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From our editorial team
Christmas markets have long been part of the festive season in Italy too - but each market has its own charm and is strongly characterised by the region in which it takes place. From small mountain villages to historic towns, there is so much to discover here that you can enjoy Italy's diversity to the full, even in winter.
Here is a brief overview of some particularly beautiful markets that are worth a visit in 2024/2025:
Milan: Festive hustle and bustle in the heart of the city
Milan is transformed into a real winter wonderland in December. Piazza Duomo, framed by the impressive walls of the cathedral, is home to the "Mercatino di Natale", a classic Christmas market in Milan. The market runs from 1 December to 6 January and is simply an experience with its festively illuminated stalls and small huts.
In addition to handmade jewellery and decorations, there are typical Milanese delicacies such as panettone, and the whole atmosphere around the piazza is simply atmospheric. Another market is in the Giardini Pubblici, where you can stroll through the greenery and browse the Christmas stalls in a cosy atmosphere - also a must for December visitors. The market runs here from 16 November to 6 January.
South Tyrol: Christmas fairytale scenery in the mountains
The original South Tyrolean Christmas markets are in a class of their own - from 29 November to 6 January in Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, Brunico and Vipiteno. Merano celebrates the Merano Christmas, which not only offers a festive market, but also a small winter programme with ice skating, children's attractions and a guided tour of the town by lantern light. In Sterzing, the Christmas market is set against the beautiful backdrop of the old town centre. With its closely packed houses and the mountain landscape in the background, it couldn't be more fitting.
The market in Bolzano is known for traditional handicrafts and specialities from the region, such as South Tyrolean speck or homemade mulled wine, which you simply have to try. Bruneck follows suit with a similar charm: Here, the wintry atmosphere mixes with lots of little attractions such as a children's wooden ball track or live music from Wednesdays to Saturdays. Ice skating and children's carousels. The Christmas market in Brixen is considered one of the most beautiful markets in South Tyrol due to its wonderful backdrop, the Hofburg, Cathedral Square and St Michael's. Christmas romance in its purest form. There are more than 30 stalls selling handmade art and delicacies, as well as an ice-skating rink and live music.
Rome: Christmas magic in Piazza Navona
There are Christmas markets in various places in Rome throughout December, but the most famous is probably the one in Piazza Navona. The piazza is transformed into a festive setting with handmade nativity figures, Christmas treats such as torrone (nougat) and a lively entertainment programme. If you want to experience the Roman Christmas spirit, this is the place to be.
From 1 December 2024 to 6 January 2025, the square will be transformed into a real Christmas village. The magic of the lights that illuminate Piazza Navona, together with street artists and live performances, create a Christmas atmosphere for eternity.
Trentino: Alpine idyll and Christmas tradition
In Trentino, you can experience Advent the Alpine way. Pergine Valsugana starts its Christmas market on 9 November and runs until 6 January. With a mixture of traditional craftsmanship and regional specialities, there is a warm, family atmosphere here. This year, for the first time, there is a special children's family area, which is heated and also offers a great programme for children.
Rango, a picturesque mountain village just 36 kilometres from Trento, offers one of the most authentic markets in Italy from 16 November to 31 December. The narrow streets and old stone houses are decorated for Christmas and the stalls offer typical mountain produce: chestnuts, mountain cheese and hot mulled wine. Rango has been listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy since 2006.
Veneto: Romantic holidays in Verona
Verona, the city of love, also has a wonderful Christmas market, which is set up around the Piazza dei Signori from 15 November. Until 26 December, you can stroll through the stalls here, savouring Veronese delicacies such as Pandoro and handmade arts and crafts. The market has a special atmosphere, especially in the evening when the old town is illuminated - a real tip for anyone who wants to enjoy a romantic Christmas in Italy.
Christmas markets in the Dolomites
The markets in the Dolomites are smaller, but all the more authentic. The Rittner Christbahnl on the Ritten starts on 29 November and runs until 29 December. Here you can stroll along the historic railway station and enjoy the quaint stalls stocked with speck, cheese, gingerbread, mulled wine, traditional soups and regional pastries.
In Ortisei, the Christmas village opens from 5 December to 5 January, surrounded by the snowy mountains. This market is small but nice and known for high-quality handmade wood carvings - also good for finding a special Christmas present. Rustic wooden huts greet visitors along the pedestrianised area. This year, the market is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Festivities on Lake Garda: Arco
There are also some wonderful markets on Lake Garda, such as the one in Arco. The Christmas market starts here on 15 November and remains open until 6 January 2025. The lights in particular are an experience here: large, illuminated installations bathe the town in warm light and there are traditional dishes such as roasted chestnuts and polenta - hearty and simply fitting for the season.
Aosta: Christmas market between mountains and history
From 23 November to 6 January 2025, Aosta in the Aosta Valley is hosting the "Marché Vert Noël" Christmas market, which takes place in the central Piazza Chanoux next to Roman ruins. This setting creates a unique Christmas atmosphere, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the mountains. There is a mixture of handmade gifts, culinary delights and nativity scenes - an authentic mountain Christmas market.
Specialities in Naples and Genoa
In Naples, the Christmas spirit reigns from January to December in Via San Gregorio Armeno, which is world-famous for its year-round display of Christmas figures and nativity scenes. But it is only in December that the final Christmas sparkle is added. Then the Via becomes a magical spectacle of lights and decorations. And along the way, you can sample the most marvellous delicacies. The market takes place from 7 to 30 December. Ancient craftsmanship, historic streets, it doesn't get more emotional than this.
The various Christmas markets in Italy show how different the country itself is at Christmas time. Whether in the mountains, by the lake or in the big cities - each market has its own charm.
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