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18 October 2024

Christmas markets in Italy

Christmas lights and decorations, Christmas trees, houses and stalls, handicrafts and local gastronomy to experience the emotion of the most magical holiday of the year
As the Christmas season approaches, Italian cities are preparing to be transformed into charming enchanted villages thanks to the traditional Christmas markets, wrapped in lights, colors and intoxicating scents. For those who want to experience the authentic magic of Christmas, visiting one of these markets is an unmissable experience.
 
The Christmas markets in Italy offer different and fascinating experiences for all tastes and ages, from the Tyrolean atmospheres of Trentino Alto-Adige to the traditions of Southern Italy. Walking through the Christmas markets does not only mean buying gifts to give, but immersing yourself in a unique atmosphere, rich in history, culture, crafts and typical culinary traditions. 
 
From the Alps to the large cities of central and southern Italy, here you will find a selection of particular Christmas markets of 2024 with the addition of some Christmas experiences to be lived, a suggestion to immerse yourself deeply in this unique atmosphere and bookable in advance on GetYourGuide.
 
Christmas market in Vipiteno
Among the most evocative Christmas markets in Italy, the one in Vipiteno (in the province of Bolzano) stands out for its unique and picturesque atmosphere. Located in the heart of the Alps, at an altitude of 948 meters, Vipiteno offers a postcard setting, where the old medieval houses and the Tower of the Twelve, the symbol of the city, are the perfect backdrop for Christmas lights and decorations. This market embodies the spirit of Christmas with a combination of alpine traditions, local crafts and typical gastronomy. The Vipiteno Christmas Market takes place in the historic town square and stretches along the streets of the old town. The wooden houses also offer handicrafts: from classic handmade Christmas decorations to ceramics, from wooden toys to boiled wool objects. You can also taste local culinary specialties: from typical desserts such as Zelten to heartier dishes such as dumplings and polenta. The market is open from November 24, 2024 to January 6, 2025, in one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
 
Mercatino di Natale a Vipiteno Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Christmas market in Vipiteno Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
 
Christmas experience in Vipiteno
Vipiteno near Bolzano and Austria, with its history and South Tyrolean traditions, is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy to visit in any season and not only during the Christmas markets. Discover the Walking Tour of Vipiteno, which is particularly impressive during the Christmas holidays.
 
Christmas Market in Milan
The Christmas holidays in Milan start with the week of Sant'Ambrogio (patron saint of the city) and the Oh Bej! Oh Bej!, one of the oldest and most beloved traditions of the city that traditionally takes place near the Sforza Castle, transforming the surrounding area into an anticipation of the Christmas holidays with proposals rich in history, culture and craftsmanship. This fair has its roots five centuries ago and is a true symbol of Milanese Christmas. Here you can find many typical products: from local crafts to Christmas decorations, from regional gastronomic specialties such as artisan panettone to traditional sweets, along with toys and vintage objects. In addition to Oh Bej! Oh Bej!, the city offers the Milan Christmas Market in Piazza Duomo where, in addition to the wooden houses with handicrafts, you can admire the imposing illuminated Christmas tree, a symbol of the city's holidays. The Milan Christmas Market closes on January 6, 2025 to coincide with the feast of the Befana, That "he takes away all the parties".
 
Mercatino di Natale a Milano Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Christmas Market in Milan Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
 
Christmas experience in Milan
During the holidays you can opt for Christmas walking tours in Milan, from the Banco di Garabombo to the Village of Wonders, admiring the colorful and illuminated markets. Discover the Christmas Tour in Milan.
 
Christmas Market in Brescia
In December, Brescia is transformed into a city celebrating Christmas in the streets of the city center. The Brescia Christmas Market colors the city that becomes magical and evocative for the duration of the holidays. Among the main squares involved are Piazza Vittoria, Piazza Paolo VI and Piazza della Loggia, where you can stroll among the stalls displaying handicrafts, Christmas decorations and local delicacies. During the holidays, the city is illuminated by festive lights and enriched by shows and events for adults and children, such as the ice skating rink in Piazza Mercato.
 
Mercatino di Natale Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Christmas Market Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
 
Christmas experience in Brescia
Discovering and admiring the city under the enchanted lights of Christmas is really exciting. You can choose a guided walking tour during the Christmas period by walking through the Christmas market and discovering the Christmas gastronomic specialties of Brescia.
 
Christmas Market in Florence
Florence is no less when it comes to Christmas markets. Several Christmas markets are held in the city and the most famous is Weihnachtsmarkt in Piazza Santa Croce, inspired by the traditional markets beyond the Alps, with many wooden houses displaying Italian products but also from all over Europe. In addition to classic handcrafted gifts, you can taste culinary delicacies such as frankfurters, grilled pork knuckles, pretzels, strudel, Tuscan panforte and mulled wine. The 2024 edition is enriched by shows and animations for all ages and there is also a skating rink and a Ferris wheel. The Christmas market in Florence usually starts from mid-November to mid-December.
 
Mercatino di Natale a Firenze Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Christmas Market in Florence Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
 
Christmas experience in Florence
Discover the beauties of the city of Florence during the Christmas period with an evocative two-hour Christmas walking tour in the authentic heart of the city. Discover the Walking Tour of Florence.
 
Christmas Market in Rome
The Christmas market in Piazza Navona in Rome is one of the most famous and loved in the capital of Italy. In addition to the classic stalls with decorations, sweets and toys, the atmosphere of the square is made even more special by the ancient rides and performances by street artists. The Christmas market is held from December 8, 2024 to January 8, 2025 and offers a unique experience in the heart of Rome, with the possibility of visiting the monuments near Piazza Navona such as the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps. Normally, the Christmas market in Rome, in addition to Piazza Navona, also takes place in other certain areas and streets of the city. You can also find Christmas houses and stalls here: Staircase of St. Peter and Paul; Fonte Laurentina via Guido da Ascoli; Largo Montanari (Castel di Leva); Via Aldo della Rocca; Piazza Cina; Piazza Guasta/via Jater Jacobelli; Piazza del Castello della Cecchignola; Piazzetta Rossa. The whole city, during the Christmas holidays, is enveloped in a magical atmosphere that invites you to discover passing through historic streets and important open-air monuments. 
 
Mercatino di Natale a Roma Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Christmas Market in Rome Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
 
Christmas experiences in Rome
There are several experiences that can be had in Rome during the Christmas holidays. For example, a guided walking tour of the Christmas Market and Nativity Scene in Rome or an excursion for a photo shoot on the Christmas markets in Piazza Navona, to immortalize the eternal city in a magical festive atmosphere.
 
Christmas Market in Naples
Naples is famous all over the world for its tradition of the nativity scene and the San Gregorio Armeno market in the heart of the historic center, which is one of the main attractions of Neapolitan Christmas. Here the artisans make nativity scenes and shepherds of all kinds, from traditional characters to the most modern and ironic. San Gregorio Armeno during the Christmas period the atmosphere is full of magic with stalls selling all kinds of decorations. Also not to be missed is the tasting of local specialties such as pastiera and struffoli. Every day until January 8, 2025, the Fair of S. Gregorio Armeno is held: the ancient art of the nativity scene while, in other streets of the city center, you can find Christmas stalls offering gift items, local crafts, typical products but also interesting Christmas shows and animations.
 
Christmas Market in Naples Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
 
Christmas experiences in Naples
Exploring the Naples Christmas Market and the handcrafted nativity scenes is a real magic. You can take a guided walking tour of the Naples Christmas Market or a chocolate and pastry tasting tour in the historic center of Naples, to delight yourself with a dessert and a renowned Neapolitan coffee during your visit to the city.
 
Christmas Market in Bari
The Bari Christmas market takes place in the most evocative parts of the city center with a setting up of Christmas houses in squares and streets. The Christmas market involves everyone thanks to a program full of events, shows, concerts and creative workshops, making the Christmas village a truly special experience for all ages. Usually, Christmas in Bari is inaugurated on December 6, the day of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of Bari while the Christmas markets in Bari take place from December 6 to December 26 (St. Stephen's Day). In addition, there is a large Christmas tree in Piazza del Ferrarese and Santa's village in Piazza Umberta with also a Ferris wheel.
 
Mercatino di Natale Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Christmas Market Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
 
Christmas experiences in Bari
To experience the authentic atmosphere of the city during the Christmas party, you can plan a tour that illustrates the beauties of the historic center and the magical Christmas markets around Bari.
 
Christmas Market in Matera
The Christmas Market in Matera, with all the Christmas events scheduled, takes place from 7 December 2024 to 6 January 2025, in the splendid setting of Piazza Vittorio Veneto, in the heart of the city. This event is a real Christmas village, with wooden houses that host local artisans and producers, offering different typical and handicraft products. During the market, you can enjoy a magical atmosphere, including sparkling lights, performances by street artists, dancing fountains and Santa Claus concerts. There is no shortage of traditional Christmas bagpipes and delicacies of the local cuisine, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, for an authentic Christmas experience. Also not to be missed is the Living Nativity Scene in the Sassi of Matera, an event that represents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas, within one of the most evocative contexts in Italy.
 
Christmas Market in Matera Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
 
Christmas experiences in Matera
The city of Matera is already a living nativity scene in itself, with its caves carved into the stones and the lights of the houses that dot the city at night. To admire the city of Matera during Christmas , you can take a tour of the city among lights, stalls and a very special festive atmosphere. You can choose, for example, a three-hour walking tour to discover Christmas in Matera with a professional local guide.
 
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By the Editorial Board of Avion Tourism Magazine
Photo and visual image: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

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