The magic of December in Italy: 10 unmissable events in 2024

This time of year, Italy provides unforgettable experiences for the whole family. From Christmas markets to festivals and food fairs dedicated to winter products, there are endless opportunities to experience Italian culture in a special way. Here are the must-see events to fully enjoy the magic of December.

The Christmas markets in Bolzano and Trento are among Italy’s most famous, featuring wooden stalls and local handicrafts. In Bolzano, the aroma of mulled wine and Christmas sweets fills the air, while Trento offers Trentino specialties and handmade decorations, capturing the magic of the season.

Things to do and see in Bolzano:

- Shop for local crafts: You’ll find unique handmade items like glass and ceramic Christmas decorations, wooden sculptures, and traditional South Tyrolean textiles. Each stall offers an opportunity to take home a piece of local culture.

- Savor South Tyrolean delicacies: At the Bolzano market, you can sample treats like dumplings, freshly baked pretzels, buckwheat cake, and the traditional Christmas fruitcake known as zelten. Don’t miss the mulled wine, perfect for warming up on chilly December nights.

-Special Events: Throughout the Christmas season, the market hosts traditional music concerts, Christmas choirs, and shows for children. On Sundays in December, look out for special events like artisan workshops and activities for kids.

-Horse-drawn carriage rides and historical Carousel: To add a magical touch to your visit, Bolzano’s Christmas market also offers horse-drawn carriage rides through the city center and a vintage carousel that’s a favorite among children.

Useful Information: The Bolzano market generally begins in late November and lasts until Epiphany (January 6), with extended hours on weekends. Entry to the market is free, though some specific events may have an additional cost.

In Trento, the Christmas market takes place in Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti. Known as the "City of Christmas," Trento offers an even more immersive experience with festive decorations and lights adorning the city’s historic center.

Things to do and see in Trento:

-Taste Trentino specialties: Trento’s Christmas market is famous for its culinary delights, including polenta, carne salada (cured beef), artisanal cured meats, and local cheeses. Mulled wine is also a staple, served with sweets like strudel and apple fritters.

-Visit Santa’s House: For families with young children, Santa’s House is a must-visit. Located in the heart of Trento, kids can meet Santa Claus, take part in creative workshops, and enjoy magical moments designed just for them.

-Nativity scene exhibit and ice sculptures: Trento also hosts a beautiful exhibit of handcrafted nativity scenes and ice sculptures made by both local and international artists. Every year, artists create pieces depicting the nativity or elements of Trentino culture.

-Christmas Concerts and Street Performances: The city organizes classical and traditional music concerts in various churches and squares, as well as street performances that add energy to the festive atmosphere. Concerts in the beautiful Piazza Duomo are particularly popular with visitors.

Trento’s market also starts in late November and lasts until early January. During the holiday season, the city offers special packages for those who want to explore both the markets and its numerous museums, such as the MUSE (Trento’s Science Museum) and Buonconsiglio Castle.

Saint Lucy’s Day, the feast for the patron saint of Syracuse, is celebrated every year on December 13 with one of Italy’s most spectacular processions. A silver statue of Saint Lucy is carried from the Cathedral to the Basilica of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro, accompanied by thousands of devotees, bands, and a candle-lit escort that lights up the night. During the celebration, it’s customary to enjoy arancine (or arancini), a staple of the Sicilian Christmas feast.

Related Events: In the days that follow, cultural events, concerts, and markets enrich the celebrations, providing an immersion into Sicilian traditions.

Just like Christmas, the anticipation of Saint Lucy’s arrival is a magical time for all children. In early December, they write their letters, listing the toys they hope to receive. Unlike Santa Claus, however, Saint Lucy doesn’t arrive on a sleigh pulled by reindeer; instead, she rides through the city streets on her little donkey. After ensuring that the children have behaved well throughout the year, she leaves her gifts. So, on the morning of December 13, the little ones find their presents waiting to be unwrapped.

From December 7-10, Milan hosts the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Fair, a historic event dating back to 1510. Near the Sforza Castle, vendors offer Lombard specialties, antiques, sweets, and Christmas gifts. This fair is a must-see for anyone visiting Milan during the festive season.

Things to do and see:

-Discover local handicrafts: The fair is renowned for its stalls selling handmade jewelry, ceramics, and toys.

-Taste lombard delicacies: From local sweets like panettone to roasted chestnuts, this fair is a haven for traditional food lovers.

-Festive Atmosphere: With Christmas carols, activities for children, and a lively ambiance, the fair is a must for those who want to enjoy Milan’s Christmas spirit.

Although it primarily takes place in November, many events of the Torrone Festival continue into December, drawing visitors from all over Italy. Cremona celebrates its famous nougat with historical reenactments, tastings, and shows in the heart of the city. It’s a must for those who want to indulge in this traditional Italian holiday treat. Here visitors can taste artisanal nougat varieties, from traditional to innovative flavors.

The festival also includes performances reenacting the wedding of Bianca Maria Visconti and Francesco Sforza, an event to which nougat’s origin is attributed

In Merano, South Tyrol, the Christmas market is a truly sensory experience. Among the stalls, visitors can find handcrafted products, especially renowned handmade candles, artisanal textiles, and wooden decorations, along with local specialties. Be sure to try the speck, dumplings, and krapfen, typical of the region.

What makes this market unique is the presence of performances, music, and creative workshops for children, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Known for its ceramics, Caltagirone in Sicily hosts an exhibition of handcrafted nativity scenes that attracts visitors from across Italy. Created with care by local artisans, these nativity scenes reflect a historic Sicilian tradition. The streets of Caltagirone come alive with lights and colors to celebrate Christmas in a special way. Not to be missed is the Santa Maria del Monte staircase, decorated for the occasion and a true symbol of the city.

Additionally, the city organizes events related to ceramics and Christmas traditions, offering visitors a chance to take part in the celebrations.

In Modica, Sicily, one of the city’s most renowned products is celebrated: chocolate. During December, the city hosts a fair dedicated to artisanal chocolate, featuring stalls, tastings, and cooking workshops. The fair offers live demonstrations where visitors can learn about traditional chocolate-making techniques.

On this occasion, visitors can enjoy a variety of flavored chocolates, including the famous cinnamon and chili varieties. It’s the perfect opportunity to savor Modica’s unique chocolate, made according to an ancient Aztec recipe.

To complete the experience, concerts and performances add a festive touch to the event.

The Christmas lights in Salerno are one of Italy’s most spectacular holiday events. The city in Campania lights up with artistic installations that decorate streets, squares, and gardens, creating a magical atmosphere. This event attracts visitors from all over the country, with its lights and colors transforming Salerno into a fairytale setting. Additionally, craft and sweets stalls, along with Christmas concerts and choirs, bring extra festive cheer to the city.

Luci d'Artista, now in its 19th edition, features many events to complement its light installations:

- “Fairy Tales for Luci d'Artista” – at the Augusteo Theater on December 7, 21, and 29, 2024, and January 6, 2025.

- “The Castle of Mischievous Elves” – at the Santa Sofia Complex every weekend from December 6, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

- “Jazz in Light” – in Piazza Portanova on December 5, 12, and 19, 2024.

This year, Charles Dickens’ tale, "A Christmas Carol", adapted as a performance, will be staged on December 26, 2024, during Salerno’s holiday light festival at the Augusteo Theater.

Every December 31, Venice rings in the New Year with spectacular celebrations. St. Mark’s Square and the city’s streets come alive with performances and fireworks, with light displays over the water and music filling the night.

New Year’s Eve in Venice is a unique experience, offering the chance to admire the lagoon city in one of its most enchanting and romantic forms.

Matera’s living nativity scene is one of Italy’s most evocative Christmas events, set in the famous Sassi, an ancient neighborhood carved into the rock and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The nativity scene takes place in this unique and deeply atmospheric setting, making Matera the perfect place to relive the ambiance of Bethlehem from two thousand years ago.

Things to do and see in Matera during the Living Nativity scene:

-Watch the Nativity reenactment: Actors in period costumes portray scenes from the nativity, creating an immersive experience throughout the streets and caves of the Sassi. The scenes are illuminated with soft lighting to recreate the atmosphere of ancient Bethlehem, transporting visitors back in time.

-Explore the Sassi of Matera: Visiting the Sassi becomes even more enchanting during the Christmas season when the stone streets and houses are adorned with lights and handcrafted nativity scenes. Walking through the narrow lanes of the Sassi offers unique views and an undeniably magical ambiance.

-Attend cultural and Christmas events: During the nativity scene, Matera hosts numerous related events, such as sacred music concerts, exhibitions of artisanal nativity scenes, and art displays. Every year, guided tours are also available, offering deeper insights into the history and art of this extraordinary city.

-Discover local cuisine: During the living nativity scene, visitors can enjoy local delicacies from Basilicata, such as Matera bread, "peperoni cruschi" (crunchy dried peppers), and "cartellate", traditional Christmas sweets.

Dates and useful information: Matera’s living nativity scene typically takes place in December, with additional performances through early January. Advanced reservations are recommended, as this event attracts visitors from all over Italy and abroad.