Updated November 2023
The holidays are upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a trip to the Christmas markets in Italy?
Italy is a magical place during the holiday season, and it’s not just because of the weather. The country is famous for its warm climate and delicious food, but it also boasts an incredible tradition of Christmas markets that you won’t want to miss.
Christmas markets in Italy
Milan
Of course, we will start from here because Christmas is one of the best times to visit Milan! From December until the first weeks of January, the atmosphere in the city is really festive.
Not only many of the streets are decorated with beautiful Christmas lights, but in some of the areas of the city there are traditional Christmas markets where you can buy Christmas gifts, eat some traditional food or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Also, Milan is where the most popular Italian Christmas dessert originated. If you have never tried it, make sure you do because the best panettone is in Milan!
Christmas market in Milan Duomo
One of the most popular Christmas markets in Milan is the one in piazza Duomo, in front of the famous Milan Cathedral.
This year, the market is open from December 1st 2023 until January 6th, 2024.
The market is open every day from 9 AM to 9 PM and it is the perfect place to buy Christmas gifts!
There are plenty of stalls selling traditional Christmas decorations, such as nativity scenes and Christmas tree decorations, as well as other handcrafted products.
Make sure you don’t miss the opening ceremony. On December 1st there will be a free event that will feature the traditional lighting of the spectacular Christmas tree in piazza Duomo.
Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas market in Milan, Sforzesco Castle
The Oh Bej Oh Bej Christmas market is one of the most traditional in Milan and the oldest too!
The market is open every year during the week of Saint Ambrose (the patron saint of the city), from 9 AM to 9 PM. This year it will be held from December 7th until December 10th.
The market starts in the beautiful square in front of the Sforzesco castle and stretches all around it.
It really has a beautiful atmosphere. Here you can find antiques, home decorations, but also and especially local delicacies. You have to explore this while you’re sipping a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Villaggio delle Meraviglie in Milan Porta Venezia
Visit the Indro Montanelli Gardens in Porta Venezia from November 18, 2023, until January 7, 2025, to enjoy the family-friendly Villaggio delle Meraviglie (Village of Wonders).
Here the Snow Queen greets children in her castle, which is framed by a massive Christmas tree, a snowflake carousel, and a journey to the North Pole.
Access to the park itself, Santa’s House, and the concerts and entertainment are all free, while tickets for the specific attractions may be purchased onsite.
This enchanted spot isn’t just for kids; it also features one of the largest skating rinks in all of northern Italy, measuring a whopping 1,000 square meters across both indoor and outdoor sections.
The skating rink is accessible every day from 10 AM to 9 PM (last admission is allowed at 8 PM). Make sure to check the website if you want to go on December 24 and 25 as they will be open for slightly different hours.
Christmas markets in Trentino
For the best Italian Christmas markets, you must go to Trentino.
Trentino is a great place to visit over the holiday season if you like skiing and want to soak up some festive cheer. Christmas markets are all over town, each of which is full of enchantment and holiday cheer.
Bolzano
Among Trentino’s towns, Bolzano is where you’ll find the most people and the most prominent markets.
The city goes all out for the holiday season, adorning major landmarks with beautiful lights and decorations and hosting a variety of musical and cultural events for both adults and children.
Christmas is everywhere in the city center, with a warm glow, beautiful ornaments, twinkling lights, tiny wooden houses, and the smell of mulled wine.
Sustainability is also a focus at the Bolzano Christmas Market, which emphasizes the promotion of regional foods and wines and features vendors with rich artisanal heritage.
Starting on November 24, 2023, and ending on January 6, 2024, the event will be in full swing.
How to get to Bolzano from Milan
The easiest way to get to Trento from Bolzano is to take the bus. The journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours and there are buses departing from the Lampugnano bus station every few hours.
However, the fastest way to go from Milan to Bolzano is by train. This option however requires one change, usually in Verona. But if you want to save up to a couple of hours, it’s worth it.
Levico Terme
Even if the Christmas market in Trentino’s main city is the most famous, other, equally picturesque mountain towns also have wonderful markets.
Although the markets in larger cities attract a lot of tourists, those in smaller villages are often just as beautiful, if not more so.
Levico Terme Christmas Market is held at the city’s Secular Park of the Habsburgs (Italy’s most significant historical garden) from November 18 to January 6, 2024.
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a winter wonderland walking around the century-old trees richly decorated with lights and the air smelling like Christmas spices.
Enjoy the best cuisine in the area and a warm glass of mulled wine as you meander through the Park’s charming little wooden shacks and down its tree-lined alleys.
Of course, you’ll also be able to buy one-of-a-kind presents and Christmas decorations crafted by local craftsmen.
Christmas Markets in Valle d’Aosta
Aosta
The Christmas Market in Aosta, set against the backdrop of the stunning Alps, is the perfect place to enjoy some festive cheer.
The market is open from November 25, 2022, through January 7, 2024.
Every year around Christmas, the “Marché Vert Nol” Christmas market in Aosta turns the city’s most picturesque areas into enchanted Alpine villages, with the installation of little wooden chalets.
There are little shops in each one and all of them, selling everything from traditional Christmas decorations to local handicrafts and delicious food.
How to get to Aosta from Milan
Unfortunately to this day, there’s no direct train connecting Aosta to Milan, and a train trip wouldn’t be very convenient due to multiple changes.
Unfortunately to this day, there’s no direct train connecting Aosta to Milan, and a train trip wouldn’t be very convenient due to multiple changes.
The best way to get to Aosta from Milan is by car or bus. The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours.
There are buses departing from the Milano Lampugnano bus station, operated by Flixbus, which are pretty cheap.
Christmas Markets in Veneto
Cortina d’Ampezzo
The city of Cortina in the Italian province of Belluno is known as the “Pearl of the Dolomites”, and here, the Christmas season is the most wonderful and awaited time of the year.
With the magnificent Italian Dolomites as a backdrop, the streets are festively decorated and warmed by dazzling illuminations. Christmas music played softly in the background, adding a festive atmosphere.
Beautifully crafted wooden huts sell a wide variety of local souvenirs, holiday decorations, candles, toys for children and much more. Around twenty stands offer local specialties for you to taste, such as mulled wine, tea, and delicious Christmas desserts.
How to get to Cortina from Milan
Cortina is situated in the North of Veneto, and it’s approximately 5 hours away from Milan. For this reason, we recommend planning a weekend to best enjoy the area and the markets!
The most convenient way to go is by car, and this will take you around 5 hours, depending on traffic.
Alternatively, you can take the train to Padova or Venice Mestre, and from there a bus to Cortina. The journey takes over 6 hours.
Milan is so conveniently located and well interconnected that it’s extremely easy to explore the surrounding areas: read about towns near Milan perfect for a day trip
Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash
