mercatini natale

Christmas markets in Italy, the ones not to miss

Experience Christmas at its most

Although Christmas is a purely religious holiday, in Italy the cultural component is just as important, if not more so. Among decorated streets, Christmas treesnativity sceneslights, endless and wonderful family meals, the Christmas markets have now become a must in Italy and will amaze you with their beauty. Most Christmas markets are set up in mid-November and last throughout the Christmas period. The markets are very different from one another, as are the regional and local traditions. You can visit food and wine markets, markets displayed inside castle or in German style and much more. Let’s have a look at some of the most peculiar and beautiful ones.

 

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Markets in Trentino Alto Adige: Bolzano and Canale di Tenno

The Christmas Markets in South Tyrol are the most characteristic and traditional in all of Italy, taking place in the evocative setting of the snow-capped mountains, they are the closest to the classic idea of ​​Christmas markets, with wooden houses and Tyrolean gastronomic offers. The Bolzano Christmas market is the longest-running and most traditional in Italy. The villages of South Tyrol offer a unique and fairy-tale atmosphere, thanks to the coloured lights and the features of the mountain villages themselves, which seem to come out of a Christmas tale. At the Bolzano market there are at least 250 wooden houses. Piazza Walther will be transformed on the occasion into a magical place made of wooden houses and lights and a pleasant scent of cinnamon in the air. Walking through the stalls you will taste the typical dishes of the Christmas tradition, such as fried apples, strudel and mulled wine. The Christmas market in Canale di Tenno, is one of the most particular in the entire region. The stalls, the typical gastronomy and the handicrafts are exhibited inside the shopshouses and stables of the village.

Christmas tree and markets in Gubbio

For the whole period of the Christmas holidays, you can enjoy the ChristmasLand in Gubbio, in Umbria region. The city is transformed into a real Christmas village with Christmas markets in Piazza dei Quaranta Martiri. Gubbio is worth a visit to admire the largest Christmas tree in the world which is built every year on the slopes of Mount Ingino, right above the city of Gubbio. It is made up of more than 700 light sources, is 750 meters high and takes an area of ​​130 thousand square meters.

 

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Candelara Christmas Markets

In Candelara, a village on the hills near Pesaro, in Marche region, is held one of the most evocative Christmas markets in Italy. The focus of the market is the beeswax candle. Every weekend during the markets the electric lights are turned off and the village lights up by candlelight. Many events and attractions are scheduled.

 

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Govone Christmas Markets

At Christmas, Govone, one of the most beautiful villages in Piedmont, turns into the Magical Land of Christmas. In the historic centre there are markets with exhibitors, the inevitable Santa Claus House and the opportunity to visit the castle of Govone. But what distinguishes Govone’s Christmas markets from other markets is the style and atmosphere. The ancient Turin carousel is a Belle Epoque-style carousel flanked by the Pastry Chef, a pastry corner where you can taste the Savoy desserts of that era.

 

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Cover picture by pcdazero