Christmas Markets in Italy 2025

From late autumn to early January, the squares and streets of Italian cities come alive with bright lights, sweet aromas, and the sounds of Christmas music. Italian Christmas markets provide a unique experience that blends Alpine traditions from the north with Mediterranean charm from the south.

Ready to embark on a journey through Italy’s enchanting Christmas markets? Let’s begin our tour.

Christmas Markets of Northern Italy (Alto Adige/Trentino Region)

Bolzano (Bozen) Christmas Market

Dates: November 27, 2025 — January 6, 2026
Location: Piazza Walther
Opening Ceremony: Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 5:00 PM

Opening Hours:

• Mon-Thu: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Fri-Sun and holidays: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Special Hours:

• December 24: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• December 25: Closed
• December 31: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• January 1: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• January 6: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Bolzano’s Christmas Market is the largest and most famous in Italy, attracting visitors from around the globe. Set against the backdrop of Bolzano Cathedral’s colorful roof, this picturesque market is a must-see.

Unique Features:

• Over 100 stalls: Featuring traditional crafts, Christmas decorations, and local cuisine from Walther Square to the Christmas Park by the cathedral.
• Traditional Zelten: A must-try fruit bread with nuts and dried fruits, popular during
  the holidays.
• Craft houses along Via Isarco: Creating a charming route to Capuchin Park.
• Collectible Christmas mug: A new holiday mug is released each year.
• Green Event certificate: The market adheres to environmental standards.

Holiday Activities:

• Live performances by local choirs and musicians.
• Christmas readings at the market.
• “Angelus Loci” art installations throughout Bolzano.

Merano (Meran) Christmas Market

Dates: November 28, 2025 — January 6, 2026
Location: Promenade along the Passirio River, Duomo Square, and Terme Square
Opening Ceremony: Thursday, November 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM

Opening Hours:

• Daily: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Food stalls open until 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM
• December 25: Closed

The charming resort town of Merano boasts a delightful Christmas market filled with food and craft stalls, known for its elegant atmosphere and stunning Alpine backdrop.

Unique Features:

• Exquisite gastronomy: Traditional sausages, sauerkraut, buckwheat dumplings with Alpine cheese, and venison with cranberry sauce.
• Living Christmas calendar: The Mamming building facade transforms into an advent calendar, with a new window opening each day at 4:30 PM.
• Heated spheres: Enjoy dining in six spheres on Terme Square featuring spa bistro
  specialties.
• Ice skating rink: Available on Terme Square.

Holiday Activities:

• Candlelit city tours.
• Concerts, choirs, and children’s entertainment.
• Meetings and cultural events.

Trento (Trent) Christmas Market

Dates: November 21, 2025 — January 6, 2026
Location: Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti

Trento’s Christmas market, despite being relatively new, has quickly gained popularity for its lively atmosphere and wide selection of local products.

Unique Features:

• Two central squares: Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti, bustling with over 90 stalls.
• Diverse assortment: A variety of goods reflecting the rich traditions of the Trentino region, from crafts to cuisine.

Local Delicacies:

• Trecca Mochena: A traditional pastry with a unique braided shape.
• Polenta Brustolada: Baked polenta served with various toppings.
• Canederli: A traditional Trentino dish typically served in soups and sauces.

Vipiteno (Sterzing) Christmas Market

Dates: November 28, 2025 — January 6, 2026
Location: Old Town Center

Vipiteno is a picturesque small town known for its Christmas market featuring traditional craft stalls and a charming atmosphere.

Unique Features:

• Traditional craft stalls: Showcasing wood carving, jewelry, textiles, and other handmade items.
• Christmas nativity scene: An impressive nativity scene displayed in the medieval
  tower.

Holiday Activities:

• Romantic carriage rides.
• Christmas concerts featuring local choirs.

Brunico (Bruneck) Christmas Market

Dates: November 28, 2025 — January 6, 2026
Location: Old Town Center

Brunico’s Christmas market is celebrated for its charming atmosphere and delightful food and craft stalls.

Unique Features:

• Food and craft stalls: Offering local delicacies such as speck, cheese, and mulled wine.
• Fairy-tale atmosphere: The enchanting architecture of Old Brunico enhances the festive mood.

Holiday Activities (weekends):

• Gingerbread house making for children.
• Cookie baking.
• Creating handmade Christmas gifts.

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Bressanone (Brixen) Christmas Market

Dates: November 28, 2025 — January 6, 2026
Location: Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo)

Bressanone not only features a charming Christmas market but also houses a unique Nativity Scene Museum.

Unique Features:

• Nativity Scene Museum: Showcasing handcrafted Christmas nativity scenes from various regions and historical periods.
• Markets around the cathedral: The markets surrounding Bressanone Cathedral, complemented by its historical architecture, enhance the festive atmosphere.

Christmas Markets of Central Italy

Montepulciano, Tuscany Christmas Market

Dates: November 16, 2025 — January 6, 2026 (with breaks)

Market and “Santa’s Castle” will be open on the following days:

• November 16, 17, 23, 24
• November 30 and December 1
• December 6-8
• December 14, 15
• December 20 — January 6, 2026 (daily)

Open 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM; December 25 — afternoon only

Location: Piazza Grande

Montepulciano, known as one of Tuscany’s most beautiful villages, transforms into a winter fairy tale with a charming Christmas market on the historic Piazza Grande.

Unique Features:

• Stunning location: The market is set on Piazza Grande, surrounded by impressive Renaissance architecture.
• Handcrafted goods: Explore stalls filled with handmade items, including ceramics, textiles, and wooden products.

Holiday Activities:

• Santa’s Village (Babbo Natale): The medieval fortress hosts a cheerful Santa’s village on select days.
• Local delicacies: Be sure to try local specialties such as pecorino cheese, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine, and traditional sweets like panforte and ricciarelli.

Florence (Firenze) Christmas Market

Dates: November 23 — December 22, 2025
Location: Piazza Santa Croce
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily

Held on the picturesque Piazza Santa Croce, Florence’s Christmas market offers a unique blend of festive atmosphere, local craftsmanship, and delicious food.

Unique Features:

• German traditions: The “Weihnachtsmarkt” features over 50 wooden houses.
• Handcrafted goods: High-quality leather goods, handmade jewelry, and traditional Tuscan products.
• Santa’s House: Located in front of the basilica for children’s Christmas activities.

Gastronomy:

• Roasted chestnuts, panforte, and typical Florentine street food.
• Mulled wine, German sausages, and strudel.

Christmas Markets in Major Cities

Milan (Milano) Christmas Market

Dates: December 1, 2025 — January 6, 2026
Location: Piazza Duomo

Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, puts on an impressive show for the holiday season, especially in Piazza Duomo, the main venue for Christmas markets.

Unique Features:

• Lively atmosphere: Beautifully decorated stalls offer a wide range of products, from traditional food to unique fashion accessories.
• Culinary delights: Enjoy Milanese specialties such as panettone, torrone (nougat), and hot chocolate.

Holiday Activities:

• Street decorations: The city is adorned with impressive illuminations throughout the holiday season.
• Cultural events: Numerous concerts, performances, and exhibitions take place.

Verona Christmas Market

Dates: Various days from November 15 — December 26, 2025
Location: Piazza dei Signori

Verona hosts a wonderful Christmas market inspired by German traditions, organized in partnership with Nuremberg’s Christkindlmarkt.

Unique Features:

• German-Italian fusion: A blend of German and Italian traditions.
• Romantic atmosphere: Perfect for visiting this enchanting city.

Characteristics of Italian Christmas Markets

Italian Christmas markets offer a unique experience that combines tradition, craftsmanship, and local flavor. Here are some of their defining characteristics:

Traditional Products and Crafts

At the markets, you’ll find a wide array of traditional products and handmade items. In the Alto Adige region, for example, you can admire magnificent wood carvings, traditional wooden toys, and handcrafted textiles. In Tuscany, exquisite leather goods, hand-painted ceramics, and unique jewelry are available.

Regional Gastronomy

Each region showcases its culinary specialties:

• Alto Adige: Zelten, speck, mulled wine, and strudel.
• Tuscany: Panforte, ricciarelli, and Chianti.
• Milan: Panettone and torrone.
• Universal favorites: Roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate.

Practical Tips

When to Visit

• Best time: Weekday mornings (fewer crowds).
• Avoid: The last weekends before Christmas.
• Peak season: From December 8 (Immaculate Conception) to January 6 (Epiphany).

What to Try

• Vin brulé — Hot spiced wine.
• Zelten — Traditional Tyrolean fruit bread.
• Panettone — Milanese Christmas cake.
• Torrone — Italian nougat.
• Roasted chestnuts — A classic winter snack.

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