{"id":5900,"date":"2013-11-27T19:51:00","date_gmt":"2013-11-27T19:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/walks.friday.ie\/?p=5900"},"modified":"2025-11-11T15:07:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T15:07:16","slug":"christmas-markets-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/christmas-markets-italy","title":{"rendered":"10 of the Best Christmas Markets in Italy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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&#8217;s local traditions, delicacies and artisans. Since we love sustainable and immersive travel, we think that&#8217;s always a plus! Here is a list of our top ten favorite Christmas markets in Italy, from Naples on up to the Dolomites!<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13691 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/traditional-christmas-market-3NZ6AY8.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/traditional-christmas-market-3NZ6AY8.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/traditional-christmas-market-3NZ6AY8-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/traditional-christmas-market-3NZ6AY8-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/christmas-markets-italy\/#Christmas_Markets_in_Italy\" >Christmas Markets in Italy<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/christmas-markets-italy\/#Christkindlmarkt_in_Bolzano_Dolomites\" >Christkindlmarkt in Bolzano, Dolomites<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/christmas-markets-italy\/#Traditional_South_Tyrolese_Market_in_Lagundo_Dolomites\" >Traditional South Tyrolese Market in Lagundo, Dolomites.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/christmas-markets-italy\/#Weihnachtsmarkt_German_Market_in_Florence\" >Weihnachtsmarkt German Market in Florence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/christmas-markets-italy\/#Christmas_Nativity_Market_in_Naples\" >Christmas Nativity Market in Naples<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/christmas-markets-italy\/#Medieval_Candle_Market_in_Candelara_Le_Marche\" >Medieval Candle Market in Candelara, Le Marche<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/christmas-markets-italy\/#Fabbrica_di_Babbo_Natale_in_Pisa\" >Fabbrica di Babbo Natale in Pisa<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/christmas-markets-italy\/#Piazza_Navona_Market_in_Rome\" >Piazza Navona Market in Rome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/christmas-markets-italy\/#Campo_San_Polo_Market_Venice\" >Campo San Polo Market, Venice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/christmas-markets-italy\/#O_Bej_O_Bej_Market_Milan\" >O Bej, O Bej Market, Milan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/christmas-markets-italy\/#Christmas_Market_in_Turin\" >Christmas Market in Turin<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/christmas-markets-italy\/#FAQ%C2%B4s_%E2%80%93_Christmas_Markets_in_Italy\" >FAQ\u00b4s &#8211; Christmas Markets in Italy<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/christmas-markets-italy\/#Are_Italian_Christmas_markets_open_on_Christmas_Day_or_New_Years_Day\" >Are Italian Christmas markets open on Christmas Day or New Year\u2019s Day?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/christmas-markets-italy\/#Do_I_need_to_pay_an_entry_fee_to_visit_Christmas_markets_in_Italy\" >Do I need to pay an entry fee to visit Christmas markets in Italy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/christmas-markets-italy\/#What_is_La_Befana_and_how_is_she_celebrated_in_Italy\" >What is La Befana and how is she celebrated in Italy?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Christmas_Markets_in_Italy\"><\/span>Christmas Markets in Italy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Christkindlmarkt_in_Bolzano_Dolomites\"><\/span>Christkindlmarkt in Bolzano, Dolomites<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/alps\/alto-adige-south-tyrol-italy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">South Tyrol<\/a>, located along Italy&#8217;s border with Austria and Switzerland, is world-famous for its festive Christmas markets. As the holidays approach, almost all of the region&#8217;s towns and cities fill their piazzas with festive stalls and shops! But the most famous in the Dolomites is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mercatinodinatalebz.it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Christkindlmarkt<\/a> in Bolzano&#8217;s Piazza Walter, also known as the <em>Mercatini di Natale Bolzano. <\/em>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 brul\u00e9 (hot mulled wine).<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5911\" style=\"width: 860px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/shutterstock_121632514.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5911\" class=\"wp-image-5911\" title=\"Famous Italy Christmas market\" src=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/shutterstock_121632514.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas Market in Bolzano Italy\" width=\"850\" height=\"624\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-5911\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The beautiful Christmas market in Bolzano<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Traditional_South_Tyrolese_Market_in_Lagundo_Dolomites\"><\/span>Traditional South Tyrolese Market in Lagundo, Dolomites.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For a less famous\u2014but more local and intimate\u2014Christmas market in South Tyrol, head off the beaten path to Lagundo, approximately 30 minutes from Bolzano. It&#8217;s known for a beautiful Christmas market featuring holiday items like peppered bread, ice skating rinks and expansive gardens&#8230; all with a view of the breathtaking Dolomites!<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5913\" style=\"width: 860px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/shutterstock_37252789.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5913\" class=\" wp-image-5913\" title=\"Dolomites Italy\" src=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/shutterstock_37252789.jpg\" alt=\"Illuminated small town in the Dolomites\" width=\"850\" height=\"558\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-5913\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Dolomites, home to some of Italy&#8217;s best Christmas markets<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Weihnachtsmarkt_German_Market_in_Florence\"><\/span><strong>Weihnachtsmarkt German Market in<\/strong> Florence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Florence&#8217;s iconic Santa Croce piazza turns into a traditional market every year from the end of November to mid-December\u2014and the market comes directly from Heidelberg, Germany! The many wooden stands are filled with both Florentine and German gifts and dishes, from <em>panforte<\/em> (a dense, spiced fruitcake) to bratwurst. Don&#8217;t miss our post on <a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/italian-christmas-treats-pandoro-panettone-italy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Italy&#8217;s Christmas sweets<\/a>, from<em> panettone<\/em> to<em> panforte<\/em>!).<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20988\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20988\" class=\"wp-image-20988 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Pangiallo.jpg\" alt=\"An Italian Christmas bread topped with nuts.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"944\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Pangiallo.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Pangiallo-768x604.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20988\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Do these Italian Christmas breads satisfy your sweet tooth?<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Christmas_Nativity_Market_in_Naples\"><\/span>Christmas Nativity Market in Naples<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Nativity_scene\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Presepi, <\/em><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">or nativity scenes, are one of Italy&#8217;s most popular Christmas decorations and can be found both in town piazzas and inside Italian homes.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">\u00a0Ranging from small and simple to enormous and ornate, <\/span><em style=\"font-size: 16px;\">presepi\u00a0<\/em><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">come in all kinds\u2014and all kinds can be found in\u00a0Naples, which is <\/span><em style=\"font-size: 16px;\">the\u00a0<\/em><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">place for finding handcrafted\u00a0<\/span><em style=\"font-size: 16px;\">presepi. <\/em><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Each November, Naples hosts a market dedicated just to nativities on Via San Gregorio Armeno.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5910\" style=\"width: 860px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/5653818855_a4c8b060c6_z.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5910\" class=\"wp-image-5910\" title=\"Nativity scenes Christmas in Italy\" src=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/5653818855_a4c8b060c6_z.jpg\" alt=\"Presepi Market in Naples\" width=\"850\" height=\"567\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-5910\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">At the Presepi Market in Napoli. Photo by Benito Roveran<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Medieval_Candle_Market_in_Candelara_Le_Marche\"><\/span>Medieval Candle Market in Candelara, Le Marche<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Near Pesaro, in central Italy&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/le-marche-italy-towns-adriatic-coast\">Le Marche,<\/a> lies the charming town of Candelara. Every year, Candelara celebrates the meaning of its name\u2014candles! 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!<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_24301\" style=\"width: 996px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-24301\" class=\"wp-image-24301 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/mercatino-candelara.jpg\" alt=\"The Candelara Christmas Market in Italy, a close up of the candle with the candlelit market stalls in the background, in front of Italian houses in the town\" width=\"986\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/mercatino-candelara.jpg 986w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/mercatino-candelara-768x530.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 986px) 100vw, 986px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-24301\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Candelara hosts a special market for Christmas, where you can pick up gifts, including festive candles, of course!<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fabbrica_di_Babbo_Natale_in_Pisa\"><\/span>Fabbrica di Babbo Natale in Pisa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Discover the <em>Fabbrica di Babbo Natale<\/em>\u00a0(literally, the &#8220;Father Christmas Factory&#8221;), a market created just for children in Pisa. The &#8220;factory&#8221; 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!\u00a0 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/lafabbricadibabbonatale.it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">official event website<\/a> for the latest updates and ticket information.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20757\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20757\" class=\"wp-image-20757 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Pisa_December_2012_Logge_di_Banchi_Piazza_XX_Settembre.jpg\" alt=\"A large Christmas tree lit up at night in a town square in Italy.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Pisa_December_2012_Logge_di_Banchi_Piazza_XX_Settembre.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Pisa_December_2012_Logge_di_Banchi_Piazza_XX_Settembre-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20757\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Real Christmas trees are often put in the central plazas of Italian towns and villages to add to the festive atmosphere.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Piazza_Navona_Market_in_Rome\"><\/span>Piazza Navona Market in Rome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One of Rome&#8217;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 <em>la befana<\/em>, backdropped by the marble fountains, make for an unforgettable shopping experience.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5909\" style=\"width: 860px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/shutterstock_121465096.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5909\" class=\"wp-image-5909\" src=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/shutterstock_121465096.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas Market Piazza Navona\" width=\"850\" height=\"564\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-5909\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Christmas Market Piazza Navona<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Campo_San_Polo_Market_Venice\"><\/span>Campo San Polo Market, Venice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Head to Venice&#8217;s picturesque skating rink and small Christmas market in Campo San Polo, the city&#8217;s largest piazza, to stock up on hand made gifts like colorful glass goods and lace from Murano and Burano\u2026 and, of course, on traditional Carnival masks.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_10044\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10044\" class=\"wp-image-10044 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/murano.jpg\" alt=\"Murano glass worked by the hands of a skilled artisan is an incredible souvenir to bring home from Italy.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/murano.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/murano-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-10044\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Murano glass worked by the hands of a skilled artisan is an incredible souvenir to bring home from Italy.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"O_Bej_O_Bej_Market_Milan\"><\/span>O Bej, O Bej Market, Milan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Hundreds of stalls line up along the majestic Castello Sforzesco castle to celebrate its patron saint, Sant&#8217;Ambrogio. The market is named <em>O Bej, O Bej<\/em>, which means &#8220;how nice, how nice&#8221; in Milanese dialect\u2014a name that&#8217;s thought to have come from the shoppers who appreciated the market&#8217;s artisanal goods and foods many years ago.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_6005\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6005\" class=\"wp-image-6005 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/window-shopping-milan-christmas-credit-paolo-bona.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/window-shopping-milan-christmas-credit-paolo-bona.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/window-shopping-milan-christmas-credit-paolo-bona-768x508.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-6005\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">At Christmas, the window displays in Milan are even more stunning!<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Christmas_Market_in_Turin\"><\/span>Christmas Market in Turin<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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 <em>gianduja<\/em>\u00a0(hazelnut chocolate) and\u00a0<em>bicerin\u00a0<\/em>(espresso with chocolate and milk). (And don&#8217;t miss our <a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/piedmont\/turin-in-italy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">insider&#8217;s guide to Turin<\/a>, written by one of our local experts!).<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1844\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1844\" class=\"wp-image-1844 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/Turin-Italy-Via-Po.jpg\" alt=\"Torino, a great winter destination in Italy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/Turin-Italy-Via-Po.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/01\/Turin-Italy-Via-Po-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-1844\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Turin on a winter&#8217;s night: lit-up and lovely!<\/p><\/div>\n<p data-start=\"141\" data-end=\"569\">From the snow-dusted peaks of the Dolomites to the sun-soaked piazzas of Naples, Italy\u2019s Christmas markets capture the country\u2019s festive spirit in every twinkling light, sweet scent, and handcrafted gift.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"141\" data-end=\"569\">Whether you\u2019re sipping <em data-start=\"369\" data-end=\"380\">vin brul\u00e9<\/em> 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\u2019s regional traditions. <span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">You can also check out this article if you want to know <\/span><a style=\"font-size: 16px;\" href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/traditions-2\/christmas-traditions-in-italy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">more about Italian Christmas traditions!<\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_13689\" style=\"width: 1610px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13689\" class=\"wp-image-13689 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/christmas-decorations-on-trentino-alto-adige-PH3WC5L.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas Markets in Italy. A close up of a christmas tree with baubles hanging, in front of a blurred background of people shopping at an outdoor market.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/christmas-decorations-on-trentino-alto-adige-PH3WC5L.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/christmas-decorations-on-trentino-alto-adige-PH3WC5L-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/christmas-decorations-on-trentino-alto-adige-PH3WC5L-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-13689\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">You will find a wide range of gifts, decorations and traditional food and drinks at the Christmas Markets in Italy.<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ%C2%B4s_%E2%80%93_Christmas_Markets_in_Italy\"><\/span>FAQ\u00b4s &#8211; Christmas Markets in Italy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"660\" data-end=\"1128\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Italian_Christmas_markets_open_on_Christmas_Day_or_New_Years_Day\"><\/span>Are Italian Christmas markets open on Christmas Day or New Year\u2019s Day?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"660\" data-end=\"1128\">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\u2019s 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 <em data-start=\"1104\" data-end=\"1115\" data-is-only-node=\"\">La Befana<\/em> festivities.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1130\" data-end=\"1580\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_to_pay_an_entry_fee_to_visit_Christmas_markets_in_Italy\"><\/span>Do I need to pay an entry fee to visit Christmas markets in Italy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1130\" data-end=\"1580\">Generally, most Italian Christmas markets are free to enter, though a few special events\u2014such as workshops for children, live performances, or ice skating rinks\u2014may charge a small fee. If you\u2019re visiting a themed market like Pisa\u2019s <em data-start=\"1442\" data-end=\"1468\">Fabbrica di Babbo Natale<\/em>, it\u2019s best to check the official website for opening times and ticket details, as access can vary year by year.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"185\" data-end=\"658\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_La_Befana_and_how_is_she_celebrated_in_Italy\"><\/span>What is <em data-start=\"198\" data-end=\"209\">La Befana<\/em> and how is she celebrated in Italy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"185\" data-end=\"658\"><em data-start=\"250\" data-end=\"261\">La Befana<\/em> is a beloved Italian Christmas tradition celebrated on <strong data-start=\"317\" data-end=\"330\">January 6<\/strong>, the Feast of the Epiphany. According to legend, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/introducing-la-befana\"><em data-start=\"380\" data-end=\"391\">La Befana<\/em><\/a> is a kind old woman who flies on a broomstick, delivering sweets and small gifts to well-behaved children\u2014and coal to the naughty ones! Many Christmas markets, especially in <strong data-start=\"566\" data-end=\"584\">Rome and Milan<\/strong>, host special <em data-start=\"599\" data-end=\"607\">Befana<\/em> parades and stalls selling themed treats and toys.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"660\" data-end=\"1128\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/meR3gMhtfPE\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><strong data-start=\"767\" data-end=\"823\">Want to make your Italian holiday even more special?<\/strong><br data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"826\" \/>Join one of our expert-led <strong data-start=\"853\" data-end=\"917\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"855\" data-end=\"915\">Walks of Italy guided tours<\/a><\/strong> and discover the country\u2019s festive spirit up close. From iconic landmarks to hidden local gems, our tours bring Italy\u2019s art, culture, and culinary delights to life\u2014one unforgettable walk at a time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&#8217;s local traditions, delicacies and artisans. Since we love sustainable and immersive travel, we think that&#8217;s always a plus! Here is a list of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":14801,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[88,21,82],"ppma_author":[160],"class_list":["post-5900","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do","tag-christmas","tag-shopping","tag-winter"],"authors":[{"term_id":160,"user_id":28,"is_guest":0,"slug":"walksofitaly-2","display_name":"Elena Ciprietti","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9faa64906a691c0581a37e3599ce455d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","user_url":"","last_name":"","first_name":"Elena Ciprietti","job_title":"","description":""}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5900"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/28"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5900"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5900\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24306,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5900\/revisions\/24306"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14801"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5900"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5900"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5900"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=5900"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}