Eataly
Eataly
Explore il Bel Paese through its most popular Christmas markets, each offering more local crafts, seasonal food and wine, and, most of all, cheer than the last. From northern Italy down the peninsula to Sicilia, the festive atmosphere spreads across the country as Christmas gets closer. With gift ideas for everyone and activities for all ages, these markets are perfect for shopping and having a jolly good time.
Little wooden chalets take over the whole town, spread across three piazzas: Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza Montevecchio and Piazza Libertà. They offer handicrafts, food and festive gifts. Hop on the Lilliputian train and chug through the city, then get off at Piazza Libertà for a ride on the antique carousel. On weekends, keep an eye out for Father Christmas and his elves.
The markets center on the venerable Cathedral, amid centuries-old buildings, and capture the magic of Advent. The Cathedral's 800-year-old Gothic cloister adds a unique aura, matched by a multimedia music and light show. Taste the specialties of Valle Isarco, share a carriage ride or pick up traditional handicrafts like carved wooden figures, candles, and glass and ceramic souvenirs.
Merano is known as a city of relaxation, and the whole town is decorated for the season. In the central square, watch figure skating shows or hit the ice yourself. Afterward, warm up with a cup of tea or mulled wine in the heated stalls, with snow-tipped mountains as the backdrop. The products range from toys to knitted goods to fresh pastries.
Mark your calendar for Piedmont's biggest Christmas market, which lasts only one weekend. More than 200 exhibitors display their crafts and homemade specialties, and the craftsmen open their workshops for a behind-the-scenes look at the traditions of the Viegazo Valley. Add the decorations, the carolers and the food, including stincheèt — a thin sheet of flour cooked on a stove, topped with butter and a pinch of salt — and it is an event not to miss.
Milano celebrates the feast of its patron saint, Sant Ambroeus (Sant'Ambrogio in Milanese dialect), every year on December 7. The Milanese love Christmas, so they honor the fourth-century archbishop by starting the festivities early with a fair known as "Oh Bej! Oh Bej!" Street markets around the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio offer everything from antique stalls and buskers to roast chestnuts and cotton candy. This three-day celebration is a great way to get some Christmas shopping done early.
Firenze has many Christmas markets, and the biggest is in the beautiful Piazza di Santa Croce. Inspired by the tradition of the German city of Heidelberg, its 55 wooden huts hold a mix of Italian and German delicacies and other unique gifts. Kids enjoy the decorations and illuminations, but the carousel is usually their favorite.
The Eternal City's most famous markets are in Piazza Navona, built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian and now home to three spectacular fountains. During the season, the square becomes a bustling, colorful shopping spot selling nativity scenes and Christmas sweets like cookies and nougat. Wander around, watch the street artists and acrobats, and visit Santa Claus. Come back on January 6, when Befana hands out presents to good kids and coal to the not-so-good ones.
Via San Gregorio Armeno is more than a market: it is dedicated all year long to presepi (nativity scenes). The narrow alley truly comes alive in December, crammed with stalls and buzzing with locals and tourists alike. The artisans are known for their handcrafted figurines, and the nativity statuettes, made from wax, bronze, cork and clay, are the most popular purchases. The figures on sale also include athletes, politicians and international stars.
Beautiful all year round, Taormina becomes even more magical at Christmas, and it suits anyone who prefers mild temperatures to snow. From December through Epiphany, a folkloric atmosphere takes over the small hilltop town with concerts, exhibitions, nativity scenes and historical enactments. The stands are full of sweets like Sicilian cakes, crafts and everything you need to decorate for the season.
Every year, Cagliari hosts a 12-day Christmas fair with local food and wine, toys and handmade crafts. The markets in Piazza del Carmine and on Corso Vittorio Emanuele are a chance to experience the best of "Made in Sardinia" and to taste Sardinian Christmas sweets like pabassinas — iced raisin-nut cookies with anise seeds and a citrus flavor. The region is better known as a summer beach destination, but its capital knows how to embrace the holiday season.
Written by Kayla Pantano. First published by i-Italy, a media network dedicated to "all things Italian in America."
Be the first to hear about new products, store happenings, promotions, and more.
Copyright © 2012 - 2026 | Eataly S.p.A. - All rights reserved
By submitting your email address, you acknowledge and agree to be added to our newsletter and receive marketing emails from Eataly. For information on how we collect and process your personal information please visit our Notice at Collection for California Consumers and our Privacy Policy.opens in a new tab
