Sicily is a fascinating region at any time of the year, but during the festive season it becomes even more memorable thanks to the Christmas lights that highlight the architectural features of its historic buildings, narrow alleys, and stairways.
Don’t miss the chance to visit this wonderful island during the Christmas holidays and discover its traditions, culture, and outstanding food and wine products through the Christmas markets in Sicily. In many Sicilian cities, preparations get underway for one of the most magical and distinctive events of the season — let’s explore them together.
Christmas markets in Sicily: let's discover the most characteristic of 2025
The Christmas markets in Sicily are coming! Can you already feel the Christmas atmosphere in the air? The wooden stands, the decorations, the scent of sweets, candied fruit and candyfloss. The sound of bells, bagpipes and typical Christmas songs. We have tried to collect some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Sicily and Father Christmas Villages, those with a magical atmosphere for young and old. An opportunity to get together as a family and discover the evocative Christmas atmosphere that children particularly love.
A favorite with children is the Milazzo Christmas market, with its typical Father Christmas house, where the little ones can wrap their mail and enjoy the numerous entertainment events dedicated to them, perhaps leaving their parents to enjoy shopping with the sea air and the pleasure of strolling along the picturesque Marina Garibaldi.
In this suggestive Art Nouveau location, a tree-lined avenue immersed in greenery leads us among the little Christmas houses in an atmosphere where time seems to stand still to attract and immerse visitors in this unforgettable setting.
Besides Milazzo, here are the other Christmas markets in Sicily not to be missed in 2025:
- EricèNatale
- Christmas Markets in Palermo
- Christmas Town Catania
- Christmas Markets of Rometta Marea
- Christmas Markets in Viagrande
- Christmas in Caltagirone
- Christmas in Acireale
- Christmas Markets in Calatafimi Segesta
- Santa Claus Mill in Novara di Sicilia
Christmas 2025 in Sicily: a journey through flavors, traditions, and enchanting atmospheres
Sicily’s Christmas markets are always a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the festive atmosphere with a unique touch. Thanks to its mild climate even during the winter months, the island offers the chance to immerse yourself in diverse settings: those who love the sea can choose coastal towns, while mountain enthusiasts can head to the villages of the Nebrodi or the slopes of Mount Etna.
For those seeking a combination of both experiences, Sicily’s Christmas markets offer events that blend tradition, local craftsmanship, and typical flavors, all set in charming locations that transform squares, alleys, and historic centers into little festive worlds. Strolling among the lights, market stalls, and entertainment of Sicily’s Christmas markets is a way to experience a holiday that unites culture, fun, and magic.
Even in 2025, the organization of the events maintains a high standard, with carefully curated offerings and atmospheres that captivate both locals and visitors alike. Just like in the 10 fascinating markets we are about to explore together.
10. Christmas markets in Sicily: the magic of Christmas in Erice
The Erice Christmas Market is a special occasion to visit one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Sicily, with its unique, unforgettable charm and wonderful panorama. During the Christmas period, the town dresses up for the event 'EricèNatale - Il Borgo dei presepi'.
Located just 45 minutes from the Segesta Archaeological Park, this charming town awaits you with exhibitions, shows, Christmas markets, concerts, bagpipes and, of course, cribs. Don't miss the musical shows that are organised throughout the town during the event. A not-to-be-missed event in one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy for Christmas atmosphere lovers.
When: from December 6, 2025, to January 6, 2026, in the historic center of Erice.
9. Christmas markets in Sicily: the Christmas Fair in Palermo
The Christmas markets in Sicily in Palermo are impressive, a city that should be seen for the first time from the sea, with domes carved into the tuff and buildings reflecting the light from the greenery of the palm trees and gardens. The elixir of the Mediterranean, where you will find delicious Christmas markets in Sicily in this city, a chance to discover the delightful face of the Sicilian capital, stalls full of handicrafts and original Christmas gift ideas.
For this new edition, the Palermo Christmas Village 2025 expands with spectacular new areas designed to surprise and delight both children and adults:
- the Elves’ Rope Course, a suspended adventure fun and accessible for everyone;
- Christmas Balloon Dance, a playful experience combining music and movement;
- the Grinch Game, to test your Christmas spirit against Santa’s mischievous foe;
- Toboggan Ice, a brand-new icy slide!
When: from December 6, 2025, to January 6, 2026, at Pavilions 16 and 20 of the Fiera del Mediterraneo in Palermo.
8. Christmas Markets in Catania: Christmas Town
Come to Sicily’s Christmas markets in Catania and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of a traditional Northern European Christmas market. In this way, the magic of Christmas through art and craftsmanship reaches an extraordinary location in the Sicilian capital, transforming the Le Ciminiere Exhibition Center into a true Christmas Village.
Here, 30 artisans from all over Italy will showcase their creations, including unique items, decorations, and gift ideas. It will be an unforgettable experience for both children and adults, surrounded by lights, ornaments, and typical Northern European Christmas market scenery.
When: from December 6, 2025, to January 6, 2026, at the Le Ciminiere Exhibition Center.
7. Christmas markets in Milazzo
Milazzo is famous for its harbour, the village from where it is possible to sail to the Aeolian Islands, and the Castle of Frederick II, of Aragonese origin, with a preserved Norman tower at its centre, at the highest point of the walled city. Milazzo also offers its own Christmas Market: an ancient and elegant Christmas fair with all the charm of wooden shelves and centuries-old traditional houses, a triumph of decorations and cribs, food and wine delicacies, wrought-iron objects, glass handicrafts, and ceramics, candles, furnishing accessories and delicious gift ideas.
Stroll through the historical center and taste local specialties at the stalls in Milazzo, one of the must-see Mercatini di Natale in Sicilia. And after enjoying the festive atmosphere, take advantage of the port connection to visit the stunning Aeolian Islands.
When: from 24 November to 24 December 2025.
6. Christmas markets in Rometta Marea
The Rometta Marea Christmas market is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Sicily and is ready to welcome visitors with a magical Christmas spirit. The event has become a real focal point with its 40 wooden houses, where local merchants and artisans display their beautiful products and decorations, as well as food and wine. Street food is one of the most popular areas with its 1,000 square metres of stands, where you can enjoy wood-fired pizza, fried pizza, porchetta (roast suckling pig) and traditional Messina dishes, as well as typical sweets.
Everything can be enjoyed comfortably seated thanks to the tables and chairs in the marquee. There is also musical entertainment, shows and cultural events for all ages. A place that delights and entertains the whole family. The Christmas markets of Rometta Marea are generally set up in Piazza S. Padre Pio.
When: early December.
5. Christmas markets in Viagrande
In the municipality of the Etna Park, Viagrande, the cultural association Gli Amici del Borgo Viscalori e degli Antichi Borghi, under the auspices of the Viagrande community, present the Christmas Markets in Sicily exhibition under the banner of the state of art and culture in a prestigious and unique setting like an ancient princely palace: Palazzo Partanna.
During the Christmas period, the Palazzo dei Principi Turrisi Grifeo in Partanna hosts artisans, artists, creative people, writers and poets who promote Sicilian tradition by presenting typical products and concerts. Father Christmas and his Elves await all children amidst fairy tales, fantasy, dreams and magic.
When: 2025 dates to be confirmed.
4. Christmas in Caltagirone: Markets and Cribs
A well-known event for many years, Christmas in Caltagirone is known throughout Italy for its wonderful nativity scenes, curated by the Amici del Favo association. An opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas in an exceptionally beautiful historical setting.
The center of the Christmas market is Piazza Umberto, the square in front of the cathedral. Don't miss 'Natale in Vetrina', an exhibition of ancient and modern nativity scenes and Christmas creations made by skilled ceramists from Caltagirone.
When: from 1 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, 'Luigi Sturzo' Gallery and in Piazza Umberto.
3. Christmas in Acireale: 'Itinerario dei Presepi' and Christmas markets
If you think Acireale only celebrates Carnival, you will be surprised to see how many Christmas events are scheduled in this enchanting spa town. During the Christmas period, the streets of the centre of Acireale come alive with festivity. Many associations and organisations organise events and markets for families and Christmas lovers.
Did you know that Acireale has a nativity scene created in a cave of volcanic origin? It is located in a small church called Santa Maria della Neve, better known as 'A Rutta', the cave, site Santa Maria la Scala in the municipality of Acireale.
When: between December and January, in the historic center.
2. Christmas Markets in Calatafimi Segesta and the Village in the Eufemio Castle
Get ready for Sicily's largest elf village and Father Christmas's house. A chance to experience the magic of Christmas with the children. A little train will take you directly to Father Christmas's Village at Castello Eufemio.
Adults and children can enjoy the elves, decorations, stories and the magical Christmas spirit. In the historical center of Calatafimi Segesta, beautiful nativity scenes are set up, one of which is a living nativity scene, and there will be stalls from the Christmas Markets in Sicily.
When: December 26, 28, and 29, 2025, and January 4, 5, and 6, 2026, in the historic center.
1. In Novara di Sicilia: Santa's mill and Christmas markets
Novara di Sicilia, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, is one of the most beautiful Christmas events in the province of Messina. Inaugurated on 30 November 2019, the Santa Claus Mill, housed in an old water mill, offers moments of pure magic for the whole family. With Santa Claus, the inevitable elves, lights, the classic Christmas markets in Sicily and the living nativity scene.
When: 2025 dates to be confirmed.
About the author
Written on 21/11/2023

Simone Spolitu
Which are the best Christmas markets in Sicily not to be missed? We at Visit Italy have selected 10 not to be missed in 2025.