Christmas in Europe is beautiful, and in charming Italy, it is sparkly! The Catholic country brings together all the lovely ingredients for a wonderful experience. Everyone feels the festive spirit in Italy, and guests will get into it while walking in the vibrant piazzas, marveling at beautiful neighborhood cathedrals, listening to joyful music, admiring beautifully decorated city streets, and sitting at a trattoria that offers the most delicious local foods. Whether a chic Christmas in Milan, a traditional one in Govone or Brixen, or a Mediterranean one in Trieste, people will find the most extraordinary Christmas markets in Italy. Home to mouthwatering pastries, homemade pasta, and the best wines, and famous for their stylists and artisans, guests won't be concerned about finding the best gifts during their Christmas holidays in Italy. Here are the 10 most beautiful Christmas markets to visit.
10 Milan
Travelers from around the world visit the outdoor event in Milan, hosting over 60 market huts spread around the magnificent Duomo, offering traditional Christmas products. The festive Market offers a wide variety of food and combines culture, tradition, and discovery. Visitors can participate in exciting workshop activities, charity initiatives, and entertainment for kids and meet many artisans who will exhibit their artistic wares. They can also end their journey at some of the most chic hotels in Milan.
- Opening dates: 25th November 2022 - 6th January 2023 (TBC)
- Accommodation: Leonardo Hotel Milan City Center
- Address: Via Messina 10, 20154 Milan, Milano
- Amenities: Fitness Center, Restaurant, Free WiFi
9 Trieste
At Trieste Christmas Market, people will find beautiful gift ideas, artisanal items, and typical Central European gastronomic specialties. The Market begins in Piazza S. Antonio with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a holy feast attended by many Christians, particularly of the Catholic faith. The Market hosts a living crèche with real animals to entertain the kids.
- Opening dates: 7th December 2022 - 1st January 2023 (TBC)
- Accommodation: Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste - Starhotels Collezione
- Address: Riva Del Mandracchio 4, 34124 Trieste, Trieste
- Amenities: Fitness Center, Free WiFi, Restaurant
8 Verona
Known as one of the top tourist destinations in Italy, charming Verona is unique at Christmastime. During this jolly season, the Piazza dei Signori is immersed in a world of all cheerful and merry things. The location boasts beautiful buildings and architecture, and the streets are decorated with twinkling lights, shades of red and green, and enchanting aromas of food. The Market features food and delicacies, from chocolates, the Venetian pandoro star-shaped Christmas cake, warm slippers, mulled wine, cheeses, and soap.
- Opening dates: 5th November 2022 - 8th January 2023
- Accommodation: Hotel San Marco Fitness Pool & Spa
- Address: Via San Marco, 11, 37138 Verona, Veneto
- Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Spa and Wellness Center, Fitness Center
7 Govone
One of the most important Christmas events in Italy takes place in Govone. Travelers head to his incredible Christmas village to watch the magic kingdom of Santa Claus and feel the stunning Christmas vibes in this charming village. In winter, the entire town of Govone transforms into a unique cultural and gastronomic place. It boasts a dreamy musical show of Santa Claus in the Savoy royal castle of Govone. The excellent Christmas market features artisans from all over Italy and is home to a street food area and a wine shop, where visitors can find all the local delicacies.
- Opening dates: 12th November -18th December 2022 (only weekends).
- Accommodation: Stella Delle Langhe
- Address: Via Giuseppe Romita 8A, 12040 Govone, Cuneo
- Amenities: Indoor Pool, Spa and Wellness Center, Free WiFi
6 Bolzano
Considered the Italian capital of Christmas, Bolzano is home to "Christkindlmarkt," the most awaited pre-Christmas event in Italy. The city is filled with beautiful colors, traditional carols, Christmas sounds, and stunning lights illuminating its beautiful streets and its historic center. Piazza Walther and the old town boats the Christmas market, featuring decorations and items made of glass, wood, and ceramics, as well as gift ideas inspired by traditional crafts. Visitors also try delicious Christmas cakes, such as the "Zelten" of Bolzano.
- Opening dates: 25th November 2022 - 6th January 2023.
- Accommodation: Hotel Stiegl Scala
- Address: Via Brennero 11, 39100 Bolzano, Bolzano
- Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Fitness Center, Free WiFi
5 Merano
The Tyrol holiday traditions are magical in Merano's beautiful spa town. The Christmas Market boasts various stands featuring Christmas decorations, traditional fabrics, wooden statues, and musical boxes. Visitors will enjoy a promenade along the Passirio river lining the 80 beautiful stands, and savor local Tyrolean food products, including the apple strudel, the South Tyrol Tagliatelle di Schüttelbrot, the Leberknödel dumplings, all paired with mulled wine, and cakes while listening to the music of bands.
- Opening dates: 25th November 2022 - 6th January 2023.
- Accommodation: Hotel Laimerhof
- Address: Jaufenstr. 82, 39010 Merano, Bolzano
- Amenities: Free WiFi, Free Parking, Pets Allowed on Request
4 Venice
Venice city becomes a tiny Christmas village with stunning decor and countless lights illuminating the streets and canals. The Piazza di San Marco boasts cute wooden stalls, beautiful Christmas trees, decorated streets, small Concerts, and kids' entertainment. Travelers will try treats and special delicacies, including a creamy almond-studded nougat, fruit-filled panettone from Verona, and delicacies made with white truffles from Alba.
- Opening dates: 25th November 2022 - 6th January 2023.
- Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Venice Mestre San Giuliano
- Address: Via Orlanda, 1, 30173 Venice, Veneto
- Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Spa and Wellness Center, Fitness Center
3 Brixen/Bressanone
A unique Christmas atmosphere prevails in the Cathedral Square in Bressanone/Brixen and boasts hundreds of tiny lights. The Christmas market offers various original gift ideas from the area's traditional Alpine craftsmanship, as well as mulled wine and local specialties, all combined in a cheerful evening atmosphere. People will also listen to the light music of "Soliman's Dream," hosted in the beautiful courtyard of the Bishop's Palace/Hofburg.
- Opening dates: 25th November 2022 - 6th January 2023 (TBC).
- Accommodation: Tourist Hotel
- Address: Via Dante, 28, 39042 Bressanone/Brixen, Bolzano
- Amenities: Free WiFi, Free Toiletries, Complimentary Breakfast
2 Turin
Located at the Cortile del Maglio, the Borgo Dora market in Turin is one of the best traditional Italian Christmas markets. It is home to Christmas decorations, glittering lights, stalls with food, wine, ornaments, fabrics from all over the world, and famous Torino chocolates. There's also a unique themed market selling vintage clothes, art, and vinyl. People try festive delicacies like agnolotti and risotto with toma cheese.
- Opening dates: 12th November 2022 - 18th December 2022 (only weekends).
- Accommodation: Hotel Concord
- Address: Via Lagrange 47, 10123 Turin, Torino
- Amenities: Restaurant, Free WiFi, Business Center
1 Florence
Florence's lively Market is an old tradition that began in Germany and has since spread to nearby regions in Italy. German-style, open-air wooden stalls are filled with local and international products. This Market boasts fine antiques, jewelry, and delicious treats. People sample international delights such as Dutch crêpes and Austrian pastries, and Kürtőskalács covered in delicious toppings such as cinnamon and chocolate with mulled wine to warm them right up.
- Opening dates: 19th November 2022 - 18th December 2022
- Accommodation: Ville Sull'Arno
- Address: Lungarno C. Colombo 1/3/5, 50136 Florence, Tuscany
- Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Spa and Wellness Center, Fitness Center