The most famous Christmas markets in Italy are those located in the northern region of Trentino-Alto Adige. They are usually the ones that get the most visitors, but why not go off the beaten track this year and discover other quaint markets from north to south? Here’s a selection of some great ones. Most of them are already under way and will continue until January 6, 2022.
Como (Lombardy)
Como hosts the area’s favorite Christmas event for the whole family: “La Città dei Balocchi.” Starting Saturday 27 November, the town on world-famous Lake Como will turn into a fairly tale Christmas village with small wooden houses selling local artisanal and food products. The event includes an ice skating rink and the Magic Light Festival, a show featuring light installations places on the main buildings of Como’s historic center.
Grazzano Visconti (Emilia-Romagna)
The quaint village of Grazzano Visconti (Piacenza), a modern-day recreation of a medieval village, hosts a Christmas market where you can find gift ideas or souvenirs for yourself, handmade by local artisans. This is also a family-friendly event as it includes the ‘Santa Claus House,’ and the ‘Babbo Park,’ which features a ferris wheel and a giant slide. There will also be street artists and magic and fire shows to keep the entire family entertained.
Arezzo (Tuscany)
The Christmas village in Piazza Grande in the Tuscan city of Arezzo returns this year to help you experience the magic of Christmas thanks to its 34 wooden houses and a typical Tyrolean hut in the center offering artisanal and wooden items, typical food and Tyrolean beers. Take advantage of this event to discover Arezzo by participating in one of the guided tours on offer. Craftsmen and wood sculptors from all over Europe will be carving their works in front of the public.
Greccio (Lazio)
Possibly the most evocative place to experience a Christmas market, Greccio is known as the site of the first nativity scene in the world created by none other than Saint Francis of Assisi. The medieval borgo is transformed into a magical Christmas village from December 4, 2021 to January 6, 2022. There will be festively decorated chalets, and if you love preparing the ‘presepe’ like most Italians, then you’ll find plenty of objects and crafts to create your Italian style nativity scene.
Matera (Basilicata)
Who knew, even Matera, a Unesco World Heritage Site known for its ‘Sassi,’ turns into Christmas town for the holidays: a Christmas village is set up on central Piazza Veneto with lots of typical products and crafts including local food. But the highlight of the event is the Living Nativity Scene in the Sassi, with local actors who will bring to life ancient crafts and scenes from ancient Roman life.
Please note that in order to access the Christmas markets in Italy, you need to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination or of having recovered from Covid-19.
