Some of the most famous Christmas Markets in Europe have been running since the Middle Ages. They provide stress-free shopping in an old-world Christmas of heartfelt caroling and handcrafted arts, crafts and decorations. Stroll through the old town’s streets, sipping on mulled wine and enjoy the festive atmosphere!
These markets are where the romance of the holiday comes alive in grand tradition—smells of gingerbread and roasting sausages waft through the cold air, handmade ornaments adorn ancient fir trees, master glassblowers and other artisans ply their crafts in wooden stalls, shoppers bustle past Gothic church facades and half-timbered houses, pausing to sip their glühwein, heavily spiced and mulled “glow wine”—the piping-hot beverage of choice at any self-respecting Teutonic Christmas market.
Travel+Leisure “Best Christmas Markets in Europe”
Germany is known for its Christmas markets. However, Italy has a few good ones of its own! Several of the holiday markets are located in the Northern part of Italy, close to Germany, but you will also find great Mercatini di Natale – holiday markets – in Tuscany and Umbria.
Natale in Laguna takes place on Campo Santo Stefano in Venice from November 29th through December 23rd. Campo Stefano is filled with wooden stalls selling Venetian handcrafted items, children’s toys and seasonal treats. Food, drink and music are also part of the festivities.
Not far from Venice, the town of Bolzano holds its Christmas Market from November 26th through December 23rd on its magnificently decorated Piazza Walther. This year will mark the event’s 20th edition. Eighty stallholders offer seasonal handmade wooden gifts, glass and ceramic products along with charming Christmas trees and Christmas tree decorations. You can also count on seasonal pastries, food specialties and cauldrons of mulled wine.
Located in the beautiful historical setting of Piazza Fiera, surrounded by the medieval walls of the city, Trento, which is also close to Venice, holds its Christmas Market from November 20th through December 23rd. Piazza Battisti is completely transformed into a “playground” for children with performances, music and entertainment. Adults, however, enjoy the great offers at the market booths, presenting local products and more.
Florence’s Weihnachtsmarkt, also known as the Mercato Tedesco di Natale, the German Christmas Market, takes place from December 1st through the 19th at the Piazza Santa Croce. While German food and crafts specialties are available, you will also find Italian items for sale. A large carousel will surely entertain both adults and kids alike.
The Fiera di San Michele di Natale in Lucca takes place from December 5th through January 6th in Piazza San Michele. It boasts more than 70 booths with handmade products, gastronomic treats, toys, decorations and of course, sweets!
Natale in Perugia takes place from December 4th through the 23rd in Perugia. This market partially takes place in a very unique setting: the Rocca Paolina, Perugia’s underground city, which certainly adds to the festive atmosphere!
If you haven’t had the opportunity to attend a Christmas Market in Europe, we highly recommend you consider it for next year. Nothing puts you in the Holiday Spirit faster than sipping on some warm spiced wine while strolling through booths selling all sorts of wonderful items!
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