In our last article, we outlined the unique nature and particular charms of the Italian interpretation of Christmas markets, before outlining some of the best of the best around the country. In addition to those examples in Rome, Florence and Milan, we have compiled a list of some more of the finest Christmas markets around Italy, should you have found a vacation rental in Italy and be planning on spending the festive season there.
Verona is a very famous Italian city and UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site best known for its connection to Shakespeare's most tragic of lovers. However, come Christmas, it gets a German makeover when a large Christkindlmarkt opens in Piazza dei Signori. Made up of wooden stalls with over 60 exhibitors selling handicrafts, decorations, regional foods, and German specialties, it usually opens late November through to December 21st.
Verona is a very famous Italian city and UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site best known for its connection to Shakespeare's most tragic of lovers. However, come Christmas, it gets a German makeover when a large Christkindlmarkt opens in Piazza dei Signori. Made up of wooden stalls with over 60 exhibitors selling handicrafts, decorations, regional foods, and German specialties, it usually opens late November through to December 21st.
Another lovely market tradition exists in Bolzano in Trentino Alto Adige. This Alpine town is set against a backdrop of the Rosengarten Dolomites and is a beautiful medieval settlement made up of romantic arcaded streets and picturesque squares. At Christmas, these streets are lit up and festooned in decorations and light displays and, in the Piazza Walther, there is a festive market that has been an annual tradition for decades and is the biggest in Italy. Opening on November 24th and staying open right until January 6th 2017, the market is made up of 80 exhibitors, 3 gastronomy stalls and a small market dedicated to children, guests and fellow citizens. Shop the strictly local handmade decorations and gifts, try local delicacies, warm up with a hot chocolate, view the nativity scene under the Christmas tree (featuring the Holy Family with cow and donkey inside a real miniature stable) and watch the craftsmen at work, live on site. For kids there is a miniature train, merry-go-round, puppet theatre, and horse-drawn carriages to enjoy.
If you're spending Christmas in Venice, head to Campo Santo Stefano, which becomes a Christmas village in December with 30 little wooden cabins set up in the piazza and stalls selling high-quality Venetian handicrafts, regional food and drinks. Sponsored by the Artisan Association, the market features Christmas ornaments and decorations of Murano glass, traditional carnival masks, ceramics, jewelry, marbled paper and other Venetian craft specialties. Another section is devoted to Italian specialty foods such as traditional cakes and sweets, live oils, vintage balsamic vinegars and other locally made gourmet products. The addition of the lights and musicians who play during the market make for a charming festive atmosphere.
Italy is sounding more and more like the place to spend Christmas this year, is it not?
Italy is sounding more and more like the place to spend Christmas this year, is it not?
