Italy is home to many lovely Christmas markets that are much more varied and original than one might commonly think.
When you visit Italian Christmas markets, you will always find delicious seasonal food, Italian Christmas decorations, handmade crafts and gifts, and a unique atmosphere that reflects the spirit of those living there. Visiting the Mercatini di Natale is an excellent idea if you want to learn more about authentic Italian regional culture.
Let’s discover the cities with the most beautiful Christmas markets in Italy!
Florence and Arezzo (Tuscany)
Piazza di Santa Croce in Florence hosts a classic market in perfect German style. Alongside the local crafts and gastronomy exhibitors, you will also find food from various regions of Italy and other areas of Europe.
Arezzo Città Del Natale is a beautiful initiative that transforms this place into the city of Christmas with an impressive Tyrolean market, light shows, panoramic wheel and many events for all ages.
Trieste (Friuli Venezia Giulia)
The Christmas markets of Trieste adorn symbolic places of the city, such as Piazza Sant’Antonio and Piazza della Borsa, via Ponchielli and via delle Torri. Here, picturesque wooden houses become a haven for artisans offering a variety of gift items, handmade products and culinary delights, reflecting the warmth and friendliness of typical Central European markets.
Milan (Lombardy)
In Milan, you can find a classic German-style Christmas market in Piazza Duomo and a Christmas Village called Villaggio delle Meraviglie in Porta Venezia with games, lights and various events.
Before Christmas, on the occasion of Sant’Ambrogio (7 December), the centuries-old Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Fair takes place in Milan. Here, you can find many interesting gift ideas.
Rome (Lazio)
Piazza Navona, one of the most fascinating baroque squares in the world, hosts the traditional Mercatino della Befana loved by Romans of all ages for its Christmas crafts and delicious food.
Natale a Roma is an exhibition space at the EUR Lake Park where you can find a Christmas Village, Santa Claus’ House and an ice rink.
Villa Borghese is home to Rome‘s Christmas World, which catapults you on a festive journey around the world with scenographic installations, an international Christmas market, shows and photographic sets.
Naples and Salerno (Campania)
For a touch of Christmas magic at any time of the year, visit Naples and its narrow street of San Gregorio Armeno. Here, the art of the Presepe is so essential that it is always Christmas as Neapolitan artisans produce and sell figurines for nativity scenes, from traditional biblical characters to those of international celebrities and politicians.
Thanks to the famous Luci d’Artista light show during the festive season, Salerno transforms into a magical Christmas village with impressive artistic light displays.
Various cities in Trentino Alto Adige
The most famous Mercatini di Natale are those of Trentino Alto Adige, a region with many German-based traditions. After all, Christmas markets were born in Germany: an ancient document mentions their existence in Dresden as early as 1434.
There is no shortage of choice: you can visit beautiful Christmas markets in the towns of Trento, Molveno, Madonna di Campiglio, Rovereto, Merano, Bressanone, Bolzano, Vipiteno and Brunico.
Have you ever visited any of these Christmas markets in Italy? Did we miss your favorite Mercatino di Natale? Share your thoughts below!
Love Christmas? Here are some articles you might find interesting:
- Italian Christmas gift-giving traditions
- Traditional Christmas Dishes in Italy, from North to South
- Curious New Year’s Traditions in Italy
Sources:
https://travel.thewom.it/
https://www.mercatini-natale.com/
