Christmas markets have quickly become one of the most desirable travel experiences out there. They have existed in some parts of the world for centuries but, in the last few years, many are making family and personal traditions of going and getting in the Christmas spirit at a highly atmospheric and seasonal Christmas market before the chaos of the season well and truly kicks in.
There are some destinations that are famous for their Christmas markets with the Germanic examples being seen as the optimal experience. However, don’t immediately dismiss and look past other Christmas market destinations around Europe, which also have lots to offer by way of fun and festivity. One destination that many don’t think of is Italy but this is a mistake as Italian Christmas markets perfectly combine delicious treats, amazing handmade gifts and souvenirs, and the prettiest of surroundings from hilltop Tuscan villages, to Alpine towns, to some of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Among these, lovely Venice is actually quite the hidden gem, boasting lots of excellent markets to choose from and the most incredibly picturesque setting. Just find a vacation rental in Venice today and get planning a quick pre-festivities getaway to come explore these various Christmas markets this winter!
There are some destinations that are famous for their Christmas markets with the Germanic examples being seen as the optimal experience. However, don’t immediately dismiss and look past other Christmas market destinations around Europe, which also have lots to offer by way of fun and festivity. One destination that many don’t think of is Italy but this is a mistake as Italian Christmas markets perfectly combine delicious treats, amazing handmade gifts and souvenirs, and the prettiest of surroundings from hilltop Tuscan villages, to Alpine towns, to some of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Among these, lovely Venice is actually quite the hidden gem, boasting lots of excellent markets to choose from and the most incredibly picturesque setting. Just find a vacation rental in Venice today and get planning a quick pre-festivities getaway to come explore these various Christmas markets this winter!
1. Campo Santo Stefano
This is the biggest Christmas market in Venice and is held each year in Campo Santo Stefano, near Palazzo Grassi. Running throughout the month of December, the market sees the square fill with around 30 little wooden cabins, all of which are selling all local products. This is a rather unique trait as Christmas markets often sell more mass-produced items nowadays but this market is sponsored by the Artisan Association and, therefore, they make a great effort to support Italian tradesmen and stock Italian-made products.
You can pick up all sorts of incredible things at the Campo Santo Stefano Christmas market from ornaments and decorations made out of the city’s famous Murano glass, the iconic traditional carnival masks worn during Venice’s biggest festival, ceramics, jewellery, marbled paper, and lots of other amazing handmade Venetian craft specialties. You can, of course, also stock up on plenty of Italy and Venice’s specialty foods and other culinary products such as traditional cakes and sweets, olive oils, vintage balsamic vinegars, wines, cured meats, and other locally made gourmet products. Particular items to get from the food section, if you’re interested in Italian cuisine, include the creamy white almond-studded nougat, Panettone from Verona, dried porcini mushrooms, candied chestnuts, and white truffles and truffle products from Alba.
In addition to all of this, the pretty lights decorating the square – with its picturesque backdrop of pretty Venetian palaces – and the live musicians playing Christmas tunes in the background all add up for an excellent place to enjoy the festive spirit and to get the most typical and traditional of Italian souvenirs as gifts.
This is the biggest Christmas market in Venice and is held each year in Campo Santo Stefano, near Palazzo Grassi. Running throughout the month of December, the market sees the square fill with around 30 little wooden cabins, all of which are selling all local products. This is a rather unique trait as Christmas markets often sell more mass-produced items nowadays but this market is sponsored by the Artisan Association and, therefore, they make a great effort to support Italian tradesmen and stock Italian-made products.
You can pick up all sorts of incredible things at the Campo Santo Stefano Christmas market from ornaments and decorations made out of the city’s famous Murano glass, the iconic traditional carnival masks worn during Venice’s biggest festival, ceramics, jewellery, marbled paper, and lots of other amazing handmade Venetian craft specialties. You can, of course, also stock up on plenty of Italy and Venice’s specialty foods and other culinary products such as traditional cakes and sweets, olive oils, vintage balsamic vinegars, wines, cured meats, and other locally made gourmet products. Particular items to get from the food section, if you’re interested in Italian cuisine, include the creamy white almond-studded nougat, Panettone from Verona, dried porcini mushrooms, candied chestnuts, and white truffles and truffle products from Alba.
In addition to all of this, the pretty lights decorating the square – with its picturesque backdrop of pretty Venetian palaces – and the live musicians playing Christmas tunes in the background all add up for an excellent place to enjoy the festive spirit and to get the most typical and traditional of Italian souvenirs as gifts.
2. Campo San Polo
Though less famous, this Venetian Christmas market takes place in the largest piazza in Venice, Campo San Polo, and also boasts an ice-skating rink. You can still find lots of typical Venetian crafts such as Burano lace and jewellery made from Murano glass but you can also go for a skate to the fun Christmas songs and then warm up and fill up your belly after working up an appetite with some hot drinks and food at the food huts.
3. Campo San Vidal
For those who are more interested in focusing just on the festive eats and treats, the Christmas market at Campo San Vidal is the one for you. This is where you will find the Christmas Food Village and you’ll be able to stock up on all the snacks, sweets, cakes, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and mulled wine that you could ask for to keep you warm as you explore a festive Venice. If you have found a vacation rental in Venice and are out to eat during a Christmas getaway in Venice, this is a great place to pencil in for one of your meals in the city.
Though less famous, this Venetian Christmas market takes place in the largest piazza in Venice, Campo San Polo, and also boasts an ice-skating rink. You can still find lots of typical Venetian crafts such as Burano lace and jewellery made from Murano glass but you can also go for a skate to the fun Christmas songs and then warm up and fill up your belly after working up an appetite with some hot drinks and food at the food huts.
3. Campo San Vidal
For those who are more interested in focusing just on the festive eats and treats, the Christmas market at Campo San Vidal is the one for you. This is where you will find the Christmas Food Village and you’ll be able to stock up on all the snacks, sweets, cakes, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and mulled wine that you could ask for to keep you warm as you explore a festive Venice. If you have found a vacation rental in Venice and are out to eat during a Christmas getaway in Venice, this is a great place to pencil in for one of your meals in the city.
4. Palazzo Zenobio
If you’re someone who is susceptible to the cold but still want a Christmas market while you are in Venice, you should head over to Palazzo Zenobio. This is where you will find an indoor Christmas market that is held in the lush and elegant interior of this Venetian Baroque palace. Featuring more upscale retailers and artisans, jewellers, and artists, it is a more high-end Christmas market experience but is also jam-packed with fun and activities, making it especially appealing to those with kids. Check out the carnival mask-making workshops, performances from Il Balletto di Castelfranco Veneto, and regular appearances from Father Christmas himself – a toasty, indoor winter wonderland!
5. Verona
While there are other Christmas markets to explore in the city – the one on the Strada Nuova, and those at Campo SS. Apostoli, Campo San Bartolomeo, Campo San Salvador, and Campo San Luca – those up for a day-trip out of the city might have been planning to head to Verona anyway. Luckily, the town is also home to a wonderful Christmas market of its own! Each winter, the town famous for its connection to Shakespeare's most tragic of lovers gets a German makeover when a large Christkindlmarkt opens in Piazza dei Signori. This market is made up of wooden stalls with over 60 exhibitors selling handicrafts, decorations, regional foods, and German specialties, running through December.
So, if you’re looking for a great Christmas market destination this year, find a vacation rental in Venice and come explore all of the wonderful options and Christmas cheer that the city can offer you!
If you’re someone who is susceptible to the cold but still want a Christmas market while you are in Venice, you should head over to Palazzo Zenobio. This is where you will find an indoor Christmas market that is held in the lush and elegant interior of this Venetian Baroque palace. Featuring more upscale retailers and artisans, jewellers, and artists, it is a more high-end Christmas market experience but is also jam-packed with fun and activities, making it especially appealing to those with kids. Check out the carnival mask-making workshops, performances from Il Balletto di Castelfranco Veneto, and regular appearances from Father Christmas himself – a toasty, indoor winter wonderland!
5. Verona
While there are other Christmas markets to explore in the city – the one on the Strada Nuova, and those at Campo SS. Apostoli, Campo San Bartolomeo, Campo San Salvador, and Campo San Luca – those up for a day-trip out of the city might have been planning to head to Verona anyway. Luckily, the town is also home to a wonderful Christmas market of its own! Each winter, the town famous for its connection to Shakespeare's most tragic of lovers gets a German makeover when a large Christkindlmarkt opens in Piazza dei Signori. This market is made up of wooden stalls with over 60 exhibitors selling handicrafts, decorations, regional foods, and German specialties, running through December.
So, if you’re looking for a great Christmas market destination this year, find a vacation rental in Venice and come explore all of the wonderful options and Christmas cheer that the city can offer you!