Christmas is coming and with it all the Christmas atmosphere that takes over Europe (and the world) at this time of year. And if there's one thing that's very traditional at the end of the year around here, it's the Christmas markets (Christmas Market) in Italian.
It is not known for sure when Christmas markets originated but the first records date from 1200 to 1300 in Germany, Austria, France and Switzerland.
From north to south, almost all cities in Italy organize these markets, which are generally open-air, like a fair, and sell everything from handicrafts, gifts, clothes, shoes, accessories, household items to food and typical gastronomic products. of each region. The variety is really wide and attractive.
Christmas fairs also take place in museums, palaces and castles, but they are more common in places such as squares, in city streets or in open spaces, spacious and suitable for this type of event, with easy access to the public.
Below, we list the main Christmas markets in Italy:
Christmas market in Bolzano (Trentino-Alto Adige)
Located throughout the historic center of Bolzano, especially in Walther Square, the Christmas market in this city in the far north of Italy is much more than one of the most traditional Christmas markets in the country. In addition to more than 80 stalls selling typical food and drinks, objects and decoration items, the attraction promotes cultural tours of the city's medieval buildings, such as museums and churches. The tour promises more: “an enchantment made of tradition, aimed at the most curious visitors who want to cross the threshold of local customs to live a magical moment”. We already want!
When: From November 29, 2019 to December 06.
Aosta Christmas Market (Aosta Valley)
Between November 23rd and January 06th, the Marché Vert Noel takes place, one of the most traditional Christmas markets in the Aosta Valley and Italy. A particularity of this fair is that it is located inside the archaeological ruins of a Roman theater from the time of Emperor Claudius, in the middle of the mountains, and has more than 50 wooden chalets decorated with garlands and lights. In addition to the market, visitors can enjoy the Alps and other medieval ruins in the city.
When: From November 23rd to January 06th.
Rovereto Christmas Market (Trentino-Alto Adige)
In the midst of lots of music, colors, lights, shows and nativity scenes, the market of Rovereto, in northern Italy, has traditional wooden houses as a backdrop and offers the best of local cuisine and handicrafts, all in one itinerary that crosses the historic center, fills the most beautiful squares of the city and allows you to discover XNUMXth – XNUMXth century buildings, medieval walls and museums with a special contemporary flavour. Unmissable!
When: From November 22, 2019 to January 06.
Trento Christmas Market (Trentino-Alto Adige)
Another unmissable market is Trento. The fair extends over two squares, Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti, both surrounded by ancient buildings that create an atmosphere of the Middle Ages. With snowy peaks in the background and the glow of Christmas lights, the various exhibitions, craft productions and flavors of food and wine provide special moments for visitors to the fair.
When: From November 23rd to January 06th.
Christmas Market in Turin (Piedmont)
Four squares in Turin host the city's Christmas market – Piazza Solferino, Piazza Castello, Piazza Santa Rita and Borgo Dor a Cortine del Maglio. In Piazza Solferino, in addition to good food and wine, the public can have fun on a large ice skating rink that is set up on site. Piazza Castello has dozens of wooden stalls full of gifts, local crafts and typical Christmas sweets, in addition to its beautiful constructions to be appreciated.
When: From November 29, 2019 to January 06.
Florence Christmas Market (Tuscany)
Piazza Santa Croce, in Florence, attracts the public for its beautiful decoration, the view of the beautiful homonymous Cathedral and the wide variety of products, not only Italian, but also from France, Austria, Germany, among other countries.
There is also the "Babbo Running", that's right, a 5 km race where all competitors are dressed as Santa Claus. It's guaranteed fun!
Florence Christmas still has the “Firenze Winter Park” which has an ice skating rink and Curling for the family.
To amuse the children, the fair includes Santa's house, where the little ones can write letters to the good old man.
When: Piazza Santa Croce – from November 20th to December 22nd.
Babbo Running – December 15th.
Firenze Winter Park – from November 20th to December 23rd.
Bologna Christmas Market (Emilia-Romagna)
Overlooking the traditional two towers of Bologna “Garisenda” and “Asinelli”, the Santa Lucia Fair takes place on Via Altabella and extends to several other points in Bologna. The event, which is the oldest in Emilia-Romana, dates back a few centuries and has richly decorated stalls offering handicrafts and Christmas gifts, original decorations for your tree, cribs and, of course, food, products and typical Bolognese wines.
In the small square in front of the Church, a kind of enchanted forest was set up for children, where Santa Claus' house is located.
From November 17th to December 26th.
Christmas market in Arezzo (Tuscany)
In Arezzo the great attraction is the “Tyrolean Village”. There are thirty-four stands open daily that form a kind of typical Tyrol village, the Italian-Austrian region of the country. In the charming wooden houses, handcrafted products from that region are sold, in addition to typical foods such as strudel, licorice, hot chocolate, sandwiches with melted cheese and the best apple ciders and beers in Tyrol. In addition, the event's rich program includes numerous events such as guided tours of Arezzo's historic center and shows with Tyrolean music and cocktails.
When: From November 16, 2019 to December 26.
Christmas market in Naples (Campania)
Representing the south of Italy, Naples also has a very traditional Christmas Market. This year, the Crib of San Gregorio Armeno gives life to the 148th edition of the city's Christmas Fair. And on the street with the same name, you can see and buy items from traditional Neapolitan nativity scenes.
Divided into four different spots, Christmas in Naples is very eclectic – In the Pozzuoli space, street food, sports and dance events are a guaranteed attraction for young people. Mercatino di Natale di Sun Park, on the other hand, is aimed at children and will have games, games and Santa's house, in addition to the market itself.
