The North of Italy is the ideal place to breathe the air of Christmas walking through the most beautiful markets of the Peninsula, surrounded by Christmas music and tasting the typical foods of the period.
Christmas is approaching, the air begins to smell of cold, cinnamon and fireplaces, the cities are filled with lights and you walk with the background of theme music, but what better way to get into the fullness of this atmosphere if not wandering through the Christmas markets?
The North of Italy is full of them, large and small cities set up squares and streets with the typical houses full of food and typical objects. Let's see, then, what are the 5 most beautiful Christmas markets in Northern Italy.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for a complete and unique journey of the markets present throughout the boot, read our always updated article!
5. Bolzano, Trentino Alto Adige
Bolzano hosts the largest Christmas market in Italy! It has been taking place since 1991 and features 80 exhibitors with goods of all kinds. In the central Piazza Walter is set up a magnificent "Christkindlmarkt" suitable for visitors of all ages. The numerous wooden houses sell local handicrafts and decorations as well as typical South Tyrolean food and wine products such as Spitzbuben cookies, apple strudel and jams. A distinctive feature of this event is the representation of the Holy Family placed under the tree in the centre of the market.
The Market of Bolzano takes place from November 28, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
4. Christmas Markets in Aosta
The Christmas market "Marché Vert Noël" decorates the archaeological area in the historical centre of the city, from the Arch of Augustus to the Roman Theater. The chalets that visitors can visit are more than fifty. Here you can find typical products, handicraft objects and above all local food and wine specialities. In the centre there is also the Chalet della Fontina, DOP cheese of Valle d'Aosta, where you can taste this delicacy surrounded by colours and Christmas lights. In the market, it is worth having a look at the experts in woodworking, able to transform tree stumps into real works of art.
The Marché Vert Noël is open in Piazza Chanoux from November 23, 2024, to January 6, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM; on Christmas and New Year's Day, it opens at 3:00 PM.
3. Verona, Veneto
Few people know that in the city of love, Verona takes place in one of the most romantic Christmas markets ever. In collaboration with the "Christkindlmarkt" of Nuremberg, the market of Verona hosts more than 100 exhibitors in the new location of Via Pallone, between Piazza Bra and the Adige River, you can savor delights like goulash and cinnamon strudel, paired with artisanal grappas. Strolling among the stalls, you’ll discover numerous handmade items, showcasing the creativity of local artisans.
The Verona Christmas Market will take place from November 16 to December 26, 2024, in Via Pallone and Piazza Sacco e Vanzetti.
2. Santa Maria Maggiore, Piemonte
In one of the most beautiful villages of Piedmont, Santa Maria Maggiore, in Val d'Ossola, one of the most authentic Christmas markets in Italy takes place. The wooden chalets offer visitors all kinds of merchandise, from ceramics to blown glass artifacts, typical handicrafts of the area. In the market there are many refreshment points to taste mulled wine (ideal for warming up during the walk), stinchéet (similar to piadine, eaten hot with butter and salt) and roasted chestnuts. A completely Piedmontese touch to the market is given by the Feminis-Farina Perfume House, which tells the story of Eau de Cologne born in this very village.
The Santa Maria Maggiore market takes place from December 6 to 8, 2024.
1. Aprica, Lombardia
Aprica is the ideal place to spend Christmas, immersed in the snow-covered mountains of Valtellina and Val Camonica, it looks like Santa's village even without decorations. From this year Aprica will also host the Christmas markets. Among the wooden chalets in the center of the village there will be craftsmen and local producers of typical food and drink. Impossible not to taste the pizzoccheri or the Bisciola, the Christmas dessert par excellence in Valtellina. In short, the ideal walk after a winter day spent skiing in the various ski resorts in the area.
The Christmas market begins on the first weekends of December (December 7-8 and 14-15) and continues from December 21, 2024, to January 6, 2025.
The Christmas markets of Northern Italy, from Piedmont to Trentino Alto Adige are the ideal place to breathe in the Christmas atmosphere.
The small chalets in the alleys of the cities or immersed in the mountains offer visitors the opportunity to taste the typical products of the period and learn about local crafts. An experience not to be missed!
