Another lovely Italian Christmas market tradition exists in the Alpine town of Bolzano in Trentino Alto Adige. Set against the Rosengarten Dolomites, it is a beautiful medieval settlement made up of romantic arcaded streets and picturesque squares.
It boasts two markets each Christmas, one of the biggest markets and also one of the oldest markets in the country.
White Christmasses aren't a common-place thing in Italy, as a general rule, but this Alpine setting means you'll get that snowy, atmospheric setting, perfect for, not just one, but two Christmas markets. For the ultimate Christmas market experience in Italy, find a vacation rental in Trentino or a vacation rental in Veneto and visit this lovely town for the day.
It boasts two markets each Christmas, one of the biggest markets and also one of the oldest markets in the country.
White Christmasses aren't a common-place thing in Italy, as a general rule, but this Alpine setting means you'll get that snowy, atmospheric setting, perfect for, not just one, but two Christmas markets. For the ultimate Christmas market experience in Italy, find a vacation rental in Trentino or a vacation rental in Veneto and visit this lovely town for the day.
At Christmas, the town's pretty streets are lit up and festooned in decorations and light displays and, in the Piazza Walther are filled with stalls manned by artisans selling food and local crafts. The Mercatino di Natale or Christkindl Markt is an annual tradition that has been taking place for decades and is the biggest market of its kind in Italy.
Opening on November 24th and staying open right until January 6th 2018, the market is made up of 80 exhibitors, 3 gastronomy stalls and a small market dedicated to children, guests and fellow citizens.
Here you can purchase 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.
Opening on November 24th and staying open right until January 6th 2018, the market is made up of 80 exhibitors, 3 gastronomy stalls and a small market dedicated to children, guests and fellow citizens.
Here you can purchase 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.
There is also the Rassegna Mercato Artistico, which takes place in the town hall square (the Piazza del Municipio). This market is dedicated expressly to local crafts and is the oldest Christmas market in Italy. Founded by Father Giovanni Barbieri in 1970, who want to highlight local producers. Now, over 60 exhibitors and artists from South Tyrol, Trentino and other regions of Italy come and showcase their products through December.
Additionally, there are many other small markets located around the town during the festive period. So, if you're looking for the ultimate Christmassy experience in Italy, there is no better destination than Bolzano!
Additionally, there are many other small markets located around the town during the festive period. So, if you're looking for the ultimate Christmassy experience in Italy, there is no better destination than Bolzano!
Photo credits
picture 1: Giuseppe Masili / CC BY 2.0;
picture 2: Serge / CC BY-SA 2.0;
picture 1: Giuseppe Masili / CC BY 2.0;
picture 2: Serge / CC BY-SA 2.0;