As Christmas draws near, it is time to start thinking about what to do in Italy in winter. The Christmas markets in Italy are a well-liked destination for your Christmas vacation. Market squares are decorated with bright lights. The aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air. Christmas market stalls appear toward the end of November. They are the best places to go for shopping in Italy.
Here is a list of the best Italian Christmas markets to visit.
History of Christmas Markets in Italy
Italian towns and cities held seasonal fairs during the Middle Ages when traders and craftspeople gathered to exchange goods. This is when the Christmas markets originated. These markets evolved through the years. Italian Christmas markets are a great place to experience traditional food and drink. These marketplaces embrace the warmth of Italy culture.
Top Christmas Markets in Italy: Must-Visit Destinations
1) Bolzano Christmas Market
The largest and best Christmas Market in Italy is held in Bolzano. It lasts for more than a month. Enjoy delectable South Tyrolean dishes and admire the fairytale architecture. The church with its colorful roof makes a beautiful backdrop.
Location – Piazza Wernher, Bolzano, South Tyrol
What to Buy – Handcrafted wooden toys, ceramic figures, Christmas decor items, and locally produced woollen items, like hats, gloves, and scarves. Bolzano offers excellent local cuisine products, such as cheeses, sweet strudel, and smoked ham.
2) Merano Christmas Market
A Christmas market that is both festive and therapeutic may be found in Merano, a resort town located south of Bolzano in the Alps. The city is well-known for its gorgeous Passirio River promenade and hot springs. The charming hamlet of Merano hosts the Merano Christmas market over the entire holiday season when the streets are lined with kiosks selling food and crafts. Try out the Kaiserschmarren, which are delicious shredded pancakes.
Location – Merano, South Tyrol
What to Buy – Handmade wellness goods, such as bath salts derived from alpine plants, essential oils, and natural soaps. Shop for handcrafted Christmas decorations, leather products, and wood carving items. Remember to buy mulled wine and gingerbread cookies.
3) Milano Christmas Market
Milano Christmas market is the oldest and the best Christmas Market in Italy dating back to 1288. The most picturesque Christmas market in Milan may be found at Castello Sforzesco. See the magnificent Christmas tree in Piazza del Duomo and indulge in shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, illuminated by seasonal lights.
Location – Milan, Lombardy
What to Buy – Shop for handcrafted toys, jewellery, art prints, antique books, leather products, and vintage goods produced in the region. Along with vintage books and handmade toys, the market also sells delectable Italian delights like panettone, roasted chestnuts, and artisanal chocolates.
4) Vipiteno Christmas Market
A great reason to visit this charming village is the Christmas market in Vipiteno. Visit the traditional craft stalls that sell wooden sculptures. Take advantage of the chance to take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride throughout the town. See the Nativity scenes in the historic tower of Vipiteno.
Location – Vipiteno town
What to Buy – Decorative candles, nativity sculptures, and handcrafted wooden toys. Shop for felt products and traditional Alpine clothing like woollen socks and hats. Enjoy locally produced honey and jams.
5) Brunico Christmas Markets
Brunico, a charming village, has a fantastic Christmas market known for its food and artisan vendors. It has streets and houses that resemble those from fairytales. Family-friendly events are held in the market every weekend, including workshops where children can make their own Christmas presents, bake cookies, or construct big hotels.
Location – Brunico old town centre
What to Buy – Handmade items like wool blankets, felt slippers, and knit caps. Shop for candles, ceramics, and ornaments for Christmas trees. Do taste the speck, the native South Tyrolean bread, and the cheeses.
6) Trento Christmas Market
The Trento Christmas market which is growing in popularity includes over 90 stands offering food and regional crafts. Taste the traditional northern Italian meal polenta, made with corn, and pair it with some locally brewed Trentino beer.
Location – Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige
What to Buy – Handcrafted items, including glass ornaments and ceramic nativity sets. The cheeses, sausages, and wines from the area will delight foodies.
7) Florence Christmas Market
One of the best things to do in Italy during Christmas is to visit the German-style Florence Christmas Market. The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is one of the important attractions. At Santa Claus House, kids may enjoy festive games and even mail letters to Santa. Sample the regional delicacies, which include cantuccini, freshly made pasta, and schiacciata with balsamic vinegar.
Location – Piazza Santa Croce
What to Buy – Purchase apparel, household goods, panettone, panforte, Ricciarelli biscuits, vin brule, and Christmas decorations.
8) Christmas Market at Arco
Should you have plans to visit Lake Garda, make sure to check out the Christmas Market in Arco, a town nestled in the foothills close to the lake. A visit to the market can easily be paired with a stay at neighboring Riva del Garda, a charming lakeside village with stunning mountain vistas.
Location – Arco Market Centre
What to Buy – Felted products, wooden sculptures, and hand-painted pottery. Gourmet foods produced locally, such as olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and handcrafted chocolates.
9) Aosta Christmas Market
The Aosta Christmas Market is held in the Aosta city centre, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Gorge on delectable delicacies like creamy, perfectly cooked beef stew or piping hot polenta topped with melting cheese.
Location – Aosta Chanoux square
What to Buy – Shop for authentic alpine products such as handcrafted wooden objects, woollen apparel, and Christmas decorations. Other items include cured meats, cheeses, and wines.
10) Christmas Market in Gubbio, Umbria
Gubbio is home to the biggest Christmas tree in the world, situated on Mount Ingino. Christmas Land is a German-style Christmas market in Gubbio with several food and craft vendors.
Location – Gubbio Market Square
What to Buy – Handcrafted fabrics, ceramics, and Christmas decor. Make sure to pick up some truffle-based items and local olive oil from the town, which is also well-known for its truffles.
Planning Your Visit to Christmas Markets in Italy
When to Visit?
Christmas markets open in late November till the beginning of January. The first two weeks of December are ideal for visiting because there are fewer tourists.
What is the Weather Like in Italy in December?
Temperatures in central and southern Italy, such as Rome and Naples have mild temperatures, with averages between 5 degrees Celcius and 13 degrees Celcius. Northern Italy, which includes cities like Bolzano and Milan, tends to be cold with temperatures ranging from 0 degrees Celcius to 8 degrees Celcius.
What to Expect?
The Christmas markets in Italy are decorated with sparkling lights. Vendors sell locally crafted goods, seasonal fare, holiday presents, and handcrafted crafts. Many Christmas Markets also feature live music, nativity scenes, and other cultural acts that depict the rich history of Italy.
Popular Italian Christmas Market Foods
Savor classic dishes like torrone, pandoro, and panettone. Enjoy filling foods like polenta with a variety of toppings, roasted chestnuts, and regionally produced cured meats like speck from markets in the north. Enjoy fried delicacies from the Christmas market, like croquettes, fritters, and arancini.
Popular Items to Shop for at Italian Christmas Markets
Christmas markets in Italy are great places to find handcrafted wooden and glass-blown Christmas ornaments. Italy is well-known for its exquisitely handcrafted nativity sets from Naples. Shop for warm woollen accessories such as blankets, caps, and scarves. Handcrafted leather goods, candles, and ceramics are excellent souvenirs. Handmade candles, soaps, and perfumes from Florence, are popular items at these markets.
FAQs about Italy Christmas Market
1) Are there any food options for vegetarians or vegans at the markets?
There are many vegetarian and vegan-friendly food alternatives available at Italian Christmas markets, such as bread, vegetable soups, and roasted chestnuts. Certain markets provide a variety of plant-based snacks and foods.
2) What is the best way to reach Christmas markets in Italy?
Taking trains or buses is the most efficient way to visit Christmas markets in big cities such as Rome, Florence, and Milan. Markets are situated in city squares and are conveniently reachable by tram, bus, or metro. Renting a car or using a regional train is a convenient way to visit smaller towns or alpine markets.
3) Is there an admission charge to enter Christmas markets in Italy?
Admission to Italian Christmas markets is usually free. You have to pay for the things you buy, the cuisine you try. Some specialized holiday events or workshops may have a small fee.
4) Are Christmas markets in Italy accessible to people with disabilities?
Many Christmas markets in cities such as Milan, Florence, and Rome are accessible to individuals with disabilities, with level walkways and accessible stalls. Markets in older or smaller towns may have uneven cobblestones or narrow pathways.
5) What are the best Christmas markets to visit in Italy?
Bolzano Christmas Market in the Italian Alps, Florence Christmas Market in Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza Navona in Rome, and Milan Christmas Market are a few of the best Christmas markets to visit in Italy.
Wrapping Up
Attending a Christmas market is a must-experience Italy festival and event. You have plenty of time to enjoy as the marketplaces remain open until early January. When visiting Christmas markets, one of the essential Italy currency tips for travelers is to carry euros with you, as many sellers prefer cash payments.