10 of the Best Christmas Markets in Italy

Not only are Christmas markets in Italy a beautiful and atmospheric way to get that holiday shopping done, but they make for an especially fun way to get to know an area’s local traditions, delicacies and artisans. Since we love sustainable and immersive travel, we think that’s always a plus! Here is a list of our top ten favorite Christmas markets in Italy, from Naples on up to the Dolomites!

Christmas Markets in Italy

Christkindlmarkt in Bolzano, Dolomites

South Tyrol, located along Italy’s border with Austria and Switzerland, is world-famous for its festive Christmas markets. As the holidays approach, almost all of the region’s towns and cities fill their piazzas with festive stalls and shops! But the most famous in the Dolomites is the Christkindlmarkt in Bolzano’s Piazza Walter, also known as the Mercatini di Natale Bolzano. Held annually since 1991, it is open from around the 28 or 29 November to January 6. Come with the family to enjoy browsing the wooden stands filled with traditional gifts and regional specialties like vin brulé (hot mulled wine).

The beautiful Christmas market in Bolzano

Traditional South Tyrolese Market in Lagundo, Dolomites.

For a less famous—but more local and intimate—Christmas market in South Tyrol, head off the beaten path to Lagundo, approximately 30 minutes from Bolzano. It’s known for a beautiful Christmas market featuring holiday items like peppered bread, ice skating rinks and expansive gardens… all with a view of the breathtaking Dolomites!

The Dolomites, home to some of Italy’s best Christmas markets

Weihnachtsmarkt German Market in Florence

Florence’s iconic Santa Croce piazza turns into a traditional market every year from the end of November to mid-December—and the market comes directly from Heidelberg, Germany! The many wooden stands are filled with both Florentine and German gifts and dishes, from panforte (a dense, spiced fruitcake) to bratwurst. Don’t miss our post on Italy’s Christmas sweets, from panettone to panforte!).

Do these Italian Christmas breads satisfy your sweet tooth?

Christmas Nativity Market in Naples

Presepi, or nativity scenes, are one of Italy’s most popular Christmas decorations and can be found both in town piazzas and inside Italian homes. Ranging from small and simple to enormous and ornate, presepi come in all kinds—and all kinds can be found in Naples, which is the place for finding handcrafted presepi. Each November, Naples hosts a market dedicated just to nativities on Via San Gregorio Armeno.

At the Presepi Market in Napoli. Photo by Benito Roveran

Medieval Candle Market in Candelara, Le Marche

Near Pesaro, in central Italy’s Le Marche, lies the charming town of Candelara. Every year, Candelara celebrates the meaning of its name—candles! Starting from the end of November, the town illuminates its quaint Christmas market and city streets by periodically closing all lamps in the evening and lighting candles instead. Look for handcrafted medieval-style candles, on sale at the market, for a unique gift to bring home!

Candelara hosts a special market for Christmas, where you can pick up gifts, including festive candles, of course!

Fabbrica di Babbo Natale in Pisa

Discover the Fabbrica di Babbo Natale (literally, the “Father Christmas Factory”), a market created just for children in Pisa. The “factory” features special activities, such as a workshop to help children make their own gifts, and to write letters to be mailed directly to the North Pole!  You can visit this market at Arsenali Repubblicani in Pisa from the end of November, and into December. However, it is only open on specific dates and each year they vary slightly, so always check the official event website for the latest updates and ticket information.

Real Christmas trees are often put in the central plazas of Italian towns and villages to add to the festive atmosphere.

Piazza Navona Market in Rome

One of Rome’s most beloved piazzas, Piazza Navona turns into a winter wonderland every December with an expansive Christmas market. These days, most of the goods on offer are mass-produced. Even so, stalls with traditional Italian gifts, like miniature statues of la befana, backdropped by the marble fountains, make for an unforgettable shopping experience.

Christmas Market Piazza Navona

Campo San Polo Market, Venice

Head to Venice’s picturesque skating rink and small Christmas market in Campo San Polo, the city’s largest piazza, to stock up on hand made gifts like colorful glass goods and lace from Murano and Burano… and, of course, on traditional Carnival masks.

Murano glass worked by the hands of a skilled artisan is an incredible souvenir to bring home from Italy.

O Bej, O Bej Market, Milan

Hundreds of stalls line up along the majestic Castello Sforzesco castle to celebrate its patron saint, Sant’Ambrogio. The market is named O Bej, O Bej, which means “how nice, how nice” in Milanese dialect—a name that’s thought to have come from the shoppers who appreciated the market’s artisanal goods and foods many years ago.

At Christmas, the window displays in Milan are even more stunning!

Christmas Market in Turin

Turin is the go-to destination in Italy when it comes to Christmas lights, with many installations designed by local and international artists. Check out the wonderful market in Piazza Borga Dora for decadent Piemontese delicacies like gianduja (hazelnut chocolate) and bicerin (espresso with chocolate and milk). (And don’t miss our insider’s guide to Turin, written by one of our local experts!).

Turin on a winter’s night: lit-up and lovely!

From the snow-dusted peaks of the Dolomites to the sun-soaked piazzas of Naples, Italy’s Christmas markets capture the country’s festive spirit in every twinkling light, sweet scent, and handcrafted gift.

Whether you’re sipping vin brulé in Bolzano, shopping for nativity figures in Naples, or wandering through the candlelit streets of Candelara, each market offers its own magical glimpse into Italy’s regional traditions. You can also check out this article if you want to know more about Italian Christmas traditions!

You will find a wide range of gifts, decorations and traditional food and drinks at the Christmas Markets in Italy.

FAQ´s – Christmas Markets in Italy

Are Italian Christmas markets open on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day?

Most Christmas markets in Italy close early on December 24 and remain closed on December 25 to allow vendors to spend the holiday with family. However, many reopen on December 26 (St. Stephen’s Day) and continue through the New Year. Larger markets, such as those in Bolzano, Turin, and Rome, often remain open until January 6, coinciding with La Befana festivities.

Do I need to pay an entry fee to visit Christmas markets in Italy?

Generally, most Italian Christmas markets are free to enter, though a few special events—such as workshops for children, live performances, or ice skating rinks—may charge a small fee. If you’re visiting a themed market like Pisa’s Fabbrica di Babbo Natale, it’s best to check the official website for opening times and ticket details, as access can vary year by year.

What is La Befana and how is she celebrated in Italy?

La Befana is a beloved Italian Christmas tradition celebrated on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany. According to legend, La Befana is a kind old woman who flies on a broomstick, delivering sweets and small gifts to well-behaved children—and coal to the naughty ones! Many Christmas markets, especially in Rome and Milan, host special Befana parades and stalls selling themed treats and toys.

Want to make your Italian holiday even more special?
Join one of our expert-led Walks of Italy guided tours and discover the country’s festive spirit up close. From iconic landmarks to hidden local gems, our tours bring Italy’s art, culture, and culinary delights to life—one unforgettable walk at a time.