When it comes to Christmas markets, most people picture Germany or Austria, but Italy has its own festive magic that can rival the best of Europe. From Naples’ enchanting nativity-filled streets to Verona’s romantic markets, where horse drawn carriages and the scent of gingerbread fill the city with Christmas magic. Italy is becoming an increasingly popular festive destination. In fact, Google searches for “Italy at Christmas”1 have increased by over +5000% in the last month, and “Italy Christmas markets”2 have accumulated 378k searches in the past year.
Starting from the Immaculate Conception weekend, towns and cities across Italy light up, inviting visitors to discover unique Christmas traditions, festive foods, and magical experiences beyond the usual tourist trail. Heather Green, Head of Product at Citalia, shares her expert tips on where to enjoy Italy’s best Christmas markets and festive celebrations.
Verona
Christmas markets: November 17th – December 26th
In Verona, Christmas comes alive with twinkling lights and romantic markets. The Piazza dei Signori Christmas market, inspired by Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, fills the streets with the scent of Biscotti speziati (gingerbread) and vin brulé. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides past illuminated palaces, but make sure not to miss the illuminated star installation at Piazza Bra for the perfect festive photo.
“Verona celebrates the Festa di Santa Lucia, the patron saint of blindness, on 13 December, when Piazza Bra hosts one of the region’s biggest Santa Lucia fairs. It’s a day of feasting, with over 200 stalls and slices of pandoro (fluffy sweet bread). Enjoy live music, theatrical performances and traditional processions dedicated to the cultural and spiritual significance of Verona,” Heather notes.
Naples
Christmas Markets: November 30th – January 6th
Visiting Naples at Christmas reveals a side of Italy that rivals Europe’s most famous festive destinations. Vibrant presepi (nativity scenes) line Via San Gregorio Armeno and stalls filled with sweet struffoli (honey coated dough balls) and spiced roccocò (hard almond, citrus biscuits). Just outside the city, the castle at Lettere becomes a fairytale market, where you can browse local crafts and sip novello wine.
Heather, Head of Product at Citalia, explains: “Naples is truly the heart of Italy’s Christmas traditions. On 24 December, La Vigilia di Natale (Christmas Eve), locals gather for the iconic Feast of the Seven Fishes, a seafood banquet that reflects Naples’ deep connection to the sea and its centuries old history as a coastal city. For the little ones, Santa’s House is a must visit, with shows and games that keep the festive spirit alive.”
Turin
Christmas markets: December 1st – January 6th
Turin wears its festive cheer like a cosy Christmas jumper, visitors can skate at the Palaghiaccio Massari ice rink, enjoy Christmas concerts in the Church of San Carlo, or take a stroll along Via Roma and Piazza San Carlo to admire the city’s light installations of the Luci d’Artista. Venture into the Piedmont region for hidden festivities, like the mountain markets of Santa Maria Maggiore in the Vigezzo Valley, where nativity scenes float on water.
“Turin’s Christmas markets are a true feast for the senses,” Heather adds. “Known for its chocolate, try gianduja chocolate and cremini(chocolate, hazelnut delicacies), from historic chocolatiers like Guido Gobino or Caffarel or traditional savoury dishes like bagna cauda (warm anchovy and garlic dip) really show off Piedmont’s amazing culinary heritage.”
Milan
Christmas Markets: December 6th – December 9th
Milan brings a stylish twist to the festive season, blending high end shopping with the charm of traditional Christmas markets. The Piazza del Duomo market sparkles beneath the city’s to the Christmas tree adorned with over 700 glowing spheres. The Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Fair, Milan’s oldest Christmas celebration, takes place around Castello Sforzesco. Dating back more than five centuries, this lively event fills the streets with stalls selling traditional sweets, handcrafted toys, artisanal gifts and festive decorations.
Heather shares “Milan’s festive season is a mix of modern glamour and deep-rooted tradition. Tasting an authentic slice of panettone (sweet bread with candied fruit) in the city where it was created is a real highlight – you can find it at iconic bakeries such as Pasticceria Marchesi or Pasticceria Cova, or from stalls at the Piazza Duomo Christmas market. The Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Fair is a must see for anyone visiting during Saint Ambrose’s week.”
For more information on Italy’s festivities, please visit: