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The season is here and you’re itching to get that good ‘ole dose of Christmas Market frenzy. This year however, you’re looking for something a little more intimate with quite a bit more snow… perhaps a casual whimsical winter wonderland dotted with candles and red bow ties?! Well, good for you…you’ve come to the right place! Because although the Italian Christmas Markets are low-profile and much smaller than their European cousins, they offer some of the most stunning sceneries of the bunch- I mean straight-up from out of a fairytale.
To help you decide on which Italian Christmas Markets to visit, I’ve rounded up in this post the most magical ones that you absolutely CANNOT miss!
You’ll find in this guide all the necessary information that you might need when venturing around the various Christmas Markets in Italy. I have provided tips to help ensure that you have the holiday season you’ve always dreamed of.
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The Most Magical Italian Christmas Markets
So, it is no surprise that the most stunning Christmas Markets in Italy just-so happen to be heavily concentrated in the north-eastern region of Trentino Alto-Adige. For those of you that may not know, this is the region home to the magnificent Dolomite mountains. You can just imagine then what sort of panoramas await you!
Lago di Carezza Christmas Market, Val d’Ega Dolomites
(Only open on weekends!)
Location: Lake Carezza, South Tyrol (Dolomites)
Opening Times: 10.00 am to 8.00 pm
Website: Check this website for updated date and prices
Nestled along the banks of Lake Carezza (Karersee in German) and enveloped by an alpine forest, the Carezza market is a true Yuletide dream. Swaying away from more traditional Christmas markets in town centers or squares, at the Carezza Christmas Market you will find yourself walking amongst powdery white spruce trees with a crystalline frozen lake as a background.
As you make your way around, charming lanterns light the snowy path to the dozen or so wooden huts/stalls. From handmade wooden carvings (from the woods surrounding the lake) to wool wear, there is definitely an opportunity for a Christmas present or two. The actual artisans are present at the stalls and because the market is rarely crowded you have a true chance to strike up a chat and discover the stories and techniques behind each unique handmade piece.
The beautiful setting of this market comes with the fact that it can get bitterly cold. When we went it was -8 C (18 F)! However, along the path you will come across many firepits and tons of mulled wine to warm up. The coldness in my opinion, made the experience even more magical.
I’ll always remember huddling all together with our mittens, earmuffs and steaming drinks to listen to the performing Christmas carolers. Standing there with a reddened nose and gazing upon the whimsical icicles I knew I would remember the moment forever.
**Make sure to check at the InfoPoint what the program for the day is like so you can plan to stay for any particular event such as carolers or choirs**
Of course, like in all Italian Christmas Markets, don’t miss the opportunity to taste some of the delicious street food. I highly suggest trying some of their mermaid punch (punch della sirenetta) or their apple brulé.
How to Get to the Carezza Christmas Market
Getting to the Carezza Christmas Market is very easy however bear in mind that if you don’t have snow/winter tires, depending on how plowed the streets are or how heavy the snowfall will have been, you might have to stop and put on snow chains! Put in your GPS map “lago carezza” and you’ll be led right to the parking lot. There are three different parking areas, depending on how full the lots get you will be redirected to the next empty one.
Parking 1 Location: right across the lake
Parking 2 Location: 15-minute walk through the forest in the snow (there are signs leading the way)
Parking 3 Location: free shuttle that operates every 10 mins from P3 to lake
Not only one of the best Christmas markets in Italy, but one of my favorites in Europe, I guarantee you won’t regret the cold once you catch sight of this enchanted frozen paradise!
Bolzano Christmas Market
Location: Bolzano – Piazza Walther, Piazza Municipio, Parco Alcide Berloffa
Opening Times: 10.00 am to 7.00 pm (depends on day!)
Website: Check this website for updated date and prices
Moving on to Italy’s biggest Christmas market, Bolzano is definitely the most opulently decorated in northern Italy. With an enormous Christmas tree in the city’s Walther Square, the town dazzles with twinkle lights on every corner.
We got lucky and visited on a day when it was snowing! *(Note- It only snows in Bolzano city about every ten years so it is a rarity). It was honestly like stepping into a snow-globe with the beautiful cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in the background and the charming little wooden huts covering the piazza. One stall was even designed to look like a Christmas ornament- I mean some serious Polar Express vibes!
Wandering around town you’ll find many corners embellished with dolls or figurines. For those of you that are fans of the Thun collection, you’ll find some of their bubbly creatures on a couple street corners. Small children will love the square’s carousel and miniature train and if you’re looking to skate, the town opens an ice-skating rink every year in Piazza Municipio.
With over 100 stalls combined around the city, Bolzano’s Christmas Market is the most extensive, especially when it comes to food and drinks. Inundated by the many whiffs of spices and sweets we just followed our noses to try as many things as we could. From mouthwatering Raclette cheese (melted cheese scraped off) to smoked cured meats we spent over 100 euro in local products!
Most stalls will allow you to sample things before you buy them so don’t be afraid to ask. You’ll discover so many new savors, from honey-apple cheese to speck flavored gin (yes, smoked pork belly gin). The Bolzano Christmas Market is a true fest for your taste buds.
Merano Christmas Market
Location: Merano – Passirio (Passer River)
Opening Times: 10.00 am to 7.00/8.00 pm (depending if weekday or weekend)
Website: Check this website for updated date and prices
Right at the foot of the Ötztal Alps the old spa town of Merano borders right on the frontier with Austria. A small valley cradled by the surrounding mountains there is not one spot in town where the snowcapped peaks in the background do not play a central scenic role.
The Merano Christmas Market takes place along the banks of the Passer River and has over 60 stands spanning the promenade.
You can definitely sense the noble character that this city used to hold. From the grand Kurhaus in art nouveau style to the many different spa facilities, it truly feels like stepping back in time to a period of ceremonial Courts in la Belle Epoque.
The Merano Christmas Market is deeply rooted in South-Tyrolean traditions. It was fascinating to learn all about Krumpus, a grotesquely horned creature that at Christmastime hunts down those children that have been bad to scare and punish them. (Not a very Saint-Nick vibe right?…we were so confused seeing these alien-like horror costumed men run around lol!) Don’t worry though, the tradition is played out more like a game and the children went wild with enthusiasm when chased by the Krumpus.
The town also has an ice-skating rink in Piazza delle Terme, right next to the enormous Spa Complex of Terme Merano. If you have an extra day consider checking it out – it has a nice kid-friendly area with over 15 pools to explore and an extensive wellness complex open to adults only *(please note that no swimming suits are allowed in the adult section- going nude is mandatory).*
Other Christmas Markets in Trentino-Alto Adige
Although less unique than the three markets just discussed, there are a few other Christmas markets in northern Italy worth noting.
Ortisei Christmas Market
Location: Ortisei downtown
Opening Times: 11.00 am to 7.00 pm
Website: Check this website for updated date and prices
Located in what I deem to be the most gorgeous area of the Dolomites, Ortisei and the surrounding Val Gardena are the epitome of mountain bliss. Equally beautiful in the summer, during the winter the valley frosts over with the fluffiest of snow.
With the many chalets and ski-resorts around town, you can’t help but get enveloped by a cozy Christmas spirit. Festive tunes accompany you on every corner and you’ll even see the occasional Krumpus… who knows, you might even spot Jack Frost!
Naturally, the town’s fame for woodcarving comes to the spotlight with its beautifully handcrafted wooden sculptures and nativity scenes arranged throughout the village. The twenty or so Lodenlounges placed around town also offer sampling of local products and there is even a North Pole mailbox for all those children still needing to mail their Santa Claus letters.
For those interested in getting outdoors, the mountain range in this area offers one of the largest skiing areas in Europe– there are literally hundreds of slopes and paths for skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers alike. Interested in trying them all? Invest in a Dolomiti SuperSki Pass and get access to the whole bunch!
Vipiteno Christmas Market
Location: Vipiteno, Piazza Città
Opening Times: 10.00 am to 7.00 pm
Website: Check this website for updated date and prices
Who said size matters?! Although much smaller in nature, the Vipiteno Christmas market could be right out of a storybook. Located in the town’s main square, the charming traditional wooden huts are snuggly placed one after the other right below the town’s towering belltower.
Commonly covered in snow, the Vipiteno Christmas market is a true white Christmas dream come true. With its medieval architecture and charming facades, you’ll definitely get a good dose of alpine warmth. And if you’re keen on getting in some winter sports, the ski slopes of Monte Cavallo (Rosskopf) are right on the town borders.
Trento Christmas Market
Location: Trento – Piazza Fiera, Piazza Cesare Battisti
Opening Times: 10.00 am to 7.30/8.30 pm (depending if weekday or weekend)
Website: Check this website for updated date and prices
Characterized by its festival of lights, the Trento Christmas Market lights up the city with numerous multimedia projections around town. You will find some buildings with flying reindeer or falling snow and others displaying images of cultural heritage. A Christmas train runs every day all throughout the city passing by all the different points of interest.
In the magnificent Piazza Duomo you will find the gigantic Christmas tree and the 50 traditional wooden huts can be found between Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti. If you’re going as a family, the Trento Christmas Market also organizes numerous workshops and activities for kids.
Other Christmas Markets Around Italy
Less Tyrolean in nature and quite a bit warmer, there are yet a few other Christmas markets in Italy worth mentioning…
Como Christmas Market – Città dei Balocchi
Location: Various piazzas around downtown Como
Opening Times: 10.00 am to 7.30/9 pm (depending if weekday or weekend)
Website: Check this website for updated date and prices
Nicknamed the Land of Toys, during the holidays Como transforms into a real-life version of Santa’s Workshop. An Enchanted Forest themed Festival of Lights brings the buildings to life every evening in a magical multimedia display.
A kid favorite, the Como Christmas Market offers many fun activities for children from ice skating to riding the ferris wheel or carousel. Don’t miss the beautiful Christmas tree in Piazza Grimoldi and the Nativity Exhibit at the Pontificio Colleggio Gallio.
Verona Christmas Market – Nuremburg Sister Market
Location: Verona – Piazza dei Signori and various other piazzas around the city
Opening Times: 10.00 am to 9.30/11.00 pm (depending if weekday or weekend)
Website: Check this website for updated date and prices
For the past twelve years, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt has partnered with Verona to host a wonderful Italian but German-inspired Christmas Market. With its remarkable Christmas star towering high at 100 meters, you will find a grand Noel spirit around the city.
A town that is truly founded on music and art (just think of the magnificent Opera Arena), the Verona Christmas Market is one that truly brings together artistic expression and holiday fervor.
Aosta Christmas Market – Marché Vert Nöel
Location: Aosta – Roman Theater
Opening Times: 10.30 am to 8.00 pm
Website: Check this website for updated date and prices
With Mont Blanc in the distance and a Roman Theater as a backdrop, the Aosta Christmas market is considered to be one of the most beautiful Italian Christmas markets. The best part?! Observing the many craftsmen busy at work! The craftsmanship here really makes the experience feel a lot more authentic and intimate than other larger Christmas markets in Italy.
Florence Christmas Market
Location: Florence – Piazza di Santa Croce
Opening Times: 10.00 am to 11.00 pm
Website: Check this website for updated date and prices
Florence’s most stunning piazza and basilica get a holiday makeover for the festive season each year. With over 50 wooden huts, the market is a true journey across Europe as you can find products and food from Germany, France, Austria, Norway, Scotland, and even Greece!
FAQ When Visiting the Italian Christmas Markets
Do you need a car to get around the Christmas Markets in Italy?
Y-E-S! Well technically, depending on which Christmas Markets you visit you don’t NEED a car. But I highly suggest one. More remote markets like the Carezza or Ortisei Christmas Markets have no train-stations in the towns. You can still catch a bus or an organized tour, but you will lose a lot of time or the freedom to go at your pace.
Plus, if you’re planning to visit the markets around the Dolomites, there are so many activities you can venture to do on other days when you need a break from the Christmas frenzy. From going to the spa to getting outdoors into nature, these are all only accessible if you have a car.
**Note- most cars in Italy are stick-shift so make sure to request an automatic car if you need one. Also, most cars are not given with snow tires but only snow chains- this can be an issue when it snows. Make sure you’re comfortable with applying chains just in case a blizzard comes your way (it happened to us, and our chain even broke… Oh my Word!)
Do you need to know Italian to visit?
Honestly, if you are going to be mostly in Trentino Alto Adige (which borders with Austria), you will find that most people actually speak more German rather than Italian! You can get by with English (please speak slowly!) but it’s always a good idea to know a few simple phrases just in case. Italians love to see foreigners at least try. Here is a quick post on Italian Phrases to Know for Travel.
Are the Christmas Markets in Italy free or do you need to purchase tickets?
Most Christmas Markets in Italy are FREE and you do not need to purchase tickets. Please visit the official websites of each market however to double-check before visiting as this might change in the future.
Things to Bring to the Christmas Markets in Italy
I strongly advise you wear some kind of thermal wear underneath your clothes as it can get gnarly cold… and of course, don’t forget gloves and a hat!
Also, CASH is a must. Not many vendors are equipped with card-readers so stash up at the ATMs before hitting the stalls.
Best Christmas Markets in Italy Map
Here below I have included a map with all the locations of the various Italian Christmas Markets discussed in this post!
So, there it is, the best Italian Christmas Markets to visit. I still haven’t been to all of them, but I already have my eye on a couple more to explore deep in the Dolomites for next year. If you have any suggestions, please comment below and help me add to this list!
I try to attend at least a couple Christmas Markets in Italy each year! Make sure you don’t miss out on them and tag along with me @ladolcefitvita!
Have the merriest of Christmases… or rather, Buon Natale!
This blog post is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Please read my full disclosure for further information.
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