious fritters is a must. Loano hosts the “Christmas Magic Village,” an engaging celebration of lights, colors, flavors, and candy. Santa Claus sitting by the fireplace creates an enchanted backdrop.

FRIULI-VENEZIA GIULIA

In Udine, Christmas markets adorn the streets with their sparkling lights and stalls filled with delicacies and gift ideas. The city of Trieste offers a variety of Christmas markets that reflect the diversity of the region. From the traditional market in the splendid Piazza Unità d’Italia, to themed markets celebrating local craftsmanship and gastronomy. In Gorizia, Christmas markets feature local craftsmanship, food delights, and music. Pordenone, with its welcoming atmosphere, hosts a Christmas market selling artisanal products, local delicacies, and a calendar of live performances. The city of Cividale del Friuli, in its medieval streets, hosts a Christmas market that celebrates tradition and local craftsmanship.

EMILIA-ROMAGNA

In the region of Verdi, the world’s oldest University, fiery left-wing politics, fast cars and stellar culinary delights, the tradition of Christmas markets is particularly cherished and celebrated, starting with the region’s capital, Bologna, home to one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets: Fiera di Santa Lucia, renowned for the nativity figurines and amazing food stalls. The city of Parma offers Christmas markets enriched with a number of themed concerts. The Christmas market of Grazzano Visconti, in the province of Piacenza, attracts visitors with its medieval charm.

Ferrara, a city of art and culture, lights up its historic center with Christmas markets and roving street performances. Ravenna, rich in history and art, offers a traditional Christmas market in the square along with others with specific themes. On the Adriatic coast, Rimini celebrates Christmas with a unique market in every piazza, as well city tours on a train guided by Santa Claus himself. Riccione, Milano Marittima, and Cervia add a glamorous touch with festive events and concerts, while Cesenatico maintains a strong tradition, including the evocative display of the floating Nativity scene of the Marineria.

TUSCANY

The journey through the Christmas markets of Tuscany is an experience that embraces the magic of the holidays and the beauty of the enchanted villages in this region. The main Christmas market in Tuscany takes place in Montepulciano. In the heart of the historic center, in Piazza Grande, many wooden chalets sell Christmas ornaments, clothing, accessories, and, of course, the renowned Montepulciano wine. At the medieval castle, children can meet Santa Claus, elves, and reindeer, enjoying games, creative activities, and an ice-skating rink.

Florence‘s gorgeous Piazza Santa Croce hosts the charming Weihnachtsmarkt, a German Christmas market. Over 50 chalets welcome food stalls and products from different nations. Here, visitors can enjoy international Christmas traditions, savoring German specialties such as bratwurst, pretzels, and strudel. The Christmas Village in Carrara offers “Bimbi in Festa” is a market dedicated to the little ones, with workshops, attractions, and games. “Regali in Fiera” is ideal for Christmas shopping. In Pisa, Santa’s Workshop comes to life in the Palazzo dei Congressi. Children can participate in workshops, chat with Santa, and enjoy performances by jugglers and magicians. The Christmas market under the Logge di Banchi offers gift ideas and gourmet delights.

Central Italy

LAZIO

Strolling through the streets of the historic center in Rome during the Christmas season is an unforgettable experience. The Christmas Market in Piazza Navona, from December 8th to January 7th, has been an eagerly awaited event for almost a century. Amidst ancient palaces and the majestic fountain of the Four Rivers, stalls offer toys, gifts, candy, colorful lights, and music. Concerts featuring mandolin, gospel, and international music enliven the square and surrounding streets, such as Via dei Coronari and Via dell’Orso. Within the gorgeous Villa Borghese park, in the horse racing track, the “Christmas World” event features scenic installations, market stalls, shows, and photo sets representing various countries worldwide, including the North Pole. Finally, the Cinecittà Cinema Amusement Park becomes a grand Christmas village, with the Luminaire Path and Cinecittà Street decked out in festive decorations.

In Viterbo, thanks to the annual Christmas market, historic squares welcome celebration and conviviality. The city of Tivoli, known for its historic villas and beautiful gardens, hosts Christmas markets that seamlessly blend with the beautiful surroundings. In Bracciano, the market in Piazza del Comune, held the last weekend before Christmas, offers a wide range of gifts, crafts, antiques, jewelry, and delicious local farm products. In Monterosi, on the day of the Immaculate Conception (December 8th), the historic center comes to life with a Christmas market where visitors can purchase handicrafts, nativity scenes, ornaments, flowers, plants, candy, chocolate, and mulled wine. Visitors can also participate in other events, such as the “Used Toy Swap Market,” dedicated to children.

UMBRIA

You can feel the magic of Christmas in the holiday tradition and warmth of this verdant region. Although the history of Christmas markets in Umbria is not as deeply rooted as in the Alpine regions, the region is increasingly becoming a must-visit destination. Todi transforms into an enchanted village, where medieval streets fill with artisanal stalls and Christmas decorations. Perugia welcomes visitors with its markets. Assisi, a place of spirituality and culture, is adorned with the colors of Christmas with its stalls and festive events. During the Christmas season, regional culinary traditions are particularly emphasized, and the markets become an opportunity to savor local delicacies, from typical pastries to other delicious specialties. Moments of leisure and entertainment include concerts, theatrical performances, and children’s activities. The picturesque Orvieto, with its medieval atmosphere and breathtaking views, celebrates Christmas with a market that pays tribute to local artisanal and culinary traditions.

MARCHE

In the gentle hills and medieval villages of the Marche region, a truly original event takes place in Candelara, a medieval village in the hills of Pesaro. Here, candles take center stage, presented in various shapes and colors, illuminating the village every evening for a captivating spectacle. The “Via dei Presepi” (the street of the Nativity scenes) offers a stroll among Christmas works of art made from different materials, while a snowy alley creates an even more magical atmosphere. Children can meet Santa in his workshop and experiment with wax, clay, and wood.

The Frontone Castle, an ancient residence dating back to the 11th century in Pesaro, hosts a picturesque Christmas market. In Ascoli Piceno, the city center transforms into a land of winter fun with an ice-skating rink, while traditional markets surround the attraction, offering antiques, handicrafts, and Christmas ornaments. The “tombola” (bingo) in the square awards winners with food prizes, while the little ones can ride donkeys in Piazza Arringo. The Christmas market in Fermo is a true Christmas village, welcoming exhibitors from all over Italy. Here, you can find gifts, handmade crafts, clothing, and accessories, and children can enjoy a theme park, creative workshops, and meet Santa.

ABRUZZO

The Christmas markets in the region of Abruzzo come to life at the beginning of December. In L’Aquila, the main streets are dotted with wooden huts selling artisanal products, candy and Christmas ornaments. The food sellers offer some of the region’s best products, like cured meats and aged cheeses, golden honey, local lentils, and precious saffron, as well as fragrant pastries and nougats. The city also showcases ceramics from the village of Castelli. Here, small wooden or copper household accessories and handmade jewelry represent an ancient tradition of great artistic skill.

Just 50 km away from L’Aquila, the town of Avezzano hosts the event “Magie di Natale” with the Christmas Market in Piazza Risorgimento being the focal point of the event: wooden stalls selling crafts, and refreshment points with local foods such as arrosticini, fried treats, and ferratelle, aka pizzelle. There’s also an ice-skating rink, and kids can visit Santa’s House. Pescara hosts a “Christmas Village” with wooden huts decorated in festive style where folks can purchase art by local craftsmen and find gift ideas, toys, and typical products from Abruzzo.

MOLISE

In Campobasso, the streets fill with decorations, candles, crafts, local food specialties, and artwork by Molise artists. Toro, a location with a well-established tradition, hosts another remarkable Christmas market, tasting local specialties and wines, hot chocolate and mulled wine. Also in Palata, near Campobasso, the city organizes one of the most charming Christmas markets in the region featuring stalls selling handicrafts and musical performances. Santa’s magical house is the main attraction for the little ones, who can deliver their letters. On the coast, in Termoli, Christmas brings a series of festive initiatives, including markets. Finally, in Montenero di Bisaccia, the highlight of the Christmas market is the famous living nativity scene, a unique event.

Southern Italy

PUGLIA

In Bari, the main squares and streets are filled with lights, music, and small theaters. Wooden chalets, gazebos, and stalls reveal treasures of local craftsmanship, nativity scenes, ornaments, and antiques. The typical food products of Puglia are huge part of this. In the picturesque village of Bovino, near Foggia, the Christmas market lasts only one day and offers a suggestive spectacle. In Martina Franca, in the province of Taranto, the historic center transforms into a characteristic Santa village. A Christmas market consisting of 20 huts, a little train, and an ice-skating rink fills the streets with festive cheer. In the charming village of Ostuni, near Brindisi, the Christmas market features many fun attractions.

BASILICATA

The Christmas market in Potenza, held throughout the month of December, is a must-visit for lovers ofoff-the-beaten-path destinations. Matera also hosts charming Christmas markets in its historic center. Gazebos scattered through the alleys showcase local handicrafts and culinary delights. One of the highlights is the famous living nativity scene, which takes place in the picturesque Sassi. The path of the live nativity scene begins at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso and winds through the Rione Casalnuovo. Another unmissable location for Christmas markets in Basilicata is Monticchio, a small hamlet in Vulture. Even if it doesn’t take place every year, the market is a spectacle that should not to be missed. Located at the foot of Mount Vulture, one of the oldest volcanoes in the southern Apennines, the market, known as Biancabbazia, is truly enchanting.

CALABRIA

One of the focal points of the region’s Christmas tradition is Reggio Calabria. In addition to Christams markets, the shops extend their opening hours, creating an ideal opportunity to find the perfect gift. The central Piazza Italia hosts another crafts market, with exhibitors hailing from all over the region. Scalea also shines for its Christmas market, open from December to January, where visitors can enjoy Santa’s village and a living nativity scene. The Befana in the square completes the experience. The list of locations hosting Christmas markets in Calabria is extensive. Among these, notable ones include Lamezia Terme, Gioiosa Jonica, Santa Caterina dello Jonio, Fabrizia, Amantea, Locri (where there is also an ice-skating rink), Cosenza, Monasterace (where Santa Claus arrives on a pony), and Rossano Calabro, with its traveling market spread across a number of streets.

CAMPANIA

The region’s holiday events capture the essence of Neapolitan Christmas in a unique way. San Gregorio Armeno, the famous “Street of the Crèches” in Naples, is an experience that no visitor should miss. This picturesque alleyway, located in the heart of the historic center, is home to artisan workshops that showcase the famous figurines of the Neapolitan nativity scenes, “presepi.” These handcrafted works of art, passed down by generations of master nativity scene craftsmen, are famous worldwide and depict not only the spiritual Nativity but also famous celebrities, politicians, and pop culture icons.

With its breathtaking panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples, the Vomero district also offers a number of Christams markets, like the one in Piazza degli Artisti, Via Enrico Alvino, and the area around Via Kauffmann. More Christmas spirit can also be found in the city of Salerno which hosts the event “Luci d’Artista” that transforms the streets into a luminous work of art. The Santa Claus village in Torre del Greco gives children the chance for an unforgettable face-to-face with Santa. In Apice, Castellabate in Cilento, and the Enchanted Garden of Santa Claus near the Royal Palace of Caserta add further nuances to the celebration.

SARDINIA

In Cagliari, the region’s capital, the Town Hall Square becomes the center of a market that lasts throughout the month of December, with weekly events ranging from musical performances to Santa giving out gifts. The Christmas chalets offer traditional items like ornaments, nativity scenes, and Christmas trees, while the air is filled with the delicious smell of roasted chestnuts, and the stalls sell a wide range of food products.

In the streets of Maddalena, kids of all ages can enjoy music and food-centric entertainment, with the “CammiNatale” project. Also in Nurallao, the notes of bagpipes fill the air as dances and flash mobs liven up the atmosphere. On the eastern coast, Sant’Antioco presents its Village of Ancient Crafts, immersed in the suggestive setting of a fishing village. Iglesias boasts a Christmas market with a touch of magic where, while children have fun with specially designed shows and activities, adults can shop in the picturesque Piazza Quintino Sella.

SICILY

In Catania, the streets of the city center are beautifully decorated, and visitors can savor Christmas delights and find unique gifts for loved ones. Milazzo, Santa’s House becomes a playground for children during the holidays. Here, the little ones can put their letters in envelopes and participate in specially designed shows. Canicattì becomes a fairytale setting during the Christmas season. Along a tree-lined path, Christmas chalets welcome visitors in a timeless atmosphere.

Caltagirone, famous for its staircases decorated with colorful ceramics, features Christmas markets that reflect the artistic identity of the city, featuring the unique handmade creations. For those who don’t want to give up the sea even in December, the market in Aci Trezza offers a charming combination of local products and entertainment shows. Erice, a village nestled high above sea level, offers breathtaking views and Christmas markets that wind through its picturesque streets. This village, considered one of the most beautiful in Italy, transforms into a true Christmas fairytale, where visitors can enjoy the holiday atmosphere amid ancient cobblestone streets and suggestive panoramic views.

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