Christmas Markets in Italy
You’ll find beautiful holiday decorations in all of Italy’s major cities - Rome, Florence, Milan and Naples - but there is just something about that small town feeling during the holidays, right? In the Bel Paese there are a handful of towns that are known especially for their Christmas markets and light displays. Those are the ones we want to chat about today, the spots that will instantly catapult you into that holiday spirit and provide a unique Christmas experience!
Image via Grand Voyage Italy
Many of these Christmas markets run from late November or early December through the first week of January - in Italy, festivities end on January 6th with the legend of Befana or (as it’s better known) the Feast of Epiphany. From the Tyrolean markets near the Dolomites to the magical lights in the southern towns, here are the best places to experience Christmas in Italy.
Bolzano
For an Alpine-style Christmas, head to the largest and oldest Christmas market in Italy: Bolzano. This picturesque town with a German influence in the Trentino region has many booths selling handmade gifts, seasonal food and mulled wine. Being just a short distance away from the Italian Dolomites you may be lucky enough to experience a white Christmas! Or, an amazing detour from a fun ski holiday.
Image via Christmas Markets in Europe
Lake Como
Located near Milan, Lago di Como is well known for attracting local and international crowds throughout the summer but a day trip to Lake Como is a great place to visit at Christmas. During the colder months, the town of Como turns into a winter wonderland and is decorated in the holiday spirit with lights sparkling over the streets and giant video projections playing onto the facade of the cathedral and the surrounding buildings. You can find festive food, various artisanal gifts and decorations spread throughout the town center.
© Photo by Andrea Butti via My Lake Como
Arezzo
If you’re in Arezzo at Christmas, head straight to the Piazza Grande to experience one of the prettiest settings during the Christmas season in Italy. The local Christmas Garden is a star of the holiday show and the main piazza is transformed during this time of the year by lights and music with many stalls twinkling below the towers. The light projections alone are worth the trip, but if you need any more convincing to visit this town good news: there are also lots of shopping spots and incredible restaurants to be enjoyed in this region of Tuscany.
Image via Christmas Markets in Europe
Gubbio
The charming Umbrian town of Gubbio is a great day trip from Rome any time of the year but offers something even more special for Christmas! Gubbio has the largest Christmas tree in the world - it earned its place in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1991. We’re not talking about 1 individual evergreen but an immense light sculpture that is lit up on the slopes of Mount Ingino behind the town. The festive tree, which is over 2,400 feet tall and has over 300 lights, uses over 5 miles of cables and takes months to create. To see the amazing tree you have to wait until it is officially lit on December 8th. However, make sure to also enjoy the historic town center which hosts a variety of mercato stalls, a large Ferris wheel and a life-size nativity scene which, in Italy, is called a presepe.
Image via Italia.it
Salerno
The Luci d’Artista is one of the most awaited events in the town of Salerno each year. Located between Naples and the Amalfi Coast, the city is normally a summer destination known for its beaches. However, this town also offers something special in the winter. From Piazza Portanova to Corso Vittorio Emanuele, including beautiful parts of the historic city center, Salerno is transformed into a fairytale Christmas village at night. The display follows a different theme each year, this year’s theme features mythological and stellar elements, and it is definitely worth the stroll through town to soak in the magical atmosphere.
Image via Luci D'Artista
Locorotondo
Cities in the South of Italy offer something special year round but this is even more true during the holiday season. If you find yourself in Puglia, we encourage you to explore the town of Locorotondo. During the Summer many visitors come to this area, or its sister city Alberobello, in the Itria Valley to see the Trulli - it’s a stop on our flagship summer tour!. But at the end of the year this white city is covered with Christmas decorations and the effect is nothing short of magical. You can expect to find garlands of greenery and twinkling holiday lights down alleyways surrounding you in a holiday wonderland.
Image via Namazi Real Estate
For all those celebrating, we wish you a Buon Natale and hope you now have a little extra inspo for a Christmas vacation in our beloved Italy!