17 Best Christmas Markets in Italy to NOT MISS! 2024/2025

Christmas is a special time of the year, and nothing makes it more special than spending Christmas at a special place where the memories created last longest. You are all on a plane, and luckily none of you are in the exit-row or middle-of-the-plane seats. However, halfway through the flight you catch on from the conversations around that at least half of you are headed for Rome.

Sure, Rome is pretty popular, right? And whatever numbers come, Rome can and has taken down all barbarians, so don’t worry too much about accommodations and pricing hiking up.

But…

You take a look at your significant other, feel the small box with the ring in your pocket, and wonder whether making the proposal at the Trevi Fountain with all the kids running and screaming around you is such a good idea …

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With that out of the way, lets get down to business.

Fact of the matter is that the best Christmas you could ever have is the one YOU spend SURROUNDED by people you love. That is what true memory is all about.

So, how about a small, itty, bitty bit of icing to that particular cake?

My take in this blog today is to case out the best places you can go to have Christmas by yourself, with family, kids, lovers, or even groups of like-minded dervishes. I’ll try to make a mention of what specialties you can get in that particular town, city, or village, but it’ll also include some details I could grab about what kind of people will be around you trying to create their own memories.

The Best Christmas Markets in Italy at a glance!

Why Locorontondo?

A chill Christmas location whose major bonus is that it is not as heavily visited over the holiday season. As one of the more awesome Christmas markets in Italy that I could identify, most people here are repeat ‘offenders’ who were drawn by the Christmas specialties that the Puglian Region has to offer. A big plus is Bari, just 1 hour away, and a holiday destination most will kill Santa to go to.

A gem worth visiting in the neighboring Basilicata region is Matera, the Cappadocia of Italy

1. Market Location: Historic town center, particularly around Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.
2. Dates: From November 14, 2024, to January 12, 2025.
3. Operating Hours: Typically from late afternoon (5:00 PM) to late evening (10:00 PM).
4. Specialties: Artisanal crafts, local wines, traditional Apulian delicacies, and festive decorations.
5. Visitor Demographics: Attracts families, couples, and tourists seeking an authentic Apulian Christmas experience. It typically receives thousands of visitors over the season, including both domestic and international tourists.
6. How to get there:
   1. From Bari: Take a regional train to Locorotondo (approximately 1.5 hours, €5-€7).
   2. By Car: Approximately 1 hour’s drive from Bari.
7. Where to stay: Stay in the heart of Locorontondo
   1. B&B La Collinetta: Approximately €60 per night, 1 km from the market.
   2. Trulli di Bacco: Around €70 per night, 1.5 km from the market. ⭐MY TOP PICK
   3. Sotto le Cummerse: Approximately €75 per night, 500 meters from the market.

Why Rome?

The number one holiday destination in Italy bar none. It is not just the Christmas markets in Italy that make Rome the go-to place, but just that Rome as a destination spot makes her a travel hub all by itself. Throw in messy itineraries by people who didn’t take the time to visit my blog pages for planning, then even a short lay-over here can be quite messy. Even so, with the street performances, nativity scenes, and size of Piazza Navona, Rome is not a bad place to be right around this time of the year.

Here’s; What To Do in Rome For 3 Days and TOP 15 FREE THINGS TO DO IN ROME :

1. Market Location: Piazza Navona.
2. Dates: Early December to early January.
3. Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily.
4. Specialties: Nativity scenes, festive decorations, Italian sweets like torrone, and street performances.
5. Visitor Demographics: Popular among locals, families, and international tourists, with millions of visitors each year due to Rome’s status as a global travel hub.
6. How to get there:
   1. From Fiumicino Airport: Take the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini (€14, 32 minutes).
   2. From Ciampino Airport: Buses to Roma Termini cost around €5 and take about 40 minutes.
7. Where to stay: Stay in the heart of Rome
   1. Hotel Smeraldo: Approximately €80 per night, 300 meters from the market.
   2. Hotel Navona: Around €85 per night, 200 meters from the market.
   3. Hotel Primavera: Approximately €70 per night, 250 meters from the market.

Why Florence?

Florence has always held a special place in my heart and as a place to be if you are looking for Christmas markets in Italy, the Christmas markets in Florence can be quite cool. For me though, it is the timing of Florence’s own Christmas markets in Italy that made it a double icing. Living in Rome, it is almost like having Christmas twice.

Here’s; 30 Best Things To Do in Florence and 17 Beautiful Wine Windows in Florence (MAP INCLUDED), that you should not miss!

If you have more time in Tuscany, read: One Week In Tuscany Itinerary – (12 Top Places!)

1. Market Location: Piazza Santa Croce.
2. Dates: November 16 to December 15, 2024.
3. Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Friday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
4. Specialties: German-style market with crafts, mulled wine, festive foods, and decorations.
5. Visitor Demographics: Attracts locals, families, and international visitors, with foot traffic numbering in the hundreds of thousands over the festive period.
6. How to get there:
   • From Florence Airport: Take the tram line T2 to the city center (€1.50, 20 minutes).
7. Where to stay: Stay in the heart of Florence
   1. Hotel Santa Croce: Approximately €75 per night, 100 meters from the market.
   2. Hotel Bodoni: Around €60 per night, 500 meters from the market.
   3. Hotel Dali: Approximately €65 per night, 400 meters from the market.

Why Venice?

The festive scenes and pageantry given all the masks and all. Really, the ornamental glass aside, as one of the Christmas markets in Italy that sees tens thousands of people each holiday season, just the types of crowds coming here makes Venice quite special. You are in for a treat for sure.

Here’s; 7 Colourful Places in Italy worth visiting .

1. Market Location: Campo Santo Stefano.
2. Dates: November 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
3. Operating Hours: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM daily.
4. Specialties: Artisanal crafts, Murano glass ornaments, Venetian masks, and festive foods.
5. Visitor Demographics: Popular among international tourists and locals seeking unique Christmas gifts. The market sees tens of thousands of visitors over its duration.
6. How to get there:
   • From Venice Marco Polo Airport: Take the Alilaguna water bus to the city center (€15, 1 hour).
7. Where to stay: Stay in the heart of Venice
   1. Hotel Santo Stefano: Approximately €85 per night, 50 meters from the market.
   2. Locanda Fiorita: Around €70 per night, 100 meters from the market.
   3. Hotel San Samuele: Approximately €65 per night, 150 meters from the market.

Why mighty Verona?

Somehow, the international groups that come for Verona’s version of the most awesome Christmas markets in Italy feels German. Nothing wrong there; Germans are very cool guys to be around when partying! I saw some families around the period, so Christmas in Verona is bound to be interesting.

Here’s; 25 Things To Do in Verona and DON’T MISS Santuario Madonna della Corona.

1. Market Location: Piazza dei Signori.
2. Dates: November 15 to December 26, 2024.
3. Operating Hours:
   1. Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
   2. Friday, Saturday, and Public Holidays: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
   3. Christmas Eve: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
   4. Christmas Day: 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
   5. Boxing Day (December 26): 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
4. Specialties: German-inspired stalls with crafts, bratwurst, mulled wine, and festive decorations.
5. Visitor Demographics: Attracts families, couples, and groups of friends. It sees hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, both from Italy and abroad.
6. How to get there:
   • From Verona Villafranca Airport: Take the Aerobus to Verona Porta Nuova station (€6, 15 minutes).
7. Where to stay:
   1. Hotel Aurora: Approximately €80 per night, 100 meters from the market.
   2. Hotel Giulietta e Romeo: Around €75 per night, 300 meters from the market.
   3. Hotel Milano & Spa: Approximately €85 per night, 400 meters from the market. ⭐MY TOP PICK

Why Alberobello?

Who wouldn’t want to spend Christmas in a Smurf village??

No, seriously though. The Christmas markets in Italy are usually due to artisanal crafts and specialty products that are sold at discount rates. Alberobello around this time of the year, plus the iconic trulli houses, is a huge draw for small, quiet groups.

Check out; 9 Best Things To Do in Alberobello.

1. Market Location: Historic center, particularly around the iconic trulli houses in the Rione Monti district.
2. Dates: December 6, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
3. Operating Hours: Typically from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily.
4. Specialties:
   • Artisanal crafts that are inspired by the local culture.
   • Traditional Apulian delicacies, such as focaccia, taralli, and local wines.
   • Illuminated trulli structures, creating a magical atmosphere.
5. Visitor Demographics:
   • Attracts families, couples, and cultural enthusiasts looking for an authentic and a picturesque Christmas experience.
   • Popular among tourists seeking unique photo opportunities and local traditions.
6. Transportation:
   • From Bari: Take a regional train to Alberobello (approximately 2 hours, €5-€7).
   • By Car: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Bari.
7. Accommodations:
   1. Trulli Holiday Resort: €70 per night, 200 meters from the market.
   2. Tipico Resort: €65 per night, 300 meters from the market.
   3. Trulli e Puglia Resort: €75 per night, 250 meters from the market.

Why🎓 La Dotta,🏚️ La Rossa,🍴 La Grassa ???

Like Florence, Bologna’s timing as a holiday destination for someone looking for thematic Christmas markets in Italy makes it perfect if coupled with Rome. But that’s not all that makes Bologna a place to be while looking for Christmas markets in Italy. For me, it’s the local communities and groups of students right around this time in Bologna that do it for me.

Here’s; 17 Best Things To Do in Bologna Italy.

1. Market Location: Fiera di Santa Lucia on Strada Maggiore and the Christmas Fair on Via Altabella.
2. Dates:
   • Fiera di Santa Lucia: November 17 to December 26, 2024.
   • Christmas Fair: November 22, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
3. Operating Hours: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
4. Specialties:
   • Traditional Christmas decorations and nativity scene figurines.
   • Handmade crafts and regional specialties such as tortellini and mortadella.
   • Artisanal sweets like panettone and torrone.
5. Visitor Demographics:
   • Locals and students from the city’s vibrant academic community.
   • Tourists seeking high-quality handcrafted items and traditional Italian Christmas goods.
6. Transportation:
   • From Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport: Take the Marconi Express monorail to Bologna Centrale (€9.20, 7 minutes).
   • By Taxi: €20 and 15 minutes to the city center.
7. Accommodations:
   1. Hotel Accademia: €70 per night, 500 meters from the market.
   2. Albergo delle Drapperie: €75 per night, 300 meters from the market.
   3. Hotel Centrale: €80 per night, 400 meters from the market.

Why Viterbo?

Not a really interesting holiday spot for me, but mostly because Rome just leaches everything away from the small guys around her. In fact, of all Christmas markets in Italy, the one in Viterbo lasts the shortest I think. Even so, the nativity scenes in Viterbo can be something to be enjoyed, so expect family groups and enthusiasts of all sorts around here that time of the year.

Check out these places when in Viterbo area; Civita di Bagnoregio – “The Dying City” and CALCATA-A Once Dying Town.

1. Market Location: Historic center, around Piazza San Lorenzo and the Papal Palace.
2. Dates: November 29, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
3. Operating Hours:
   • Weekdays: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
   • Weekends: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
4. Specialties:
   • Local crafts and traditional nativity scenes.
   • Regional dishes like acquacotta and chestnut-based desserts.
   • Interactive activities such as live nativity performances.
5. Visitor Demographics:
   • Families and history enthusiasts drawn to the medieval atmosphere.
   • Visitors seek handcrafted gifts and unique cultural experiences tied to Viterbo’s historic charm.
6. Transportation:
   1. From Rome: Take a regional train from Roma Ostiense to Viterbo Porta Romana (1.5 hours, €5-€7).
   2. By Bus: From Rome’s Saxa Rubra station (2 hours, €4-€6).
7. Accommodations:
   1. Hotel Viterbo Inn: €60 per night, 700 meters from the market.
   2. B&B La Terrazza Medioevale: €55 per night, 500 meters from the market.
   3. Albergo Roma: €65 per night, 600 meters from the market.

Why Turin?

The Cradle of Italian Liberty deserves special mention for all the wrong reasons. What reasons? Foodies looking for a unique holiday experience flood Turin as a destination spot during Christmas markets in Italy because of the food scene here mostly.

1. Market Location: Piazza Castello and Borgo Dora.
2. Dates: November 29, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
3. Operating Hours:
   • Monday to Thursday: 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
   • Friday to Sunday: 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
4. Specialties:
   • High-quality artisanal crafts and gourmet foods, including chocolates and gianduja.
   • Traditional Piedmontese dishes like bagna cauda and festive pastries.
   • Ice skating rinks and musical performances.
5. Visitor Demographics:
   • Families and couples looking for festive activities like ice skating.
   • Food lovers and tourists seeking premium crafts and gourmet experiences.
6. Transportation:
   • From Turin Airport (Caselle): Take the train to GTT Dora station (€3, 20 minutes) and then a bus to the city center.
   • By Taxi: €30 and 30 minutes to the city center.
7. Accommodations:
   1. Hotel Amadeus E Teatro: €70 per night, 600 meters from the market.
   2. Hotel Roma E Rocca Cavour: €75 per night, 800 meters from the market.
   3. B&B Via Stampatori: €65 per night, 500 meters from the market.

Why Aosta?

Well, if the architecture and Alpine skiing is not enough for some, then it is the decorations and general festive atmosphere in Aosta that makes her a great holiday spot for many seeking the perfect Christmas markets in Italy.

Here’s; Castel Savoia Italy

1. Market Location: Marché Vert Noël in the Roman Theatre ruins.
2. Dates: November 24, 2024, to January 7, 2025.
3. Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
4. Specialties:
   • Handcrafted wool, wood, and ceramic products.
   • Local specialties like Fontina cheese, polenta, and honey.
   • Festive atmosphere with alpine-inspired decorations.
5. Visitor Demographics:
   • Families and tourists looking for authentic Alpine traditions.
   • Outdoor enthusiasts combining market visits with winter sports in nearby ski resorts.
6. Transportation:
   • From Turin: Take a regional train to Aosta (approximately 2 hours, €8-€10).
   • By Bus: From Turin’s Porta Susa station (2 hours, €7-€9).
7. Accommodations:
   1. Hotel Milleluci: €75 per night, 1 km from the market.
   2. HB Aosta Hotel: €70 per night, within a kilometer from the market.
   3. Le Relais du Relax: €65 per night, 900 meters from the market.

Why Milan?

The fashion capital of Italy is a surprising entry into this list of great Christmas markets in Italy to attend. The Milanese food scene is great, but for myself and many others, it will be the shopping and discount offers during this time of the year that makes Milan a good place to be over Christmas period.

Read; Top 25 Best Things To Do in Milan and 15 Best Day Trips from Milan NOT to MISS!

1. Market Location: Piazza Duomo, in front of the iconic Milan Cathedral.
2. Dates: December 1, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
3. Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
4. Specialties:
   • Artisanal crafts such as jewelry, ceramics, and textiles.
   • Traditional Milanese foods like panettone, risotto alla Milanese, and local cheeses.
   • Holiday decorations, live music, and Christmas performances.
5. Visitor Demographics:
   • Attracts local families, international tourists, and shopping enthusiasts.
   • Visitors come for high-quality gifts, gourmet foods, and the festive ambiance.
   • Tourist numbers reach over 300,000 during the Christmas market season.
6. Transportation:
   • From Milan Malpensa Airport: Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale (€13, ~50 minutes).
   • By Metro: From Milano Centrale, take Metro Line 3 (Yellow Line) to Duomo station.
7. Accommodations:
   1. Hotel Rio: €80 per night, spitting from the market.
   2. Hotel La Madonnina: €85 per night, 300 meters from the market.
   3. Hotel Spadari Al Duomo: €90 per night, 400 meters from the market.

Why Bolzano?

Bolzano is an interesting destination spot if you are Austrian or German. It is an Italian home away from Central Europe for many, and one major reason for this is the specialty toys and products with a German background. All in all, as a destination spot for someone looking for great Christmas markets in Italy, the 40-day Christmas market, plus really small crowds by comparison, makes Bolzano the place to be for culturalists.

1. Market Location: Piazza Walther, the main square of Bolzano.
2. Dates: November 28, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
3. Operating Hours:
   • Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
   • Friday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
4. Specialties:
   • Handcrafted wooden toys, ornaments, and wool products.
   • South Tyrolean specialties like speck, apple strudel, and mulled wine.
   • Cultural performances reflecting the region’s Italian and Austrian influences.
5. Visitor Demographics:
   • Popular among families, cultural enthusiasts, and tourists from Austria and Germany.
   • Visitors seek authentic Alpine Christmas traditions and regional products.
   • Tourist numbers exceed 80,000 during the season.
6. Transportation:
   • From Verona Villafranca Airport: Regional train to Bolzano (2 hours, €15-€20).
   • By Car: 1.5 hours’ drive from Verona.
7. Accommodations:
   1. Hotel Cappello di Ferro: €70 per night, 500 meters from the market.
   2. Hotel Figl: €75 per night, 300 meters from the market.
   3. Hotel Feichter: €80 per night, 400 meters from the market.

Why Asti?

Asti’s small-town celebrant scene, plus the small crowds that come there, makes Asti the toast of the Piedmont region during Christmas season. As a ranking member of the Christmas markets in Italy to take note of, it is the small groups of enthusiasts coming together that make Asti a special place.

1. Market Location: Piazza San Secondo and nearby historic streets.
2. Dates: December 2, 2024, to January 7, 2025.
3. Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
4. Specialties:
   • Local wines, particularly Asti Spumante and Barbera.
   • Artisanal chocolates, truffles, and hazelnut treats.
   • Handcrafted ceramics, textiles, and traditional decorations.
5. Visitor Demographics:
   • Wine lovers and food enthusiasts.
   • Visitors enjoy gourmet products and a relaxed, small-town holiday atmosphere.
   • Receives around 40,000 visitors annually.
6. Transportation:
   • From Turin: Regional train to Asti (1 hour, €5-€7).
   • By Car: 1 hour’s drive from Turin.
7. Accommodations:
   1. Hotel Palio: €65 per night, 600 meters from the market.
   2. Hotel Rainero: €60 per night, 700 meters from the market.
   3. Hotel Lis: €70 per night, 500 meters from the market.

Why Trento?

I’d have forgotten about Trento had it not been for the need to make this list. Not that there is not much to be seen and done in Trento, but as one of the better Christmas markets in Italy to take note of, Trento is rather low-key and understated. Still, Piazza di Fiera’s great open square, with its medieval setting, makes the live performances during Christmas rather special.

1. Market Location: Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti.
2. Dates: November 22, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
3. Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
4. Specialties:
   • Wooden crafts, ceramics, and wool products.
   • Local Trentino dishes, such as polenta, mountain cheeses, and strudel.
   • Family-friendly activities and live performances.
5. Visitor Demographics:
   • Families and outdoor enthusiasts combining market visits with winter sports.
   • Popular among Austrian and German tourists.
   • Approximately 70,000 visitors come annually.
6. Transportation:
   • From Verona Airport: Train to Trento (1.5 hours, €12-€15).
   • By Car: 1.5 hours’ drive from Verona.
7. Accommodations:
   1. Grand Hotel Trento: €85 per night, 400 meters from the market.
   2. Hotel America: €75 per night, 500 meters from the market.
   3. Hotel Everest: €70 per night, 600 meters from the market.

Why Montepulciano?

Italy’s wine capital will definitely see wine enthusiasts coming over during this period. However, a surprising group looking for perfect Christmas markets in Italy are families with children. I didn’t get the reason why, but maybe its because of the small crowds around here right about Christmas time.

Other Tuscan Towns worth exploring are; Florence, Pienza and Siena.

If you have more time in Tuscany, read: One Week In Tuscany Itinerary – (12 Top Places!)

1. Market Location: Piazza Grande and Fortezza Medicea.
2. Dates: November 16, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
3. Operating Hours: 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM daily.
4. Specialties:
   • Handcrafted leather goods and local ceramics.
   • Tuscan wines and specialties like pecorino cheese and pici pasta.
   • Children’s activities, including Santa’s village.
5. Visitor Demographics:
   • Families with children and wine enthusiasts.
   • Visitors come for authentic Tuscan flavors and unique gifts.
   • Attracts around 25,000 visitors annually.
6. Transportation:
   • From Florence: Train to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme, then bus to Montepulciano (2 hours, €10-€15).
   • By Car: 1.5 hours’ drive from Florence.
7. Accommodations:
   1. Palazzo Carletti: €85 per night, 300 meters from the market.
   2. La Locanda di San Francesco: €80 per night, 400 meters from the market.
   3. Hotel Granducato: €70 per night, 500 meters from the market.

Why Arezzo?

Unsurprisingly, it’s the specialty gifts one can pick up cheap right around Christmas period. As one of the better Christmas markets in Italy you could attend, Arezzo is a pretty good choice if you are looking for younger crowds and more intimate settings.

Other Tuscan Towns worth exploring are; Florence, Pienza and Siena.

If you have more time in Tuscany, read: One Week In Tuscany Itinerary – (12 Top Places!)

1. Market Location: Piazza Grande.
2. Dates: November 16, 2024, to December 24, 2024.
3. Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
4. Specialties:
   • German-style stalls with mulled wine and bratwurst.
   • Tuscan products such as olive oil, honey, and artisanal crafts.
   • Antique markets with unique gifts.
5. Visitor Demographics:
   • Couples and antique collectors.
   • Visitors come for a blend of German and Tuscan holiday traditions.
   • Attracts over 30,000 visitors annually.
6. Transportation:
   • From Florence: Train to Arezzo (1 hour, €10-€12).
7. Accommodations:
   1. Hotel Continentale: €75 per night, 300 meters from the market.
   2. Vogue Hotel Arezzo: €80 per night, 400 meters from the market.
   3. B&B 52cento: €60 per night, 500 meters from the market.

Why Naples?

I’d say it’s the weather. The Mediterranean weather in Campania can be pretty mild, and the whole ‘budget-friendly’ feel to Naples is a huge draw for those who love traveling and taking back something to remember their travels by. The crowds can be pretty huge though; as many have caught on to Naples’ mild weather. Still, with the nativity scenes in Naples, families see Naples as a great place to be when looking for Christmas markets in Italy.

Check out; 19 Best Day Trips from Naples Italy , Top 15 Amalfi Coast Towns Worth Visiting! , 10 Things To Do in Procida Island: Italy’s Hidden Gem and the Royal Palace of Caserta.

1. Market Location: Via San Gregorio Armeno, famous for nativity scenes.
2. Dates: November 25, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
3. Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
4. Specialties:
   • Handcrafted nativity figurines and decorations.
   • Traditional Neapolitan foods like sfogliatelle, pizza, and limoncello.
5. Visitor Demographics:
   • Families and nativity scene collectors.
   • Visitors come for authentic Italian Christmas traditions.
   • Attracts around 1 million visitors annually.
6. Transportation:
   • From Naples Airport: Taxi or Alibus shuttle to the city center (€5-€10, ~30 minutes).
7. Accommodations:
   1. Hotel Piazza Bellini: €80 per night, 400 meters from the market.
   2. Decumani Hotel de Charme: €85 per night, 500 meters from the market.
   3. Hotel Neapolis: €70 per night, 600 meters from the market.

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