Italy's 8 Best Christmas And Winter Markets

As Christmas approaches, there is nothing better than planing a winter trip. Italy is magical at this time of the year and there are plenty of romantic and lovely winter markets that are worth a look. Here are 8 of Italy’s best Christmas and Winter markets you must plan your festive trip around.

Aosta, Aosta Valley

The Marché Vert Noël of Aosta turns the area of the old town near the magnificent Roman Theatre into a romantic alpine hamlet. It’s a pleasure to walk into the streets of the village, buy some gifts, such as craft candles, handmade soaps, ceramics and wooden handicrafts, and take in the breathtaking views over the old theatre.

Trento, Trentino Alto Adige

Market

Trento Christmas Market is one of the most famous in central Europe. It is known not only for the beautiful gifts you can buy, such as traditional decorations and nativity scenes, but also (and maybe mostly) for its gastronomic specialties. Once here don’t forget to taste polenta brustolada (grilled polenta), treccia mochèna (plaited pastry cake), and drink a cup of vin brulè(mulled wine).

Bolzano, Trentino Alto Adige

Market

For romantic atmospheres and stunning views, head to Bolzano, the capital city of Trentino Alto Adige and visit its pretty Christmas market. It is set just against the backdrop of the spectacular Dolomites, in the centre of the medieval town and with its golden lights turns the city into a magical place.

Verona, Veneto

Market

The town of Romeo and Juliet hosts a German-style winter market in the central square, the Nuremberg Christmas Market. Walking through the wooden huts you can do some shopping before tasting regional food specialties, such as vin brulè, biscuits, gingerbread and fruit cakes.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Veneto

Cortina d’Ampezzo is not only one of the chicest winter destinations in Italy, but also hosts one of the most beautiful and colourful Christmas markets in Italy. Spending here a whole day is one of the coolest things you can do in Italy during the wintertime, buying artisanal products, including wooden handicrafts, toys and candles, enjoying roasted chestnuts and traditional sweets, and listening groups of people who perform traditional Christmas songs.

Florence, Tuscany

The Weihnachtsmarkt, a German Christmas market in Florence, is inspired by the ancient winter market held in Heidelberg, Germany. It consists of almost sixty stands where operators from all of Europe sell artisanal products, wooden handicrafts, Christmas decorations and excellent delicacies from their countries.
Piazza Santa Croce, 50100, Florence, Italy

Rome, Lazio

Market

During Christmas time Rome has plenty of winter markets scattered throughout the city. The most frequented is the Christmas Market of Piazza Navona, located in the famous central square. If you are in the Eternal City in December and want to buy nice gifts for your family and friends, come here, you’ll not be disappointed.

Naples, Campania

Market

The most famous winter market in the south of Italy is the Naples Christmas Market located in San Gregorio Armeno street. To be honest, this via is open all the year long and famous all over the world for its handcrafted hilarious figurines. In December they all come together to form a superbly colourful nativity scene.

About the author

Francesca Masotti

Coffee-addicted, autumn enthusiast and self-taught photographer – I am Francesca, a travel journalist. After living in Italy and Spain, now I spend my days in the lively city of Tirana, Albania. If I'm not exploring the Balkan peninsula, you’ll find me at the local food market or writing about my travels.