Discovering Italy’s 11 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets

The festive season transforms Italy into a magical wonderland, where twinkling lights, the scent of roasted chestnuts, and bustling stalls create an enchanting atmosphere. From traditional wooden chalets to vibrant nativity scenes, Italy’s Christmas markets bring together history, culture, and holiday spirit.

Whether you're strolling through the cobbled streets of Florence or enjoying mulled wine in Trento, these markets offer unique experiences filled with culinary delights, handcrafted gifts, and local traditions. Let’s explore the 11 most beautiful Christmas markets in Italy, moving from the snowy Alpine north to the balmy south.

1. Bolzano Christmas Market

Dates: November 24, 2023 - January 6, 2024 Located in the heart of the Dolomites, Bolzano’s Christmas Market is the largest in Italy. Set in Piazza Walther, this market offers a magical alpine atmosphere with over 80 wooden stalls selling handmade crafts, ornaments, and South Tyrolean delicacies like speck and apple strudel.

How to Get There: Fly into Verona Airport (1.5 hours by car).

Where to Stay: Parkhotel Laurin, a luxurious hotel blending art and modern amenities in Bolzano’s city center.

2. Trento Christmas Market

Dates: November 18, 2023 - January 7, 2024 Known as the "City of Christmas," Trento hosts a market spread across Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti. Wooden huts offer local wines, handmade gifts, and traditional foods like polenta and strudel. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by carolers and light displays.

How to Get There: Fly into Verona Airport (1.5 hours by car).

Where to Stay: Grand Hotel Trento, an elegant retreat with a prime location and excellent amenities.

3. Verona Christmas Market

Dates: November 17 - December 26, 2023 Verona’s Christmas Market, inspired by Germany’s Nuremberg market, takes place in the picturesque Piazza dei Signori. Visitors can browse handcrafted gifts, enjoy Bavarian sausages, and sip on mulled wine. The nearby Arena di Verona adds to the magical backdrop with its illuminated nativity displays.

How to Get There: Fly into Verona Airport (20 minutes by car).

Where to Stay: Due Torri Hotel, a luxurious stay located in the heart of Verona’s historic center.

4. Colmar Christmas Market

Dates: November 26 - December 29, 2024 The Colmar Christmas Market brings a magical atmosphere to the Old Town, where historic streets are decked out with fairy lights and Christmas decorations. Colmar’s medieval architecture adds to the festive scene, with markets offering handcrafted goods, regional foods, and warm holiday drinks.

How to Get There: Fly into Basel/Mulhouse (40 minutes by car, 1 hour by public transport) or Strasbourg (1 hour by car).

Where to Stay: Odalys City Colmar La Rose d'Argent, which includes a fitness room and pool for guests to enjoy.

5. Milan Christmas Market (Oh Bej! Oh Bej!)

Dates: December 7 - December 10, 2023 Held around the Sforza Castle, the "Oh Bej! Oh Bej!" Market is a Milanese tradition dating back centuries. Its name means "Oh Beautiful! Oh Beautiful!" in the local dialect, reflecting the festive spirit. Visitors can explore hundreds of stalls featuring artisanal crafts, vintage treasures, and seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts and panettone.

How to Get There: Fly into Milan Malpensa or Milan Linate (both within 1 hour by car or public transport).

Where to Stay: Rosa Grand Milano, located near the Duomo and offering a luxurious stay with excellent city views.

6. Florence Christmas Market

Dates: November 25 - December 24, 2023 Set in Piazza Santa Croce, Florence’s Christmas Market is inspired by Germany’s Weihnachtsmarkt tradition. Visitors can find wooden chalets filled with handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and international foods, including bratwurst and gingerbread, alongside Italian delicacies like vin brulé and Tuscan specialties.

How to Get There: Fly into Florence Airport (20 minutes by car) or Pisa Airport (1 hour by car). Where to Stay: Hotel Brunelleschi, a historic yet modern property offering comfort and elegance in Florence’s city center.

7. Naples Christmas Market (Via San Gregorio Armeno)

Dates: Open year-round, with peak activity from November to January Naples is famous for its Via San Gregorio Armeno, a street dedicated to nativity scenes and figurines. During the Christmas season, it transforms into a vibrant market where artisans showcase intricate handmade cribs, religious figures, and whimsical characters.

How to Get There: Fly into Naples Airport (20 minutes by car).

Where to Stay: Grand Hotel Vesuvio, offering luxury accommodations with views of the Bay of Naples and a short distance from the market.

8. Rome Christmas Market (Piazza Navona)

Dates: December 1, 2023 - January 6, 2024 Piazza Navona hosts Rome’s most famous Christmas market, featuring a mix of carnival games, nativity displays, and festive stalls selling decorations, sweet treats like torrone, and handmade gifts. The market’s central location makes it a must-visit during the holidays.

How to Get There: Fly into Rome Fiumicino Airport (40 minutes by car or public transport). Where to Stay: Hotel de Russie, a luxurious hotel combining timeless elegance with modern comfort near Rome’s historic sites.

9. Venice Christmas Market

Dates: December 2, 2023 - January 7, 2024 The Venice Christmas Market is a unique experience, with stalls lining Campo Santo Stefano. Visitors can explore Venetian glass ornaments, Murano jewelry, and festive foods while surrounded by the city’s enchanting canals and gondolas.

How to Get There: Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport (30 minutes by water taxi).

Where to Stay: Hotel Danieli, offering a lavish stay in a historic palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal.

10. Bologna Christmas Market (Fiera di Santa Lucia)

Dates: November 17 - December 26, 2023 Bologna’s Fiera di Santa Lucia, held under the Portico dei Servi, is one of Italy’s oldest Christmas markets. The market specializes in nativity scene figurines, handmade crafts, and traditional sweets like torrone and panforte.

How to Get There: Fly into Bologna Airport (20 minutes by car).

Where to Stay: Grand Hotel Majestic, offering classic luxury and a central location near the market.

11. Turin Christmas Market

Dates: November 25, 2023 - January 6, 2024 Turin transforms into a winter wonderland with multiple markets spread across the city. Piazza Castello and Piazza Solferino host the main markets, featuring artisanal crafts, gourmet foods, and local wines. Visitors can also admire the city’s festive lights and decorations.

How to Get There: Fly into Turin Airport (30 minutes by car).

Where to Stay: Principi di Piemonte, an elegant hotel blending modern luxury with historic charm in the heart of Turin.

Celebrate Christmas in Italy!

Each market showcases a unique slice of Italian culture, making them perfect destinations for holiday travel. From traditional nativity scenes in Naples to alpine delights in Bolzano, Italy’s Christmas markets offer something for everyone.