It’s the most wonderful time of the year again and Italy sure knows how to make Christmas extra magical with its Top Christmas Markets! From grilled polenta to vin brulé, Italians take the evening passeggiata (casual stroll) up a few notches in December.
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Things to know about Christmas markets regionally:
Each area of Italy offers a specific flair to Christmas, but the more north you go the more German influence you’ll see in the markets. The southern Italian markets tend to focus more on regional sweets and crafts, while all markets feature foods from the region. Italy is well known for certain handicrafts and some you may find around Italy are leather, ceramics, personalized cross-stitch, lace, blown glass, and hand-sewn household linens.
Christmas markets tend to go on until the 6th of January which is Epiphany day.
Trento
The most famous Christmas market in Italy is the Trento Christmas Market situated beautifully in Alto Adige among the pine trees and softly falling snow. Here you can find traditional Christmas decor as well as antique Italian nativity scenes. If you’re feeling hungry during your passeggiata don’t pass up the polenta brustolada (grilled polenta) which is a regional food.
23 November 2019 – 6th January 2020, closed Christmas Day
Where-Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare
Bolzano
Also in Alto Adige, the Bolzano Christmas Market is not to be missed as it’s one of the top markets! There are around 80 wooden booths, a children’s area with activities, and lots of strudels to keep you merry! This market strictly offers locally produced objects.
28th November 2019 – 6th January 2020, closed Christmas Day
Where-South Tyrol
Verona
Verona offers a Germany-style market aka the Nuremberg replica Christmas market with cozy wooden booths that sell Scandinavian-style Christmas decor and home decor from candelabras to glassware for the kitchen. At this market, you can be sure to find the best German street food such as bratwurst, German fruit cake, and gingerbread.
15th November 2019 – 26th December 2019
Where-Piazza dei Signori
Milano
The Christmas market near the Duomo of Milan is inspiring and has a cozy yet majestic feel. If you love Panettone then don’t miss this market as Panettone originated from Milan. Here you can find booths with many variations of Italian fruit cake, as well as typical Christmas decorations, stockings, and handmade items.
11th December 2019 – 6th January 2020
Where-Piazza Duomo
Firenze
Another German-style Christmas market inspired by the original in Heidelberg Germany is right in Florence! Here you will find wooden booths lined up selling delicacies, Christmas decorations, food, and handicrafts.
23rd November 2019 – 22nd December 2019
Where-Piazza Santa Croce
Napoli
Naples has a distinct style being the old kingdom of the south of Italy once upon a time. At the Naples Christmas market, you can find antique nativity scenes which are a specialty here. Vendors sell thousands of different figurines that you can add to your mini towns for a really unique touch. The buzzing crowd will be found on the narrow street of Via San Gregorio Armeno. If you’re feeling cold while out and about just pop into a bar (local café) and grab a caffé correto with sambuca to warm you up.
exact dates to be decided – generally from the end of November to the 6th of January
Where-San Gregorio Armeno
Rome
Let me tell you the truth from an insider. The famous Christmas market in Piazza Navona is probably one of the worst Christmas markets in Italy-a sad reality for the capital of the country. This year in 2019 the market has been closed down. We will update this post if things change.
There is however a nice little market called Mercato Monti that sells urban, local artisan-type gifts. This market is inside which makes it perfect for a snowy cold day. Enjoy a hot crepe before you go inside and muse around, chat with the local artists and ask how they made their items, and participate in supporting small businesses!
every Saturday and Sunday
Where-Monti
Thanks for reading and Merry Christmas!
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