Our guide to the best Christmas destinations in Italy – for a magical festive time in our favourite country.Â
Italy is often thought of more as a Spring and Summer destination than a place to head to at Christmas. But there are some wonderful places in Italy worth visiting over the festive period. Whether you plan to visit early in December to enjoy the markets or to spend the big day itself in Italy, we’re sure you’ll have a wonderful time. Deciding on the best Christmas destinations in Italy is actually quite a challenge! However, in a country famed for its food and festivals, there isn’t anywhere in the world we would rather be during the festive season.
Christmas in Italy can offer you everything from the famous Mercatini di Natale (Christmas markets) of Milan, Verona and Rome, to a trip into the snow capped mountains of the Alps or Dolomites. Wherever you are in Italy at Christmas, there’s one thing we can be certain of – you will eat like a king! Let’s be honest, this is true to Italy at any time of the year, however at Christmas you are in for some extra-special culinary treats. We hope you enjoy our final cut of the best Christmas destinations in Italy.
Milan
Milan was always going to make our best Christmas destinations in Italy shortlist. Enjoying a couple of days in this often unsung city, can make a fantastic start to your festive season. In Milan at Christmas, you can find several Christmas markets but the main event is at the iconic Piazza Duomo; right in the heart of the city. With beautiful handcrafted gifts available alongside Milan’s much-famed designer stores – Christmas shopping in Milan has something for everyone. But more than anything else, Milan’s Mercatini di Natale really are a treat for the taste buds! With everything on offer from casual dining, served from Milan’s famous hole-in-the-wall pizzeria’s, to some of the world’s finest foodie experiences – arrive hungry and you will certainly not be disappointed!
What’s more, with two international airports, flights to Milan are abundantly available. These can often be found at very reasonable prices during the winter months. Another very good option is the train. Milan has high speed rail links with cities across Europe. Rail travel in Italy is incredibly civilised and can see you arriving right in the heart of the city to soak up the festive cheer.
Florence
We have always considered Florence to be a year-round destination. Everything that makes Florence special in the summer can arguably be better enjoyed away from the heat and crowds of July and August. However, festive Florence adds a new level of sparkle to this already magical city.
Festivities begin, usually on the 7th December, with the big switch-on of the Christmas lights. Setting off from the Piazza del Duomo, the city’s mayor, along with a committed train of Santas, travel across the city lighting up Florence’s iconic streets and piazzas. The biggest and most decadent trees are in Piazza del Duomo, Piazzale Michelangelo and Piazza San Firenze. However, along with some stunning light displays, Florence puts up more than 60 trees across the city to help you get into the Christmas spirit.
As well as a beautiful market and the obligatory nativity scene in Piazza del Duomo, Florence’s Parco delle Cascine lights up to become home to the city’s festive ferris wheel and ice rink. We love Florence at Christmas. Not only can you enjoy all of this wonderful Christmas cheer, but it’s a great time to explore the world-famous museums and galleries too.
Florence is easily reached by air and also has high speed rail links to Milan and Rome. An efficient network of regional trains make staying outside of the city, in a villa or apartment in Tuscany’s stunning countryside, a very good option. Click here to see what’s on offer. Or contact us at Bookings For You so we can help you find your perfect place.
Venice
Venice is magical at any time of the year. However, at Christmas, decked in festive sparkle, this gem of a city really outdoes itself. It is certainly one for the best Christmas destinations in Italy. During the festive season, Venice offers all the usual tours and experiences but with the added joy of seeing its world famous bridges and landmarks lit-up to fill us to the brim with Italian Christmas cheer. Hotels and apartments in Venice can book-up quickly at this time of year. It’s always worth remembering that staying outside the city in a villa or apartment can often be more practical. And once again, with two airports and a well connected train station to choose from, travelling to Venice couldn’t be easier.
The main Mercatini di Natale in Venice can be found at Campo Santo Stefano. Here you’ll find beautifully hand-crafted gifts and souvenirs, along with plenty of Christmas treats for the tastebuds too. If you’re traveling with children, it’s not unusual to find festive activities on offer to entertain the littlest travellers, while you enjoy some time to browse the beautiful shops and stalls. A lovely Italian touch!
Verona
A stroll through the fair city of Verona at Christmas will leave you in awe. It really is a treat to see the world famous architecture light up the crisp Italian night sky. There is so much to see and do in Verona. As an all year-round destination, you could fill your time here with tours and activities. However, we would recommend reserving some of your time in Verona to simply soak up the festive atmosphere. This city transforms into a grotto of lights with Mercatini di Natale to enjoy around every corner. A highlight in Verona at Christmas is the Exhibition of Nativity Scenes. Tucked into the arches of the Arena, this display attracts almost a million visitors during December. Even if you have just a day in Verona, you’ll soon see why we think it’s one of the best Christmas destinations in Italy.
Rome
As the country’s capital, there’s no surprise to see Rome in our guide to the best Christmas destinations in Italy. Much like Milan, Venice and Verona, Rome has some wonderful Christmas markets. You’ll find the most famous of these in the Piazza Navona. This is particularly popular with children. Its stalls are filled with sweets and chocolate and there are some traditional carousel and amusement rides too. All with the spectacular backdrop of Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Church of Saint Agnes in Agone.
The market is usually open from mid morning until to the early hours so you can definitely shop until you drop here! You’ll soon see why we rate Rome as one of the best Christmas destinations in Italy. There’s even something for those who love the tradition of taking to the ice at Christmas. Every year there is an ice rink at Renzo Piano’s Parco della Musica. The lights here are magical so it’s worth a visit, even if you don’t intend to skate.
The Italian Lakes
Lake Como
Christmas in Como is all about the lights and had to be part of our best Christmas destinations in Italy. By day, the low December sun provides a natural glow to the dramatic mountain backdrop. By night, the city’s Como la Città dei Balocchi light festival (translating literally to the City of Toys) transforms this exclusive lakeside town into a winter wonderland. The festival has a new program of events each year but always includes an ice skating rink on the shores of the lake. There is also of course a Mercatini di Natale held in the main square. And finally, the Piazza del Duomo’s light show – illuminating the town’s famous facades with the most magical Christmas scenes.
Lake Maggiore
Perhaps not on the typical list of the best Christmas destinations in Italy. Lake Maggiore offers something a little bit different from a holiday in Italy at Christmas. It does of course have some fantastic Mercatini di Nataleand yet more of that delectable Italian food. However Lake Maggiore offers some quite unique sights and experiences to enjoy as you breathe in the alpine air and enjoy the warm winter sun on your skin.
Nativity scenes feature in every corner of Italy at Christmas. However, in Laveno you will find an underwater nativity scene. Yes, you did read correctly – underwater! This wonderful Italian Christmas tradition has been taken to the next level by submerging it! As the sun sets, Laveno’s incredible festive centrepiece lights up to create the most unique festive sight we have ever seen. On Christmas Eve, the baby Jesus is carried as part of a procession through the beautifully decorated streets. It is then added to the scene by divers – we did say it was unique!
If you’re travelling with small children, take the chance to make their Christmas by meeting Santa in a setting a really special. In the magical La Grotta di Babbo Natale (Santa’s Cave), visitors enjoy an immersive experience 200 metres below ground in the quarry where the stone to build the Duomo in Milan was sourced. Your little ones will always remember the day they met Santa in his secret cave!
Bolzano and Trentino
Trentino
If you opt to drive to Italy at Christmas, we strongly recommend choosing a route which takes you through the stunning corner of Northern Italy. It’s no secret that we love Italy’s the lakes and mountains and those in Trentino certainly make this region one of the best Christmas destinations in Italy.
The landscape here is fit for any winter wonderland scene: snow clings to the sheer, rugged rock of the Dolomites, which stand like soldiers keeping guard of the stunning chocolate box villages below. Winter sports are everywhere in the region. Fans of skiing can do this almost anywhere. However, one of our favourite spots is the Paganella ski area reached from the town of Andalo. From here you’re also just a few miles away from Molveno and its stunning aquamarine lake. Both Christmas and New Year are magical in Molveno making it one of the least known but certainly amongst the best Christmas destinations in Italy.
Bolzano
Despite its small size, Bolzano hosts one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Italy. This will come as no surprise seen as the region was in fact part of Austria until the end of the first world war. As a result, there is still a significant German speaking population in Bolzano and this is not the only part of Austrian/German culture that has remained in Bolzano. The Christmas market here could rival any we’ve been to in both Germany and Austria.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Dolomites, the central Piazza Walther transforms into a vibrant Christmas village. Filled with twinkling lights, delicious aromas and with joyful sounds of carols in the background, it is certainly one of the best Christmas destinations in Italy.
Bolzano’s Mercatino di Natale has become a beloved annual tradition, drawing visitors from across Europe and beyond. It usually opens in late November and runs until early January. The market welcomes visitors with wooden stalls selling handcrafted gifts, artisanal decorations and festive treats. Each year, over 80 vendors showcase everything from hand-carved ornaments and woollen scarves to candles, ceramics and traditional toys. It is an ideal spot to pick up unique, handmade Christmas gifts.
But don’t forget to try the mouth-watering selection of seasonal foods available at the market too. Warm up with a cup of spicy mulled wine and indulge in local treats like roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and apple strudel. For a heartier bite, try local specialties like speck (smoked ham), knödel (dumplings), and fresh sausages grilled over open fires.
Sicily
As Italy’s most Southern point and a far cry from the Christmas card lakes and mountains of the north, you may not expect to see Sicily on a list of the best Christmas destinations in Italy. However, we love to include something a bit different in our guides! Sicily’s rich history means there is a wonderful fusion of traditions to be enjoyed on Italy’s largest island during the festive period. What’s more, the weather in Sicily can still be quite mild in December. Daytime temperatures often reach 16 or 17 degrees and the sun makes regular appearances! So if you fancy a bit of winter sun, Sicily is a certainly one of the best Christmas destinations in Italy.
Like in much of Italy, Sicilians love to celebrate with a nativity scene. But in Sicily this tradition is taken to the next level! Many towns host living nativity scenes (presepi viventi), where locals take part in re-enacting the nativity. In Sistanaci and Susera, whole sections of the town are dedicated to bringing the story of the nativity to life. As you walk through the streets, you can experience scenes which depict life as it was in Bethlehem in biblical times. Quite an experience!
Another wonderful Sicilian Christmas tradition is the feast of seven fishes. As is in keeping with Catholic belief, most Sicilians refrain from eating meat on Christmas Eve. However, this does not feel like any kind of hardship when you get to feast on a seven course fish dinner! This usually includes local specialities of baccala (salted cod), grilled octopus and many more treats from the sea.
Accommodation in Italy at Christmas
Hotels and apartments in the larger cities do tend to get booked up quiet quickly during the festive period. Using a comparison site such as Trip.com can be a quick and easy way to compare prices and availability. We always also recommend considering staying outside of the city. Italy has an excellent rail network, which means getting into the centre of any of its major cities is usually simple and very reasonably priced. By opting to stay outside of the city, you will have access to a much broader scope of accommodation, including villas and apartments. As December is considered to be ‘low season’ away from the cities, you can often find some gorgeous places at a fraction of the cost of the summer months.
If you’re looking for a villa or apartment in Italy, contact us at Bookings For You. Our team has decades of experience in planning holidays to Italy and are always ready to help you plan your next trip.