Italy’s Treasured Christmas Markets

Ah, Christmas in Italy! From the Dolomites to Naples, the tradition of the Mercatini di Natale in Italy is a colorful, festive one. Not only are they beautiful and atmospheric (and a great place to snatch up some unusual, hand-crafted gifts), they also make for an extra special way to get to know an area’s local traditions, foods, and artisans.

Here are Ciclismo Classico’s TOP FIVE treasure-filled Christmas markets.

Bolzano (Dolomites)

Christkindlmarkt in Bolzano’s piazza is held this year from late November to January 6th, la Befana (Epiphany). Dozens and dozens of wooden stands filled with traditional gifts and regional specialties like the wonderful vin brulé (hot mulled wine to keep your tummy warm while browsing), strudel, and apple fritters.

Turin, Piedmont

Turin is the go-to city when it comes to Christmas lights, featuring amazing installations designed by local and international artists. The Christmas market in Piazza Borga Dora is well known for decadent Piemontese delicacies like gianduja (hazelnut chocolate) and bicerin (espresso with chocolate and milk). 

Trento Trentino-Alto Adige

With more than 90 stands, this Mercatino di Natale in Trento focuses on artisan souvenirs. You can see woodcarvers at work, indulge in local cheeses, grilled polenta, spiced hot chocolate, and sip on parampampoli–a local hot tipple made with coffee, wine, grappa, and honey.

Florence, Tuscany

Every year, Piazza Santa Croce hosts Weihnachtsmarkt, the 500-year old market that comes to Florence directly from Heidelberg, Germany. The many wooden stands are filled with both Florentine and other European gifts and dishes, from panforte (a dense, spiced fruitcake) to bratwurst–all hosted by folks coming directly from their home country. Even a monastery from Belarus attends the event to sell its Christmas handicrafts.)

Candelara, Le Marche

Located near Pesaro, in the eastern-central region of Le Marche, lies the charming town of Candelara. Every year, Candelara celebrates the meaning of its name—candles! By end of November, the town rolls out this quaint Christmas market and periodically closes all street lights in the evening, lighting candles instead. Handcrafted medieval-style candles are on sale at the market. How cool is that?

Naples, Campania

Take a stroll down the narrow via San Gregorio Armeno in Naples centro–famous all over the world for the thousands and thousands of handcrafted nativity figures, scenes or presepe. Its shops and stalls are a must-see at Christmas time when it is buzzing with Neapolitans and tourists alike, all out to purchase figures made from wax, bronze, cork, and clay. Figurines on sale encompass the traditional and the contemporary. Naples transforms to an (even more) lively city at Christmas time.

 Photos courtesy of Trento Fiere S.p.A