As you would expect, most of Italy’s big cities host a Christmas market. More information about the Christmas markets in Italy, city by city, can be found elsewhere on our blog. But, many of Italy’s smaller towns and villages are not to be outdone and host equally enchanting festive markets in the run up to Christmas which we can recommend just as much. Here’s our guide to some of our favourites…
Govone Christmas market
South of Turin, between Alba and Asti, in the region of Piedmont, sits Govone. In the setting of its Savoy royal castle, the Magico Paese di Natale takes place every weekend in the run up to Christmas. During this period, the whole village essentially transforms into Santa Claus’ magic kingdom. Around 100 stalls sell a range of festive gifts, decorations, food and drink, whilst musicians and street performers add to the festive atmosphere. The children will love the daily musical performance featuring Father Christmas himself and the grown-ups will definitely appreciate the Magic Kingdom wine shop where you can sample the incredible wine that this region is so famous for. So popular is it that it has actually now become the third most visited Christmas market anywhere in Italy!
Bolzano Christmas Market
Admittedly, Bolzano is one of Italy’s cities but it’s certainly not a city as well known as Florence, Milan or Rome. However, when it comes to Christmas markets, Bolzano certainly sets the bar. For those unfamiliar with the city, Bolzano is situated in the south Tyrol in the north of Italy. The gateway to the Dolomites, its Medieval city centre is enchanting and never more so in the run up to Christmas.
From the end of November through to January each year, its central Piazza Walther is lit up and filled with approximately 80 traditional wooden chalets selling an eclectic range of traditional crafts, decorations and foods. Entertainment is arranged for both adults and children and the atmosphere can’t fail to get you in the festive spirit!
Levico Terme Christmas Market
An hour south of Bolzano and 15 kilometres southeast of Trento is Levico Terme in the Trentino-Alto Adige / South Tyrol region of Italy. Here, the Hapsburg Secular Park is a magical setting for dozens of wooden houses that make up the market. The park’s trees are shrouded in lights, whilst beneath, stallholders sell handcrafted gifts, leather goods, decorations, mulled wine and typical foodstuffs. Children will love the fact that Father Christmas is here with his elves and they will have the opportunity to hand deliver their Christmas letters to him in person.
Montepulciano Christmas market
Montepulciano is one of our favourite towns in Tuscany and it plays host to the largest Christmas market in central Italy. The central Piazza Grande and Via San Donato in Montepulciano is filled with wooden stalls which spill out on to the adjoining streets. Children will also have the opportunity to meet Father Christmas himself in his castle here!
In early December, the market is open at weekends only but then opens daily a few days before Christmas through to 6 January. It’s even open on Christmas Day in the afternoon! The stalls sell a delightful array of handmade goods, festive decorations and foodstuffs. Top tip from us is to enjoy a glass of the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano to warm yourself up after browsing the stalls.
Gubbio Christmas market
When it comes to Christmas, Gubbio is possibly more famous for its gigantic Christmas tree than its market. Stretching 650 metres high and 350 metres wide, covering the slopes of Monte Ingino and including over 3000 coloured lights, it has been the world’s largest Christmas tree since 1991.
But, another event that takes place in Gubbio is the life size nativity scene in the San Martino neighbourhood of the town. For a few weeks over the Christmas period, approximately 120 statues along with a few local residents bring to life the nativity in Gubbio’s streets and alleyways. This may not be the traditonal Christmas market as you know it with stalls and gifts but it’s just as charming.
Merano Christmas market
Back in the north of Italy in the region of South Tyrol is another Christmas market which we can highly recommend if you’re looking to get in the festive spirit. Situated on the banks of the River Passirio, the Christmas market in Merano is incredibly atmospheric. Wooden advent huts, life-size nativity scenes and beautifully decorated Christmas trees will all bring a large smile to anyone’s face! Wrap up warm and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets or book a visit with Santa Claus himself! Since this region borders both Austria and Switzerland, don’t be surprised to hear plenty of German spoken here and to find lots of Austrian influences on what is sold on the market stalls.
Sant’Agata Feltria Christmas market
In Emilia Romagna, about an hour west of Rimini, is the charming village of Sant’Agata Feltria. Every year, this village hosts Paese del Natale (the Country of Christmas). The central Piazza Garibaldi is filled with market stalls, the sound of bagpipe music fills the air and beautiful handmade nativity figures are displayed in its narrow streets and alleyways.
Families with children should make a beeline for Father Christmas’ house where you will find plenty of events organised to keep little ones entertained, including reindeer pulling a sleigh! And when you feel a bit peckish, sample one of the special ‘advent dishes’ (piatti dell’avvento) that the local restaurants have prepared.
With less than a week to go until Christmas Day, we hope that we’ve got you well and truly into the festive spirit! Which leaves us to simply say… Buon Natale!