The Top Christmas Markets to see in Italy

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.

 

Don’t forget! We offer private guided tours as well. While our blog posts provide free information gained from our local experience we want you to know that we offer walking tours around Italy. If you’re planning a trip to Italy for the holidays, request your free itinerary on our custom tours page and get to know Italy like a local!

 

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!

 

If you’re planning a trip to Italy during the Christmas period, request your complimentary custom tour itinerary from our team and start planning your perfect vacation today!

In this blog post, we will explore some of the reasons why spring is the perfect time to visit Italy. From the beautiful Tuscan countryside to the bustling streets of

Email us

Let us know your questions!

Call our team

+1 (424) 766-5955

WhatsApp us

We're here to help!

SideBar Tour Request

Contact Our Team For A Tailored Private Tour Itinerary

We understand that no two private tours will be the same, and we endeavor to tailor every tour exactly to the tastes and requirements of our guests. So if there is anything we can do to customize your tour, just let our friendly planners know in the form below.

Leave a Message/Contact

Rated 5-Star on Google & TripAdvisor

Qualified Guides.
Certified Excellence.

Tripadvisor Certificate Excellence 18
Tripadvisor-Certificate-of-Excellence 2019

Our Popular Tour Itineraries

Take a look at some of the example tour itineraries below for inspiration before getting in touch with our experts to start planning your own trip!

Most popular tour destinations