30 Nov 2014 6 Best Christmas Markets in Italy

Christmas is such a special time of year in Italy. The Advent season brings communities together to celebrate, including one of the best – and tastiest – traditions, the Christmas market.

Stalls of handcrafts, food, drink and games pop up in city centers, with something fun and delicious for everyone! Here are a few of the best Christmas markets, perfect for visiting during your holiday in Italy in December.

In northern Italy, the snow-capped mountains and the crisp December air are the perfect backdrop for some of the best Christmas markets in Italy. This tradition was likely brought to Northern Italy from its neighboring Alpine countries, so there is quite the international flair to the Christmas market, in villages big and small.

In Milan, the metropolitan heart of Lombardy, their Christmas market tradition dates back to the 1500’s. More than 400 booths are set up! This traditional market is held at Castello Sforzesco.

Northern Tuscany is home to the Lucca Christmas market, where locals have on occasion created a medieval version of the market to show how people have celebrated in the past. Good food, amazing art and a history lesson – perfect for the entire family.

Check out the family-friendly shows in Arco, where there’s also a petting zoo and a fireworks display in the center of the medieval town. The Hapsburg Dynasty brought Christmas markets to Levico, their summer home, and the town revives the winter wonderland scene every year.

For the gourmand in your life, the Trento Christmas market has a special section of vendors specifically dedicated to the delicious regional food specialties. Don’t miss the grilled polenta! All three of these markets are easily accessible, too, from the beautiful Lake Garda.

The perfect way to warm up after a chilly night exploring a market is in front of a fireplace in your lakeside villa. The outdoor sports available will help burn all the calories from the holiday treats, too!

The Venice area is also abundant with beautiful, traditional Christmas markets. Most notably is the market in Campo Santo Stefano, in front of the gothic church that gives the square its name.  Savor a mug of vin brulé while admiring the detailed nativity scene on display.

Verona hosts a German-style market, where you can be sure to find delicious bratwursts on the grills and elegantly lighted vendor booths. Ville in Italia has plenty of luxury holiday homes near to Verona and Venice, so no need to worry about how to get all that delicious food into the hotel mini-fridge!

A little further south, the weather is a bit warmer and the Christmas festival season heats up, too. Perugia’s market is truly unique, as it takes place underground! Nestled into the Rocca Paolina, the underground ruins of a medieval fortress.

This Umbrian Christmas market features many local artisans, including fine leather workers. Even if you don’t find the perfect gift, spending time walking through the Rocca is an adventure in itself.

Of course, the city that first celebrated Christmas and created the nativity scene has a fantastic Christmas market. Rome’s Piazza Navona is transformed with vendors, lights, trees and a merry-go-round.

Father Christmas even makes an appearance to delight all the good little boys and girls. Grab some roasted chestnuts as you explore the market, and enjoy all the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas in Italy.

If spending time exploring these Christmas markets — as well as the hundreds of others that take place each holiday season —  seems like the perfect way to spend the holidays, book your own luxury villa soon.

Just like these temporary markets, opportunities to stay with Ville in Italia won’t last too long! Turn Christmas magic into life-long memories with us this year.