Christmas is just a few weeks away and every Italian city is preparing to celebrate this holiday in style. As tradition dictates, there will be lights, decorations and the inevitable Christmas markets. What are the best Christmas markets in Italy in 2018?
The cold air of the last days of autumn of Italy brings the smells of roast chestnuts, mulled wine, cinnamon and chocolate. The lights frame the streets of the city centres, teeming with people looking for gifts, and in every corner the traditional Yuletide melodies ring out.
This week, we propose 5 vacation destinations to visit with your family to enjoy this magical atmosphere that transforms Italy’s cities, and guide you through the best Xmas markets to find the perfect presents for your loved ones and the most beautiful decorations for your tree.
1. Trento: a real-life Christmas card
From November to January, Christmas markets are held throughout the northern province of Trento, attracting a large number of visitors every year. Among the most famous are those of Trento and Rovereto, but also in Levico, Pergine and Arco you will find the typical wooden houses that you can take a stroll through and let yourself be conquered by the magic of Christmas, feeling like a little kid again.
The Christmas markets are not only an opportunity to buy Christmas decorations, original handmade gifts and to taste the foody delights of this region; they are also a way to discover the charming and authentic Italian villages, such as Rango and Canale di Tenno: two fairy tale towns that at this time of year are even more beautiful than usual, with street lights, beautiful scents and incredible decorations.
Warm up while sipping a glass of vin brulè, a warm, aromatic mulled wine and the ideal remedy against the cold, and enjoy the enveloping and festive atmosphere that makes the markets of Trento so special.
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2. Milan: the capital of Christmas fashion
During the Crimbo period, the city of Milan is literally invaded by markets. From the traditional O'Bej O'Bej Fair, much loved by the Milanese, to the little, wooden huts that bring gastronomic specialities from all over Italy to the Piazza Duomo square, passing through the eco-market to the Fonderia Napoleonica Eugenia exhibition space.
Twenty-two miles of colourful and sparkling lights will transform the capital of fashion and design into the city of Christmas 2018, inviting young and old alike to savour the Christmas spirit and enjoy the numerous events organised for the occasion.
If you are looking for authentic and original gifts, don't miss "L'Artigiano in Fiera", an event that runs from 1st to 9th December 2018 and brings handcrafted products from all over the world to the spaces of the Fiera Milano Rho expo centre.
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3. Rome: the new city of lights
Christmas in the shadow of the Colosseum is a particularly exciting way to spend the holidays, and the whole city dresses up to celebrate this long-awaited moment of the year. The wonders of the capital of Italy shine with the Christmas lights that decorate it.
Walking through the city, you will be able to hear Christmas songs played by bagpipers, wonder at the lights and decorations, and get wrapped up in the scents of sweets that fill the stalls.
To fully experience the magic of Christmas in Italy, visit the famous markets of Piazza Navona and Piazza di Spagna to discover the many events and activities organised for the occasion all over the capital.
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4. Naples: the art of Christmas
In a way, it's Christmas all year round in Naples. There is no season in which, passing through the San Gregorio Armeno street, you can’t stop to admire skilled craftsmen busily creating magnificent nativity scenes and modelling beautiful artisan figurines.
In the historic old town centre of Naples, the 147th edition of the Christmas Fair of San Gregorio Armeno will take place right up until the Epiphany, on 6th January 2019. In the ancient heart of the city, hundreds of Christmas stands and shops of the great Masters of Art participate in this historic event, presenting their precious, lovingly-crafted wares.
Visiting Naples at this time of year is an experience like no other, and a unique opportunity to uncover all the secrets and hidden meanings of the traditional Neapolitan nativity scene, famed and admired throughout the world.
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5. Catania: Christmas on the beach
The mild climate and the sea air contrast a bit with the traditional Christmas imagery of snow, mountains and Santa’s cosy grotto, but the beauty of the city of Catania makes you forget that and want to live the magic of this holiday to the fullest.
On 8th December 2018, the procession of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception kicks off the pre-Christmas festivities, bringing the city to life with concerts, plays, street theatre and beautiful nativity scenes on display in the churches.
From 1st to 27th December in Via Minoriti, there is also an excellent Christmas market with typical little sheds where you can buy typical products, local crafts and more.
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