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The Tradition of Christmas Markets in Italy

What better way to get ready for the holidays than to visit some of Italy's famed Christmas markets? Delicious cuisine, fantastic shopping options, traditional culture, and a warm European environment. Italian Christmas Markets, or "Mercatino di Natale" as they are known locally, are usually held from the end of November to the beginning of January. Numerous cities in Italy host Christmas markets, known for their lovely, joyous atmosphere. Visitors should keep an eye out for elaborate nativity scenes, which are often the centre of the markets.


Merano, in South Tyrol, is home to one of Italy's oldest and most alluring Christmas markets. Perhaps due to its close proximity to Switzerland and Austria, this market offers exquisite home-baked foods that are frequently flavoured with cinnamon and other spices. Popular in this area are also traditional artisan crafts. There is nothing more enchanting than strolling around this authentic Italian market and taking in the town's breathtaking mountain backdrop.

Visitors taking a winter vacation to northern Italy will easily be able to see both Bolzano and Merano in a single journey. Bolzano market is another gem of the region. Bolzano's grand Piazza Walther, which is beautifully decked out throughout the holiday season and hosts live performances and concerts on the weekends, is one of its most alluring features. Bolzano has twice been named the Italian city with the finest living standards, and it is easy to understand why: the region's fine wines, delectable northern Italian cuisine, and stunning countryside setting make it a wonderful destination. The icing on the cake for this lovely town is undoubtedly this, the biggest Christmas market in Italy.


Further south, there are also several traditional Italian Christmas markets: Via San Gregorio Armeno in Naples is home to the renowned Christmas market, where artisans dress in traditional attire and create gorgeous, intricate nativity scenes (which can be purchased to take home, too). This is a fantastic location to buy original handmade presents and take in the authentic Italian holiday mood. Italy offers a considerably greater selection of Christmas markets in addition to these, in every region and to suit every preference.

With mouthwatering food, delectable Italian wine, and a magical atmosphere set against the backdrop of beautiful Italian towns, Italy's Christmas markets look set to welcome visitors from all over the world to share in a traditional Christmas. This makes it a paradise for both shoppers and vacationers. Happy Holidays!


Written by: Carla Moletti, ICCPI, December 19, 2022


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