Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, with good reason. Known for its world-class pizza, rich history, and warm locals, Italy attracts over 94 million tourists a year! European Christmas markets are a favorite for tourists and locals alike and an Italy Christmas Market is no exception. From the magical snow and mountain markets in the north to Christmas markets along the beach, Italy has a wide range of beautiful Christmas markets.
When I lived in Italy I was SO excited for winter so I could experience these markets for myself. Here is the list of the BEST Christmas markets in Italy.
7 Magical Italy Christmas Markets
Rome
Christmas and Epiphany Market in Piazza Navona
When: First week in December and continues for 6 weeks
Rome is the largest city in Italy and hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in Italy. Located in the city center of Rome, in Piazza Navona locals and tourists flock to this market.
Florence
Piazza Santa Croce Christmas Market
When: Mid November – Mid December (Closes before Christmas)
Located in the heart of Tuscany, Florence hosts a beautiful Christmas market right in front of the church where Michelangelo and Galileo are buried. In the winter this busy touristy plaza is transformed into a winter wonderland. Decorated with Christmas stalls lining the square, Florence is a magical place to visit in December.
Milan
When: December 4- December 8
Milan hosts a number of fantastic Christmas markets which makes it a lovely city to visit in the winter despite the cold temperatures. Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Celebrates the patron saint of Milan, Saint Ambrose, and is one of the oldest traditions in the city dating back 500 years! If you can visit Milan in early December to experience this market, consider yourself lucky!
Lake Como
When End of November – Early January
A beautiful lakeside town located near the Swiss border, Lake Como hosts a unique Christmas celebration. The Como Magic Light Festival is located throughout the town, lighting up the streets with projections creating a Christmas experience fun for all ages! The Christmas market itself is quite small, but it is worth checking out for all the other Christmas festivities Lake Como hosts.
San Marino
When: Early December – Early January
While San Marino is its own country (kinda like the Vatican) its location inside of the Italian borders is what brings it onto this list. San Marino hosts a beautiful Christmas market perched at the top of a mountain. With fairy lights and street markets, this town is not to be missed.
Turin
When: November 20 – January 9
Nestled next to the famous Alps, there are few more magical places than spending a Christmas in the snow with mountain views. Turin, despite its cold weather, hosts a beautiful Christmas atmosphere. A Torino un Natale con I Fiocchi located in Piazza Castello is Turin’s most popular Christmas market.
Bolzano Christmas
When: November 26 – Jan 6th
Located in South Tyrol is Italy’s biggest Christmas market! Open every day from 10-7, this enchanting market is located in Northern Italy, just south of Austria. It truly is a winter wonderland escape inside of Italy.
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