The 20 most beautiful Christmas markets in Central and Southern Italy 2025

Christmas markets are a centuries-old tradition born in the Middle Ages. They were first mentioned in 1434 in a document drafted in Dresden, where the first fairs of small artisans began. Since then, they initially spread throughout Northern Europe and later across the world, including Italy.

There are many Christmas markets in Italy worth visiting. Certainly, the first that come to mind are those in Northern Italy, particularly in Bolzano. But here we would like to introduce you the most beautiful Christmas markets in Central and Southern Italy for 2025, the unmissable ones for your next holidays.

With its mix of sparkling lights and enveloping scents, Christmas is always joyfully and intensely celebrated also in Central and Southern Italy. In the most beautiful cities in the Centre and South of the Boot, during this magical time of year, the streets fill with colors, music and stalls, for cheerful and relaxing days to spend with your loved ones. And among the most expected events that come back every winter to enrich villages and cities, Christmas markets naturally hold a place of honor.

If you love regional winter specialties, handmade objects and fairy-tale atmospheres, the wooden stalls will surely be the perfect excuse for a short festive getaway. The destination? You’re spoiled for choice: from the heart of Latium to the medieval villages of Umbria, from the lights of Campania to the Sassi of Matera, not forgetting the stunning Tuscany and the trulli of Alberobello in Apulia, many beloved Christmas events in our regions are confirmed.

In this guide, we’ve gathered the most enchanting and popular Christmas markets in Central and Southern Italy for 2025 to help you plan your next trip.

Forty-five minutes from Rome, between Sutri and Viterbo, Vetralla hosts the magical Kingdom of Santa Claus.

From September to January, 7 days a week, an over 3,500 square meters-auditorium is entirely dedicated to Christmas. Born in 2012 as the most beloved Christmas decorations store, it has gradually become an actual immersive experience.

Along the classic route you'll find themed areas filled with decorations, lights, nativity scenes, LEMAX villages, gifts, collectibles and more, in a magical atmosphere. Numerous street food stalls and funny attractions are also available, including the slot car track, the CarosElf carousel, the MagicTrain, and the FantasyCups. For the 2025 edition, the splendid Victorian Village — set in the Victorian age, like being in A Christmas Carol — is confirmed, along with the unmissable ice-skating rink.

Alternatively, visitors can choose the Midnight Enchantment, an interactive route of 11 themed rooms for both kids and adults.

This year again, weekends will host entertainment and shows, especially for children, and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus and the other Characters of the Kingdom.

The weekly change of decorations also remains a unique feature, offering a constantly renewed experience!

Until January 6, 2026

The medieval Castle of Limatola, in the province of Benevento, celebrated its thousandth anniversary in 2020: its first stone was laid in 1020. The castle is located in the upper part of the historic center, strategically positioned on a hill. In this enchanting setting, the Cadeaux at the Castle Christmas Markets take place.

 Surrounded by a magical Christmas atmosphere, jesters, jugglers, stilt walkers, costumed performers, Medieval parades, Gospel choirs, historical reenactments, falconers and of course Santa Claus welcome visitors along the fortress perimeter and inside its halls. The Great Santa’s Lodge is also present, so you can take a souvenir photo with Santa Claus.

Now in their 16th edition, the markets of Limatola draw visitors from all over Campania and will certainly see record attendance again this year. Tickets on the official website are required.

On November weekends 2025: 7–9, 14–16, 21–23, and continuously from November 28 to December 14, 2025

The saying goes: “All roads lead to Rome” and this applies to Christmas Markets too. Among the most beautiful for 2025 is the Fantastic Santa’s Castle in Lunghezza, just outside the Capital, a noble mansion crowded by gardens and a three-hectares park. This medieval castle gives its name to the area of Lunghezza, in Rome’s eastern zone between Via Collatina and Via Tiburtina.

As a beloved Christmas tradition, the castle hosts Santa Claus once again in the Throne Room, to let his little guests welcome. Other themed areas include the Cheerful Post Office, the Toy Factory, the Snow Fairy, the Elves’ Village in the Castle Courtyard, Santa’s Art Gallery, the Grinch’s Tavern, the Sleigh Shed, and many more. A joyful experience in a magical and timeless setting.

Booking and tickets on the official website are required.

From November 16, 2025 to January 6, 2026

If you are wandering what to do in Florence in December 2025, you should know that Christmas will undoubtedly be the star. The Christmas Market in Piazza Santa Croce is an annual tradition and a must-see not only for locals but also for tourists.

In the heart of the Renaissance Cradle, you’ll find a fascinating route among nativity objects, Christmas decorations, gift ideas and gourmet temptations - a long-run journey through traditions and local tastes. Last but not least, children can access Santa's House, to leave their letters in the mailbox.

From November 15 to December 21, 2025

Let's stay in Tuscany but move to Arezzo. The Tyrolean Village returns for its 9th edition in Piazza Grande, a highly anticipated event for 2025 as part of Arezzo City of Christmas.

In the city center, over 30 wooden huts will offer original gift ideas, objects and handmade products in classic alpine style. At the three Gourmet Huts, you can also taste beers, hot mulled wine and typical specialties, from pretzels to dumplings, and of course traditional desserts.

On all four sides of the square, the Big Lights Show returns, dressing the surrounding buildings in colors and light.

The largest Christmas market in Italy, featuring exhibitors from Tyrol, Germany and Austria, also showcases the best of local Tuscan crafts.

Additional confirmed events include:

- Santa’s House in the Medici Fortress

- Brick House Art, a coloured bricks-based exhibition

- Guided tours of Arezzo’s historic center

From November 15 to December 28, 2025

This year again, Montepulciano in the province of Siena welcomes visitors to experience the magical Christmas atmosphere with Christmas in Montepulciano.

One of the largest Christmas markets in Italy, with over 60 wooden huts filled with shopping and attractions for the whole family, it stretches from Via San Donato to the majestic Piazza Grande, offering a vast pedestrian area. At dusk, Piazza Grande lights up with an animation show on historic buildings.

The medieval fortress near Piazza Grande will once again host the Castle of Santa Claus, where children can meet Santa and his elves and post their letters in a magical contraption. A pony ranch will also be available.

November 22–23, 29–30; December 6–10, 13–14, and 20 through January 6, 2026

Gubbio… It’s Christmas! has been a signature event in this lovely Umbrian town for a long time, with its activities focused on celebrating Christmas. First and foremost: the lighting of the Tree.

On the slopes of Mount Ingino, since 1981, the world’s largest Christmas tree — recognized by the Guinness World Records — comes to life. It is the silhouette of a fir tree created by placing over 800 lights of various types and colors on the hill behind the beautiful medieval city, creating a truly unique and special chromatic effect. The star at the top is made up of 200 lights and covers an area of 1,000 square meters. The silhouette extends all the way to the basilica of the patron saint, Sant'Ubaldo.

The Gubbio tree is turned on every year on the eve of the Immaculate Conception, December 7 and stays on every day, from sunset to late night, until early January.

The Christmas market offers handmade products, gifts and food treats and side events: ChristmasLand, a space with labs and games for children, an ice rink, the North Pole Ferris wheel and a life-size Nativity Scene through the streets. Visitors can also take the Gubbio Express Christmas Train or the Colle Eletto Funicular for a close-up view of the Tree.

Another must-see is the “Francis and Brother Wolf” exhibition, focused on Saint Francis of Assisi and his bond with animals.

From November 22, 2025 to January 6, 2026

Christmas in Mombaroccio is a must-see for Christmas market lovers in the Marche region.

Set inside the medieval village of Mombaroccio, in the hills of Pesaro and Urbino, the market features over 30 stalls along the main streets and charming wooden huts displaying artisanal items, gift ideas and Christmas-themed objects. At the Flavors Cloister, local food and wine specialties await you throughout the day, while concerts and music go on. The Castle in the village is lit up, creating a fairytale setting.

Children can enjoy the Winter Landscape, Mountain Landscape, Artisanal Nativity Atmospheres, and visit Santa's House and workshop.

The highlight is the “Magical Snowfall” in piazza Barocci, a delicate 15-minute cascade of snow accompanied by music and light effects—held at 4:45 PM, 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

November 29–30, December 6–7–8–13–14, 2025

Now in its 22nd edition, Candele a Candelara is the first Italian Christmas market entirely dedicated to candles. It is held in the ancient medieval village of Candelara, in the province of Pesaro.

Each afternoon, the village is immersed in a unique atmosphere thanks to two scheduled blackouts, each lasting 15 minutes. The village is then illuminated solely by candles and at the end of the event, glowing balloons are released into the sky. This dream-like setting features the stroll through the more than 60 wooden huts of the market, where candles and handmade products are the main sold items.

Visitors are welcomed at the entrance by a tower and an Advent wreath.

Beyond the entrance to the castle, you will find a street dedicated to Nativity Scenes and the Elves' Workshop, where you can deliver your letter directly to Santa Claus. You can also play with ponies, go sledding, and admire many acrobats and street performers and join to guided tours. 

A free shuttle from the Pesaro central station runs every 30 minutes. 

November 22–23–29–30, December 6–7–8–13–14, 2025

Let's go back to Latium. At the Varroniane Thermal Baths in Cassino, in the Southern part of the region, lies the enchanting Bosco delle Favole, a fairytale -themed park entirely dedicated to children, open all year round and full of attractions. Here the annual Magical Santa’s Forest is held, offering activities for kids and a large Christmas market. There is also the Elves’ Post Office, the Toy Factory and Santa’s Throne Room.

Bookings and tickets on the official website are required.

From December 7, 2025 to January 6, 2026

Back to Viterbo, a city of great artistic and cultural heritage, where the Christmas Village has taken place since 2016. Amid medieval buildings and charming squares, Nordic-style stalls display toys, gifts, clothing, accessories, books and more.

The live Nativity Scene is a highlight. Other attractions include Santa’s House, the Magic Wagon, the Ice World, Rudolph’s Tree, the Children’s Post Office, the Befana’s House, Santa’s Bank, the Grinch’s Home and the Nativity Scene. A pony ranch and ice rink are also available.

And finally, the absolute novelty for 2025 is the Slitta Express VR, a mechanized sled on which you can enjoy an immersive experience thanks to special VR headsets, with special effects and realistic animations through virtual reality.

From November 15, 2025 to January 6, 2026 

In Abruzzo, the Christmas markets of L’Aquila animate the historic center but with a more spectacular twist. The Magic Fair blends Christmas with the world of magic academies - so it is truly unmissable.

Now in its 8th edition, the fair includes a themed stalls market selling gift items, magical wands, potions, mysterious charms and original street food.

VR events for adults and children are scheduled, too, as well as escape-room sessions and “Bewitched Snitch” tournaments. You can even learn how to prepare real magical potions in a dedicated workshop.

December 11–14, 2025

The historic center of Castellabate, on the Cilento coast, fills with stands for the Christmas Markets in the Borgo of Castellabate 2025.

Set in the Cilento National Park, one of the most beautiful village of Campania dresses up in festive lights, traditional melodies and over 30 stands offering handmade items and local culinary specialties. A perfect chance to admire a village famously used as the set of the movie Benvenuti al Sud, and a beloved summer tourist destination.

December 6–8, 12–14, 19–21, 2025

In Avezzano, 50 km from L’Aquila, the Christmas markets rank among the most beautiful ones in Southern Italy. Throughout December, you can explore the spaces of Magic of Christmas, an event that draws visitors from across the whole Abruzzo.

In Piazza Risorgimento, wooden huts offer toys, crafts and products for the family. Concerts, theater performances, local food stations with arrosticini and holiday delicacies are held.

There are also an ice rink and Santa’s House, for kids who want to give him their letter, and then the Elves’ Workshop, the Candy Kingdom and Santa’s Train for a nice trip. 

From December 8, 2025 to January 7, 2026 | Piazza Risorgimento

Let’s get back to Latium; fans of hipster culture will love Giftland – The City of Gifts, the Christmas market by the Vintage Market, an organization whose core mission is recycling. In the Ostiense district, during two December weekends, 200 exhibitors present vintage products, handmade crafts, local artisanship, design clothing and accessories, vinyls, books, prints, home décor and plants.

Food stands, workshops and labs for kids are also included—plus, of course, a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus.

December 6–8, 13–14, 2025 | San Paolo District, Via Alessandro Severo 48

Let’s stay in Latium but move to Greccio, home to one of the most beloved Christmas markets in the region. This medieval village at 705 meters altitude has a huge symbolic meaning thanks to its twinning with Bethlehem and being the site where Saint Francis of Assisi created the world’s first Nativity Scene in 1223.

From late November to early January, the village turns into a large Christmas village showcasing nativity-themed craftsmanship. The Market Exhibition of Nativity Art and Objects is held here.

Among the festive wooden chalets, you’ll also find stalls with local specialties like saffron, honey and black pig from the Reatini Mountains — plus Santa Claus himself, of course.

From November 29, 2025 to January 6, 2026

Urbino prepares for Christmas with events, exhibitions, Renaissance settings, high-quality crafts, historic markets, shows, dances, music and traditional food and so on. This and more will take place during the Winter Duke Festival, a major event for the city.

This is the winter edition of the famous summer festival, featuring a live Renaissance Nativity and a reconstruction of a Renaissance-style Christmas square.

In Piazza della Repubblica, the Christmas markets take place with music and performances. A special area for children includes board games, giant chessboards and Renaissance-style activities. Local dishes like polenta with mushroom sauce, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine can also be enjoyed.

Palazzo Nuovo hosts the scenes of the Live Renaissance Nativity, inspired by Perugino’s “Adoration of the Shepherds,” and a market exhibition featuring glass art, printing houses and Casteldurante ceramics.

Dates to be confirmed

One of Perugia’s symbolic sites, the Rocca Paolina, once again hosts its Christmas Markets. For over 20 years, all kinds of stalls have been set up in the underground streets of the medieval fortress, offering crafts, gift ideas and food specialties.

The red stage of the Rocca Paolina will host theatre performances and fairytales for kids. Santa Claus will be available for greetings, photos and selfies.

From December 6 to 28, 2025 | Rocca Paolina

What better Christmas setting than the Sassi of Matera? As a city that naturally resembles a nativity scene, Matera hosts the famous Living Nativity in the Sassi along with its handamed market.

In the central Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the Matera Christmas Village features classic Christmas markets offering traditional products, crafts, gift items, mulled wine and chestnuts. Events include Santa’s Lodge, street performers, puppet theater, concerts, music shows and the unmissable tombola in the square.

From December 4 to 28, 2025 | Piazza Vittorio Veneto

Let’s close our journey in the beautiful village of Alberobello, in Apulia, a naturally magical place thanks to its UNESCO-listed trulli, its curious houses. During Christmas time, the magic grows even more: in early December the lights begin to adorn the trulli and illuminate the village until Epiphany.

Alongside traditional markets offering artisanal and gastronomic items, Alberobello hosts the legendary Living Nativity, an event that reenacts the mystery of Christmas and the birth of Christ.

The Living Nativity of Alberobello was born in 1970 in the Monti district but has been held for the past 20 years in the ancient Aia Piccola district. More than 200 performers reenact the Nativity story and ancient trades.

There is also the Nativity in Light also in Aia Piccola, a beautiful free-entry event where Nativity-themed light installations are projected onto the trulli - what an unforgettable way to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2026 in Puglia.

From December 6, 2025 to January 6, 2026 – lights on December 1

Getting into the festive atmosphere of Christmas markets in Central and Southern Italy gives you the chance to discover local winter traditions and enjoy a cheerful and vibrant mood.

From elegant Arezzo to the legendary Sassi of Matera, from Abruzzo’s villages to Umbria’s medieval towns, our central-southern regions turn into small fairy-tale worlds suspended in time, filled with the scents of culinary specialties.

 Also for Christmas 2025, you’ll have countless legendary events to choose from, to experience cities and towns with a more intimate and festive perspective.