Which are the best Christmas markets in Sicily not to be missed? We at Visit Italy have selected 10 not to be missed in 2023

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The Christmas markets in Sicily have always been an eagerly awaited event. In many Sicilian cities the machine is set in motion to prepare one of the most magical and characteristic events of the period: let's discover them together. If you are in the mood for the mountains, head for one of the most popular locations on Mount Etna or the Nebrodi Mountains, while if you are a lover of the sea here you have plenty of options. In fact, you are on an island, but if you want a bit of everything and don't want to miss a thing, you can instead head to one of the typical Christmas markets in Sicily. In this region you can count on a mild climate even in the winter months and on an impeccable organisation that for years has been offering Christmas markets in Sicily in the most exciting places on Italy's largest island.

Sicily is in itself a fascinating region at any time of year, but in this festive month it becomes an even more memorable place thanks to the Christmas lights that highlight the architectural features of the historic buildings, alleys and stairways. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this wonderful island during the Christmas holidays and take the chance to discover its traditions, culture and fantastic food and wine products thanks to the Christmas markets in Sicily.

Christmas markets in Sicily: let's discover the most characteristic ones together

Christmas markets in Sicily

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 favourite 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. Visit Sicily's Christmas markets, this is one of the places that further emphasises the special magical atmosphere of hilltop towns a stone's throw from the sea.

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'. Exhibitions, shows, Christmas markets, concerts, bagpipes and, of course, cribs await you. 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 08 December 2023 to 07 January 2024

Where: Erice historical centre

Did you know that you are only 45 minutes away from the Segesta Archaeological Park? Take advantage of our offer.

Discover the Segesta Archaeological Park

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. The entire city is full of places to admire and buy gifts of all kinds and shapes, and a great place to start could be the nativity scene set up in the famous Cappella Palatina in the Palazzo dei Normanni, one of Palermo's most precious treasures. More than 100 exhibitors are expected, visit the markets in the historical centre in Piazza Castelnuovo and the Christmas Fair in front of Pagliarelli.

Christmas Fair: Viale regione siciliana, difronte Pagliarelli, from 28 October 2023 to 07 January 2024, Monday to Friday from 16:00 to 23:00 and Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 16:00 to 24:00.

8. Christmas Markets in Catania: Christmas Town and the Street Market

Come to the Christmas markets in Sicily held in Via Minoriti in Catania and you will find a beautiful stand with the magical atmosphere of a traditional Northern European market. So the magic of Christmas in art and handicrafts reaches an admirable place in the Sicilian municipality, in an Art Nouveau villa from the early 1900s, surrounded by greenery, where 30 artisans from all over Italy present their creations. The Street Market will take place at the Exhibition Centre, which will be transformed into a real Christmas Town for the occasion.

Christmas Town: Le Ciminiere Exhibition Centre, from 8 to 30 December 2023

Street Market: from 30 November to 28 December 2023, in Via Minoriti

Christmas markets: Piazza Università, Via Etnea, Palazzo Biscari

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 centre and sample typical products at the stalls of the Milazzo Christmas Markets in Sicily.

Take advantage of the port connection to the Aeolian Islands and go to Lipari. Take advantage of our offer and visit the Museo Archeologico Regionale Eoliano Luigi Bernabò Brea.

Scopri il Museo Archeologico Regionale Eoliano Luigi Bernabò Brea

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 set up in Piazza S. Padre Pio.

5. Christmas markets in Viagrande

Christmas markets in Sicily: 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.

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 centre 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.

From 1 December to 7 January, '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. 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.

Historical centre, December and January

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 centre 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.

Old Town, 09, 10, 16, 17, 23, 26 and 30 December 2023 and 06 and 07 January 2024

1. In Novara di Sicilia: Santa's mill and Christmas markets

Novara di Sicilia: 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 Father Christmas Mill, housed in an old water mill, offers moments of pure magic for the whole family. With Father Christmas, the inevitable elves, lights, the classic Christmas markets in Sicily and the living nativity scene.

Contrada Giorginaro, 3, 8, 9, 10, 17, 18, 23, 25 and 26 December 2023 and 1 and 6 January 2024, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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LA DOLCE VITA

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