What are the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy? We bring you to discover the best places through wine, food and local traditions. Let’s start

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Have you ever wondered which are the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy?

The Christmas atmosphere spreads long before in the streets of the towns and villages of our country. Little Santa Clauses starts appearing on the balconies of houses, illuminated by coloured lights. Shop windows are adorned with decorations and illuminations, as are the streets and squares all decked out in theme.

Christmas holidays are just around the corner, so what could be better than visiting the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy?

The coloured lights of the stands, the scent of freshly roasted chestnuts, the typical handicraft objects, the carols blaring from the loudspeakers, this is the magic that you can experience at this fantastic time of year at Italy's most beautiful Christmas Markets.

Don't always wait until the last moment to buy presents, but take the opportunity to buy something original, while enjoying the delicacies that only the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy offer during this magical period. They are great to visit with the family, where it is easy to meet Santa Claus, but also to ice-skate or take great selfies to send to friends and family to wish them a happy holiday.

In this article, I recommend the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy, the ones you absolutely must not miss. I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised that you decide to visit them!

Above all, going to a market is always a good opportunity to also visit the magnificent city that hosts it.

The 20 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy

Where to see the most beautiful Christmas markets in Italy

What are the 20 most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy? During the holy festivities, towns and villages are festively decorated with pretty lights, nativity scenes and all trees are adorned. Tourists might think that this time of the year is exclusively a religious holiday, but the truth is that we too are people who love to enjoy the folklore and popular aspects of this ancient tradition. That is why I am taking you on a tour of the 20 most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy.

On this page you will find a list of Italian cities and towns that host the most beautiful traditional Christmas Markets in Italy during the Advent season.

I will show you the 20 most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy from each region.

Each little wooden house or stand is characterised by handicrafts, food and wine products and a unique atmosphere that often corresponds to the spirit of the inhabitants of the area, typical of the place you are visiting. Thinking of old family recipes, handed down through generations, which have become the staple of regional Italian Christmas food. Cooked exclusively to celebrate with loved ones and which you can enjoy at this special time among the 20 most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy.

Here is a list of the 20 most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy that we at Visit Italy recommend you visit:

20. L'Aquila and the Christmas markets in the historic centre

L'Aquila Christmas markets

We are in L'Aquila, Abruzzo, where the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy will enliven the main streets of the city. They will be in the Town Park, in Duomo square, on Vittorio Emanuele Street and in the Castle Park. In little wooden houses, you will be able to find local handicrafts and gastronomic delicacies such as cheeses and cold cuts typical of this land, but also honey, spelt, saffron and lentils, sweets and nougats. Then, there are ceramics of Castelli, a farming village surrounded by clay gullies and above all small home accessories made of wood or copper and handmade costume jewellery. This is a city to visit, get to know and appreciate, so what better occasion than this fabulous festive period to do so?

Where and when:

● in Piazza Duomo, Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Corso Federico II, (dates coming soon).

● Harry Potter-themed, in the Old Town, on 15, 16 and 17 December 2023.

19. Matera Christmas Village: the most beautiful Christmas markets in Italy

Matera Christmas Village

In Matera, Basilicata, Italy's most beautiful Christmas Markets are held in a romantic winter setting, under artificial snow. What better setting, to visit them, than the city of the Sassi?

The city, whose conformation recalls the representation of the Nativity in a very evocative way, hosts the Living Crib in the Sassi.

We find, in the center of Vittorio Veneto square, Matera Christmas Village with the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy, where there will be no lack of typical and traditional products, various objects, gift ideas, themed handicrafts and, of course, mulled wine and chestnuts galore.

Attractions also include the Santa Claus House, Puppet Theatre, Lego Story, Bagpipes, Concerts, Christmas Carols and Street Performers. In fact, among the numerous stalls in the city streets, animating the gift shopping for friends and Christmas decorations, there are performances by street artists.

On the other hand, at the Tramontano Castle Park, an ice-skating rink is installed and there are several stands selling typical local specialities.

Matera Magic Christmas:

When: 1 December 2023 to 7 January 2024

Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Discover the Matera Pass

18. Experience the magical atmosphere of the Christmas Market in the capital city of Bruzio

Christmas magic in the capital city of Bruzio

Amidst unmistakable lights and colours, the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy in Cosenza, Calabria, return to let the whole community breathe in the air of the most eagerly awaited festivity of the year for young and old alike.

The location, strategically chosen for our facilities, makes it possible to reach the Bruzio capital in less than 5 minutes. This is ideal for those who want to visit Italy's famous Christmas Markets that enliven the town centre. They will be open, from the end of November and will be visited daily by hundreds of enthusiasts, as has always been the case.

The most beautiful Christmas markets in Italy are articulated in modular wooden huts for the sale mainly of Christmas decorations and nativity scenes making, but various kinds of merchandise are also displayed on the stalls.

People come from all over the region to visit the most famous Markets in Italy, attracted by the opportunity to buy decorations, the festive atmosphere and the traditional scent of sweets, typical of that period.

Where and when: Corso Mazzini and Piazza Bilotti, from Saturday 18 November 2023 to 06 January 2024.

17. Cadeaux at Limatola Castle

Cadeaux at Limatola Castle

Limatola's medieval castle is more than 1,000 years old; in fact, the first stone was laid in 1020, we find it in Campania, in the province of Benevento on a hill in a strategic position, in the upper part of the historic centre of the town.

In this evocative setting, the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy take place: 'Cadeaux al Castello' in Limatola. Enclosed in an evocative atmosphere, jugglers, figures, processions in Medieval costumes, stilt walkers, Gospel choirs, historical re-enactments, jesters, falconers and Santa Claus are ready to welcome and accompany young and old around the Castle walls and in its inner rooms to give everyone a truly magical experience. At Father Christmas's Big Cabin, you can take a souvenir photo for your children together.

To take part in Italy's most beautiful Christmas Markets, you must book and purchase your ticket on the official event website.

When: from Saturday 11 November to Sunday 10 December 2023.

Discover the Naples Pass

16. Italy's most beautiful Christmas markets in the city of two Towers

The Nativity in the city of two Towers

In the capital of Emilia Romagna, the appointment with tradition is renewed every year at Christmas time. Under the portico of the church of Santa Maria dei Servi, we find the Santa Lucia Fair, the symbol of the Bolognese festivities. You will find many wooden stalls selling tree decorations, decorations, items for the Nativity scene, sweets and gift ideas. Here, children will be able to leave their letters directly to Santa.

The most beautiful traditional Christmas Markets in Italy, on the other hand, take place near Maggiore square and the San Petronio Cathedral. Until Epiphany, it is possible to dive into this enchanted atmosphere with lights and colours that give a special charm to wire fence streets in the historic centre.

Davia Bargellini palace, one of the city's noble civil buildings, houses the Civic Museum of Industrial Art, where you can admire the artistic Nativity scene of the city of the two towers.

In Minghetti square, there will also be a French-themed Village, with festively decorated cottages, traditional transalpine fragrances and flavours, and above all many gift items from Provence and the Côte d'Azur such as tablecloths, soaps, lavender and essences and from Paris perfumes, fashion accessories and much more.

Enogastronomic offer is also very wide-ranging, thanks to the many types of cheeses, the vast assortment of wines, Breton biscuits, various types of chocolates and the famous macarons. And hot croissants and tasty baguettes will be baked in the 'Boulangerie'.

Where and when:

● Ancient Fair of Saint Lucy, Portico dei Servi - Strada Maggiore, from 10 November to 26 December 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

● French Christmas Village, Piazza Minghetti, from 25 November to 24 December 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

● Christmas Fair, Via Altabella, from Saturday 18 November 2023 to Monday 8 January 2024.

● Christmas Village Bologna, from 4 November 2023 to 7 January 2024, Fico Via Paolo Canali, weekdays 3.00 p.m./9.00 p.m.; Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 11.00 a.m./10.00 p.m.

● Solidarity Christmas Market - Ageop, Casa delle Associazioni del Baraccano Via Santo Stefano 119/2, from 17 to 19 November 2023, Fridays 3-7 pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10 am-7 pm.

Discover Bologna: Market Tasting Tour + audio guide

15. Trieste: a must for the most beautiful Christmas markets in Italy

Trieste Christmas

In Sant'Antonio plaza and the adjacent streets, as every year, the most beautiful Christmas markets in Italy are set up in Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia.

In a beautiful city like this, the atmosphere becomes truly magical thanks to the decorations and chalets full of colourful lights!

Like any self-respecting market, the offer ranges from original objects to a wide variety of gifts for relatives and friends, as well as a wide range of local products to enjoy with friends.

There are many little wooden houses waiting for you, most of them dedicated to the sale of objects. Some of them focus on gastronomic products, where you can find local specialities and traditional delicacies.

A strong point of this city is its proximity to Slovenia and Austria, so much so that these two states have influenced many of its culinary traditions.

Given the cultural mix that has always characterised this city, it is worth noting that the most beautiful Christmas markets in Italy will feature exhibitors from various states such as neighbouring Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary and Russia, but also Turkey, France, Ecuador and Lithuania. There will also be stalls with representatives from other Italian regions.

When: from Friday 8 December 2023 to Sunday 7 January 2024.

Where: in Piazza Sant'Antonio.

14. Viterbo Christmas Village

Viterbo Christmas Village

In Lazio, specifically in Viterbo, city with a rich artistic and cultural heritage, the Christmas Village comes to life. Amidst evocative squares and medieval villages, the numerous stalls display gift ideas, winter clothing such as hats and gloves, toys, but also books and much more.

The most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy, in true Nordic style, take place along the streets and squares of the city.

One event not to be missed is the characteristic living nativity scene.

Among the attractions scheduled to delight children, you will find Rudolph's stable, Santa Claus's Bank and House, the Children's Post Office, the Vintage Joust, the Nativity scene and the Befana factory.

There will also be a skating rink and a mini pony ranch for guaranteed fun.

When: from 25 November 2023 to 6 January 2024.

Where: Via San Pellegrino.

Discover the Viterbo Pass

13. GiuEle's Christmas: The Village of Finale Ligure

The Village of Finale Ligure

In Liguria, in Finale Ligure, is the most eagerly awaited Christmas event on the Riviera, by now a must in these parts, same location, same magic in the splendid Calvisio valley. Here you will find Dragallo, the exclusive mascot of the Village of GiuEle, doing the honours.

Enchanted atmospheres and new experiences for the whole family await you; there will be many attractions in Magic Land and Santa Claus World.

The most beautiful traditional Christmas Markets in Italy in classic wooden chalets with themed Shows will bring you true emotions. And you can have an exclusive opportunity with the GiuEle Fidelity Pass and Christmas Gifts for gift ideas. But also, the opportunity to have dinner with Saint Nick and the chance to sleep in the Village by choosing the hotel, residence or camping formula.

The offer is richer than ever thanks to the initiative "Together with those you love"; in fact, the Village supports the Gaslini Onlus association by donating a percentage of the proceeds for the young patients of the Giannina Gaslini Children's Hospital in Genoa.

The Village can also be reached by the Tartaruga Express tourist train, which connects it with Finale Ligure and Finalborgo, one of Italy's most beautiful villages. The train departs every half hour from Garibaldi square in Finalborgo and the historic centre of Finale Ligure.

Edition 2023 not planned.

This year the Christmas Village will be closed for renovation works and awaits you for the 2024 edition with many new features!

Take advantage of it and go to Genoa - St Nicholas Market

When: from 1 to 23 December 2023

Discover the Genova City Pass

12. The Markets of Creativity in Bormio in Valtellina

The Markets of Creativity in Bormio

Bormio is located in the heart of the upper Valtellina, in Lombardy. Here we find one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy, which is always very interesting, especially because of the snow in the background.

The stalls of the Creativity Markets will be set up in Crocifisso square, but we will also find other stands in Cavour Plaza and Roma Street, and above all in the historic Kuerc Plaza.

Among the stalls you can find many gifts, small local handicrafts of handmade creative works and tasty local products.

The atmosphere of the Christmas holidays here is enchanting, but the markets make it even more so with the lights, colours, scents and flavours of ancient Alpine traditions. Christmas shopping along the stalls enhances the magical Christmas atmosphere, which is even more fantastic if snow is falling from the sky.

Even Bormio, an ancient alpine village, in the historical and central Kuerc square, in keeping with tradition, organises its markets in the streets of the mountain village and what could be nicer, after a day spent skiing, to relax and take a fantastic walk in this wonderful Christmas atmosphere.

When: 1 and 2 December, 6 to 10 December, 15 to 17 December, 21 to 24 December 2023 and 26 December to 7 January 2024 in Piazzale del Ginnasio.

In addition, on the occasion of the Winter World Master Games, the Christmas markets will also be available and open from 11 to 21 January 2024.

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11. Candles in Candelara

Candles at Candelara

"Candles in Candelara" is the first of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Italy entirely dedicated to wax candles. The event takes place in the province of Pesaro, in the ancient medieval village of Candelara, in the Marche region.

Every afternoon, Candelara will be immersed in a unique and evocative atmosphere. In fact, two power cuts will be scheduled in the entire town, rendering it completely dark for 15 minutes. The village will thus remain illuminated only by the warm and reassuring light of candles, and at the end of the evocative event, many luminous balloons will be released into the sky.

Italy's most beautiful Christmas Markets made up of more than 60 small wooden houses, where the main protagonists will be candles, only in this place can you see them. To welcome you at the entrance, you will find a tower and the Advent wreath with the four luminous themes related to the Sundays preceding the Nativity Day, positioned on four floors.

After the entrance to the Castle, there will be a street dedicated to Nativity scenes and the Elves' Workshop, where the little ones will be able to deliver their little letters to Santa Claus. There will also be musical entertainment, stilt walkers and farmyard animals to stroke.

From the Pesaro railway station, it will be possible to reach the Candelara Markets, with departures every half hour, thanks to the free shuttle service.

When: 25 and 26 November 2023; 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17 December 2023.

Where: Strade del Borgo.

10. Campobasso Christmas Market

Campobasso Christmas Market

In a region such as Molise, which is characterised by nature and numerous historical and archaeological testimonies, Campobasso, the regional capital, stands out as one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy.

Here visitors can appreciate tree and crib decorations, handicrafts, typical products, but also books, games, wicker baskets and much more. Absolutely original handicrafts, the result of the exhibitors' manual skill and ingenuity.

As in the typical Christmas Markets famous in northern Italy, even in Campobasso it is possible to be enraptured by the magical atmosphere of the most traditional and eagerly awaited festival of the year.

Where and when: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, on 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22 and 23 December 2023 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; on 24 December 2023 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

9. Market of Borgo Dora, Turin

Market of Borgo Dora, Turin

Among the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy, we visit those in Turin, Piedmont, specifically in the Cortile del Maglio, the market in Borgo Dora.

The exhibitors and chalets, like every year, open in December and offer all kinds of typical Piedmontese, Italian and foreign Christmas decorations, with handmade products, food and wine. Shopping is ideal for getting original ideas for small handcrafted gifts.

There are many ceramics household objects, glass, clay sculptures with exhibitors from all over the world including Russia, Palestine, Thailand and many others. Ample space is also dedicated to nativity scenes, in fact a fantastic mechanical nativity scene is set up here every year.

But in addition to those in Turin, the entire Piedmont region is spoilt for choice for Christmas market lovers. Here we have selected our favourites in Piedmont for you. 

Where and when: Maglio courtyard in Borgo Dora, 7 to 24 December 2023 (dates to be confirmed).

8. Christmas markets and nativity scenes in Alberobello

The Nativity Scenes of Alberobello

Alberobello, in Apulia, is a magical place by nature, especially thanks to its beautiful trulli, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During the Christmas festivities the magic is even greater, in fact, at the beginning of December, the illuminations begin to decorate the Trulli of the town and bring with them a magical atmosphere until the Epiphany. We mix together with all this also the displays of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy that will be set up in the old town centre.

But the tradition continues this year with another edition of the Living Crib, an event that evokes the birth of God and the mystery of the Nativity. Anyone can take part in the Living Crib with due reservation required. Tickets will be available from the beginning of December, as always.

The Living Crib of Alberobello was born in the Monti district in 1970, but in the last 20 years it has been transferred to the Aia piccola district, which is the oldest area of the town. This is a unique event of its kind, staged by over 200 figurants who truthfully narrate the story of the Nativity.

The event, which will be free admission, will be held in the Aia Piccola district. Here, you will be able to admire the Nativity of Light, created thanks to the installation of marvellous illuminations, so sparkling that they shine in the dark nights.

When: 2 December 2023 to 7 January 2024, in the historic centre.

7. Most beautiful Italian Christmas markets in Cagliari

Most beautiful Italian Christmas markets in Cagliari

Sardinia's capital city also has its traditional most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy, full of stalls with products from various craftsmen and exhibitors, but above all with gastronomic specialities to be enjoyed.

Cagliari is the ideal place to get lost in order to fully breathe in the typical Christmas atmosphere, here it is now a tradition to set up the market in its streets. The city thus lights up as if by magic, lights, decorations, trees all decorated with a Christmas theme and the stalls that will be open until late in the evening, will allow magical walks at night, accompanied by the classic illuminations.

The most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy will be set up in Vittorio Emanuele Avenue, Yenne and Carmine squares. You will be able to find, among the stands, typical island delicacies such as typical sweets, cold cuts, and the famous Sardinian wines, all strictly Made in Sardinia. A choice that encourages domestic production by highlighting the excellence produced on the island.

Sardinian artisans, on the other hand, will find space in Garibaldi Plaza, skilled master manufacturers of ceramics, cork objects, wood, and much more.

For the little ones, Santa's Village will be set up in the extraordinary setting of the Music Park. A unique opportunity to experience the magic of the holidays, with the chance to meet Santa Claus and his little helpers.

On Immaculate Conception Day, the village will come to life with the Parade of the Nativity, which will start from Bonaria boulevard, until it arrives at the Music Park, where performances, plays and many Christmas-themed tales will continue to entertain the little ones, completely immersing them in the fascinating festive atmosphere.

When and where: from 1 December until 6 January, open from 9.30 am to 10 pm, in Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Yenne and Piazza del Carmine.

6. EricèNatale: the Village of Cribs

Ericè the Village of Cribs

In Erice, Sicily, the ancient tradition of nativity scenes, the sound of bagpipes and concerts merge with the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy.

Throughout the Christmas period, the courtyards, alleys and churches of the town will give life to a 'Borgo dei Presepi', enriching the atmosphere with illuminations, music and typical stands that will range from local handicrafts to tasty local products.

Don't forget to visit the 'world's smallest crib', made on the head of a pin.

The nativity scene is a tradition that comes to life and light, involving the entire community of Erice, which, armed with the most diverse materials such as cork, copper, iron, wood, ceramics, creates works of art.

Here you can enjoy not only the Nativity scenes placed in the various businesses and churches, but also the international festival of popular music and instruments 'Bagpipes from the World', the many concerts, exhibitions at cultural sites, travelling shows and, above all, the fantastic little houses of the traditional wooden exhibitors distributed around Loggia square.

Strolling among the stalls, in the heart of the historical centre, enveloped by the scent of mulled wine, it will be possible to find many gift ideas to choose from, including handicrafts, Christmas decorations and crib figurines.

Not to be missed will be Father Christmas' house to make the experience unforgettable even for the little ones.

Italy's most beautiful Christmas markets: EricèNatale - The Crib Village.

When: 8 December 2023 to 7 January 2024.

5. Christmas in Montepulciano

Christmas in Montepulciano

The most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy in Montepulciano, Tuscany, take place between San Donato Street and the majestic Piazza Grande. Here you can find our in-depth analysis on the whole Region.

At nightfall, the Piazza Grande is illuminated with a light show and animations on the historic palazzi. A few steps away from Piazza Grande is the medieval fortress, which houses the 'Santa Claus Castle'.

The Castle, imposing, majestic, full of rooms that can all be visited, festively decorated and full of surprises, is able to truly amaze everyone, children as well as adults. A large area near the walls is dedicated to the little ones, where they will be able to meet Father Christmas and his elves and have the chance to post the famous letter in a fairy contraption.

The town, as every year, is ready to welcome all those visitors who want to fully experience the magical atmosphere of these festivities by spending "Christmas in Montepulciano".

Of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy, the town's is one of the largest in Italy, with more than 60 stands set up for Christmas shopping and full of attractions for the whole family. Of course, thanks to tasty local sweets, street food and the ever-present famous Nobile of Montepulciano wine, your palates will be satisfied.

In fact, in this land, you cannot miss the opportunity to taste good wine. In collaboration with the Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, the Christmas Terrace will be inaugurated, where you will be able to sip the fine wine and savour the tasty local delicacies, in front of the breathtaking panorama that the magnificent terrace offers, in the heart of the historic centre.

When: 18, 19, 25 and 26 November 2023, on 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17 December and from 22 December to 7 January 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (on 25/12 only in the afternoon).

Where: Old Town, Piazza Grande and Via San Donato.

4. Christkindlmarkt in Bolzano

Christkindlmarkt in Bolzano

In Bolzano, Trentino Alto Adige, the Nativity takes on a special charm. The city centre is all lit up and traditional Christmas melodies accompany visitors on their strolls at all hours.

Behind the cathedral, in the magnificent Walther square, the so-called Christkindlmarkt, one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy, is set up.

The spectacular square has been home to the largest Christmas Markets in Italy for more than 30 years.

The typical and enchanting little wooden houses house dozens of exhibitors, the atmosphere is cosy and you will find the best offerings of local handicrafts.

Between the little houses, it is impossible to ignore the food stands. The delicious local products and South Tyrolean Christmas sweets enrapture the senses. The cold disappears, inexplicably, to make way for the warmth of the Christmas atmosphere.

With the colourfully lit stalls, the scent of mulled wine in the air, the music and the imposing tree all decorated, it feels like being in a fairyland, all of which gives the visitor a wonderful Christmas atmosphere.

The Bolzano Christmas market is the most important and longest-running market in Italy. Here you will find many events dedicated to adults, such as the presentation by important writers of their best sellers and to children, fantastic pony rides, carriage rides, toy trains and many other adventures.

When: 24 November 2023 to 6 January 2024.

Hours: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. On 24/12 it closes at 14:00, on 25/12 it is closed, on 31/12 from 10:00 to 18:00 and on 1 January from 10:00 to 19:00.

Where: Walther Square.

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3. Christmas at the Paolina fortress: the underground market

Christmas at the Paolina fortress

Perugia, in Umbria, known for being the green lung of the Italian peninsula, is enriched during the Christmas period by its most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy.

How is the Nativity Market, compared to all the others in the country, special? Simple: it’s an underground market!

In fact, it has been held for more than twenty years in the basement of a 15th-century fortress called Rocca Paolina. It is practically like being in a labyrinth that catapults you back to the old days, surrounded by the colours and scents typical of the Christmas festivities.

The city's historical centre hosts the Strenne Market. Circo Plaza will be filled with Christmas shopping stalls where you will find many toys, Italian handicrafts, ceramics and jewellery.

You will feel the spirit of this magical season everywhere you turn!

The town's ancient mediaeval streets take visitors on a journey through the scents, flavours, colours and foods of the local tradition that make this event unique.

In the Sala Cannoniera of the Rocca, you will find numerous workshops for children, where the little ones can try their hand at making toys, cribs, Christmas decorations and decide whether to take their work home or donate it to the less fortunate. Children will also have the opportunity to take a selfie or souvenir photo with Santa Claus.

Along the squares of the historic centre and in the town's villages, you can be accompanied by the historic 'Christmas Train', which will take you through all the events, traditions and atmospheres of Christmas.

Where and when: Rocca Paolina, from 16 December 2023 to 7 January 2024 (dates to be confirmed)

Hours: Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; 25 December from 3.30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

2. Italy's most beautiful Christmas markets: Marché Vert Noël

Most beautiful Christmas markets in Italy Aosta Valley Marché Vert Noël

In Valle d'Aosta, tra i Mercatini di Natale più belli d'Italia , non possiamo dimenticare di citare il Marché Vert Noël.

Un vero villaggio alpino nel cuore della città di Aosta, situato nella splendida cornice delle tre piazze del centro, Severino Caveri, Giovanni XXIII e Roncas .

Con migliaia di visitatori, il Marché Vert Noël è il mercato più frequentato del nord Italia. Condurrà i suoi ospiti, tra vicoli e angoli sapientemente decorati e illuminati, ad un'atmosfera unica. Potrai visitare i numerosi chalet ricchi di produzioni artistiche locali, di prodotti enogastronomici DOC e DOP, di artigianato tipico e di artigianato originale, ma anche gustarne le prelibatezze comodamente ai tanti tavoli e panche dove potrai sostare.

Lungo le vie del mercato saranno esposte le opere dei maestri artigiani del legno, capaci di trasformare i tronchi in opere d'arte così belle da scaldare il cuore e sorprendere grandi e piccini.

Nell'Area Archeologica del Teatro Romano, in una cornice unica, i maestri artigiani locali allestiranno il laboratorio 'Vers la Foire de Saint Ours'. Sullo sfondo delle antiche rovine illuminate, gli espositori proporranno una varietà di oggetti, decorazioni, gioielli fatti a mano e idee regalo speciali. Non mancano anche stand con prodotti tipici valdostani e buon vin brulè per scaldarvi!


Dove e quando: Piazza Caveri, Piazza Giovanni XXIII e Piazza Roncas, dal 25 novembre 2023 al 7 gennaio 2024, dalle 10:30 alle 20:00; apertura tardiva alle 14:00 a Natale e Capodanno.

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1. Christmas market in the City of Love and Storytelling

The Big Star of Christmas in Verona

The atmosphere of the stalls in Verona, Veneto, is truly contagious, but here it is the nativity scene that takes centre stage. In the city's famous Arena, the exhibition of cribs from all over the world takes place!

In Signori Plaza there will be the characteristic wooden houses where it will be possible to taste specialities such as goulash, strudel with cinnamon and digest everything with excellent grappa, while at the same time admiring the many handmade objects on display.

More than 100 small houses of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italy offer handicrafts and many gift ideas and Christmas decorations, made of glass, wood and ceramics, as well as gastronomic specialities and delicious Christmas sweets.

At the entrance to the city, in Bra square, with the Arena in the background, you can admire the large Star of Bethlehem, a special illumination that will welcome visitors and immediately immerse them in a characteristic Christmas atmosphere.

Visiting the Verona Market means diving into the magical tradition of the Nativity in the city of Love, where Romeo and Juliet, as if in a fairy-tale atmosphere, under the mistletoe held with a firm hand by Dante, will be able to kiss again!

When and where: from 17 November 2023 to 26 December 2023, in Piazza dei Signori, Cortile Mercato Vecchio and Cortile del Tribunale, Sunday to Thursday: 10 a.m. - 9.30 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

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Italy's largest Christmas markets

Italy's largest Christmas markets

Among the largest Christmas Markets in Italy, one could not miss the one in Montepulciano, characteristic for the typical local wine known all over the world. The oldest market, the one in Bolzano, hosts thousands of visitors every year who flock from all over to enjoy its magical atmosphere. But also, the market of Verona, the famous city of Romeo and Juliet's love and of Dante's narration.

Famous Christmas Markets in Italy

Famous Christmas Markets in Italy

It goes without saying that Bolzano's are Italy's famous Christmas Markets par excellence, and their fame is followed by Merano's, which is also unique. Not to take anything away from the other northern markets, which are also among the most famous in the world in terms of fame and spectacularity, such as Brunico, Bressanone and Vipiteno.

The 20 most beautiful, biggest and famous Christmas Markets in Italy

Most beautiful, biggest and famous Christmas Markets in Italy

Here is a list of the 20 most beautiful, largest and most beautiful, biggest and famous Christmas Markets in Italy which we at Visit Italy recommend you visit to experience the magic of the Christmas season alone or with the whole family:

● Aquila and the Christmas Markets in the old town centre

● Matera Christmas Village: the most beautiful Christmas markets in Italy

● Experience the magical atmosphere of the Christmas Market in the capital of Britian

Cadeaux at Limatola Castle

● Italy's most beautiful Christmas markets in the city of two towers

● Trieste: a must for Italy's most beautiful Christmas markets

● Viterbo Christmas Village

● GiuEle's Christmas: The Village in Finale Ligure

● The Bormio Creativity Markets in Valtellina

● Candles at Candelara

● Christmas market in Campobasso

● Market in Borgo Dora, Turin

● Christmas markets and nativity scenes in Alberobello

● Italy's most beautiful Christmas markets in Cagliari

● EricèNatale: the "Borgo dei Presepi"

● Christmas in Montepulciano

● Christkindlmarkt in Bolzano

● Christmas at the Rocca Paolina: the underground market

● Italy's most beautiful Christmas markets: Marché Vert Noël

● Christmas market in the city of Love and Storytelling

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