ITALY - WORLDWIDE TRAVEL INFORMATION
Posted November 16th, 2013
LATEST WORLDWIDE TRAVEL NEWS
ITALY
Update - November 2013
CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN ITALY
Trentino
Trentino
Alpine Italy lights up for the Christmas season with some of the most interesting Christmas Markets on offer in Europe, combining Mediterranean flavours and German traditions, festive food and wine, gift ideas, decorations and local handicraft.
Here is a selection listed by region.
Here is a selection listed by region.
ALTO ADIGE (South Tyrol/ Süd Tirol)
www.suedtirol.info
Get the latest info on the Christmas Market App packed full of information about the markets, recipes of local Christmas delicacies and more.
BOLZANO/BOZEN: ALPINE - MEDITERRANEAN CHRISTMAS
Savour the magic of Christmas in the traditional mercantile town of Bolzano, at the meeting point of north and south, where the cultures and traditions of central Europe and the Mediterranean. Bright lights, scents and sounds steeped in tradition pervade the medieval centre, with its romantic arcaded streets and picturesque lanes emanating their nostalgic atmosphere. Emotions are heightened by the backdrop of the Rosengarten Dolomites!
Venue Piazza Walther/Waltherplatz
Open from 29 Nov. 2013 to 6 Jan. 2014
MERANO: SENSUAL DELIGHTS AND RELAXATION
Relish contemplative moments while rejuvenating body and soul. Discover traditional handicrafts at the Christmas market and savour local sweetmeats. A wealth of attractions for children! Enjoy a festival for the senses and leisure, enveloped in the magical pre-Christmas atmosphere of Merano.
Venue Passeggiata Lungo Passirio/Piazza della Rena/Piazza delle Terme
Open from 30 Nov 2013 to 6 Jan 2014
Bressanone: South Tyrol Marketing
BRESSANONE/BRIXEN: ART AND HISTORY
The venerable Cathedral with its 800 year-old Gothic cloister lends a unique aura to the Christmas market, taking place in the Cathedral square. You will be fascinated by the bustle of activity and the myriad of colours, seasonal aromas and music, or by the crib exhibition in the Episcopal Palace (Hofburg) emanating tradition and history.
Venue Piazza Duomo/Domplatz (Cathedral Square)
Open from 29 Nov 2013 to 6 Jan 2014
VIPITENO/STERZING: LIVING TRADITIONS
The impressive "Zwölfer-Turm" tower built in 1486 watches over the Christmas market in this medieval mining town, itself at an altitude of almost 1,000 metres. It also features a special exhibition related to the history of mining in the nearby high
mountains. The atmosphere is enhanced by the quaint town buildings with their characteristic bay windows.
Venue Piazza città/Stadtplatz (Town Square)
Open from 29 Nov 2013 to 6 Jan 2014
BRUNICO/BRUNECK: HANDICRAFTS AND TRADITION
Discover traditional handicrafts and seductive delicacies ensconced between the four main gates of the medieval town walls. Should you wish to combine a visit to the Christmas market with winter sports, then the superb slopes in the Kron-Platz ski resort are just outside the town.
Venue Beside the Moat (Via Bastioni/Am Graben) and Town Hall Square (Nuovo
Piazza Municipio/Neuer Rathausplatz)
Open from 29 Nov 2013 to 6 Jan 2014
TRENTINO
www.visittrentino.it
The venerable Cathedral with its 800 year-old Gothic cloister lends a unique aura to the Christmas market, taking place in the Cathedral square. You will be fascinated by the bustle of activity and the myriad of colours, seasonal aromas and music, or by the crib exhibition in the Episcopal Palace (Hofburg) emanating tradition and history.
Venue Piazza Duomo/Domplatz (Cathedral Square)
Open from 29 Nov 2013 to 6 Jan 2014
VIPITENO/STERZING: LIVING TRADITIONS
The impressive "Zwölfer-Turm" tower built in 1486 watches over the Christmas market in this medieval mining town, itself at an altitude of almost 1,000 metres. It also features a special exhibition related to the history of mining in the nearby high
mountains. The atmosphere is enhanced by the quaint town buildings with their characteristic bay windows.
Venue Piazza città/Stadtplatz (Town Square)
Open from 29 Nov 2013 to 6 Jan 2014
BRUNICO/BRUNECK: HANDICRAFTS AND TRADITION
Discover traditional handicrafts and seductive delicacies ensconced between the four main gates of the medieval town walls. Should you wish to combine a visit to the Christmas market with winter sports, then the superb slopes in the Kron-Platz ski resort are just outside the town.
Venue Beside the Moat (Via Bastioni/Am Graben) and Town Hall Square (Nuovo
Piazza Municipio/Neuer Rathausplatz)
Open from 29 Nov 2013 to 6 Jan 2014
TRENTINO
www.visittrentino.it
Trento: Trentino Sviluppo
TRENTO
The Trento Christmas Market in Piazza Fiera, with over 60 wooden huts is one of the most famous festive markets of the region. Wooden huts sell traditional decorations for Christmas trees and nativity scenes, crafts, cakes, local products, original gift ideas, and gourmet specialities in a special food section. In keeping with tradition, at the middle of the main square, a gourmet section will be dedicated to the specialities of Trentino: apple strudel, "treccia mochèna" (plaited pastry cake), "polenta brustolada" (grilled polenta), and "tortel di patate" (potato cake), "speck" (smoked ham), "canederli" (dumplings) and filled pasta, as well as the popular "vin brulè" (mulled wine) of Trentino and "parampampoli" (hot toddy).
Open: 23 November – 30 December 2013
www.mercatinodinatale.tn.it
ROVERETO
In addition to the traditional small wooden houses, covered by a sky full of stars, Rovereto - the City of Peace hosts the coloured tent from the Holy Land and the Villancicos, the traditional popular Christmas songs from Spain. The artisans of Bethlehem and the Dabka group will bring to Rovereto the atmosphere of the Middle East: cribs, products in olive, mother of pearl, ceramic , textile and popular song that express the love for the native land. The lightning ceremony of the big Christmas tree will be accompanied by the band of the Magnifica Comunità di Folgaria and by the performances of young writers, who will represent the nativity. Cribs of different forms and from different traditions will be placed in the old town of Rovereto, along a themed itinerary.
Open: 22 November 2013 – 6 January 2014
www.visitrovereto.it
ARCO, Lake Garda
A magical atmosphere and characteristic wooden huts, offering high quality crafts at Christmas Markets, where you can find original gift ideas: candles, lanterns, decorations, local products, toys and much more. Additional features are Christmas carols and entertainment and, on 8 December, an Advent Calendar projected on the buildings in the town centre, a magical night with a wonderful firework display.
Open: 15 November 2013 – 6 January 2014
LEVICO TERME
You will experience a festive atmosphere in the heart of the legendary Parco degli Asburgo in Levico Terme during the Advent period, with soft lighting that illuminates the majestic plants of the age-old arboretum and characteristic wooden huts. In this charming setting, adults and children can explore the Christmas Market and the most genuine Trentino-Tyrolean popular traditions, with street shows and games, sweets and delicacies, the Elves' House, creative workshops, a pet farm, mini-train and horsedrawn carriage.
Open: 23 November – 30 December 2013
VENETO
www.veneto.to
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO
In the shadow of the Tofane, the advent period takes on its traditional colours thanks to the Cortina Christmas Market, which brings lights, colour and a festive atmosphere to the main street, Corso Italia. The famous pedestrian street lined by renowned national and international shops, will be scattered with small wooden huts where artisans and local producers exhibit their products. All accompanied by mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and traditional sweets. Inside each of the characteristics wooden huts, a variety of seasonal merchandise, representing the crafts and traditions of the area, will be exhibited and offered for sale. To complete the atmosphere, and to make the browsing and shopping even more enjoyable, there will of course be music to fit the mood, in the form of all the most cherished and traditional Christmas songs.
Open: 5 - 31 December 2013
ASIAGO
The gardens of Piazza Carli host the Asiago Christmas Market, several huts will sell traditional decorations in glass, wood and ceramic, typical Asiago patisserie, natural products and the famous Asiago cheese. There will also be huts selling local dishes and mulled wine.
Open: 9 November 2013– 6 January 2014
The Trento Christmas Market in Piazza Fiera, with over 60 wooden huts is one of the most famous festive markets of the region. Wooden huts sell traditional decorations for Christmas trees and nativity scenes, crafts, cakes, local products, original gift ideas, and gourmet specialities in a special food section. In keeping with tradition, at the middle of the main square, a gourmet section will be dedicated to the specialities of Trentino: apple strudel, "treccia mochèna" (plaited pastry cake), "polenta brustolada" (grilled polenta), and "tortel di patate" (potato cake), "speck" (smoked ham), "canederli" (dumplings) and filled pasta, as well as the popular "vin brulè" (mulled wine) of Trentino and "parampampoli" (hot toddy).
Open: 23 November – 30 December 2013
www.mercatinodinatale.tn.it
ROVERETO
In addition to the traditional small wooden houses, covered by a sky full of stars, Rovereto - the City of Peace hosts the coloured tent from the Holy Land and the Villancicos, the traditional popular Christmas songs from Spain. The artisans of Bethlehem and the Dabka group will bring to Rovereto the atmosphere of the Middle East: cribs, products in olive, mother of pearl, ceramic , textile and popular song that express the love for the native land. The lightning ceremony of the big Christmas tree will be accompanied by the band of the Magnifica Comunità di Folgaria and by the performances of young writers, who will represent the nativity. Cribs of different forms and from different traditions will be placed in the old town of Rovereto, along a themed itinerary.
Open: 22 November 2013 – 6 January 2014
www.visitrovereto.it
ARCO, Lake Garda
A magical atmosphere and characteristic wooden huts, offering high quality crafts at Christmas Markets, where you can find original gift ideas: candles, lanterns, decorations, local products, toys and much more. Additional features are Christmas carols and entertainment and, on 8 December, an Advent Calendar projected on the buildings in the town centre, a magical night with a wonderful firework display.
Open: 15 November 2013 – 6 January 2014
LEVICO TERME
You will experience a festive atmosphere in the heart of the legendary Parco degli Asburgo in Levico Terme during the Advent period, with soft lighting that illuminates the majestic plants of the age-old arboretum and characteristic wooden huts. In this charming setting, adults and children can explore the Christmas Market and the most genuine Trentino-Tyrolean popular traditions, with street shows and games, sweets and delicacies, the Elves' House, creative workshops, a pet farm, mini-train and horsedrawn carriage.
Open: 23 November – 30 December 2013
VENETO
www.veneto.to
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO
In the shadow of the Tofane, the advent period takes on its traditional colours thanks to the Cortina Christmas Market, which brings lights, colour and a festive atmosphere to the main street, Corso Italia. The famous pedestrian street lined by renowned national and international shops, will be scattered with small wooden huts where artisans and local producers exhibit their products. All accompanied by mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and traditional sweets. Inside each of the characteristics wooden huts, a variety of seasonal merchandise, representing the crafts and traditions of the area, will be exhibited and offered for sale. To complete the atmosphere, and to make the browsing and shopping even more enjoyable, there will of course be music to fit the mood, in the form of all the most cherished and traditional Christmas songs.
Open: 5 - 31 December 2013
ASIAGO
The gardens of Piazza Carli host the Asiago Christmas Market, several huts will sell traditional decorations in glass, wood and ceramic, typical Asiago patisserie, natural products and the famous Asiago cheese. There will also be huts selling local dishes and mulled wine.
Open: 9 November 2013– 6 January 2014
VERONA
Verona hosts each year a Nuremberg Christmas Market in the central Piazza dei
Signori. The German styled market will have all the traditional huts, elegantly
illuminated and decorated selling typical food, handicrafts, Christmas tree
decorations, cribs and serving specialities such as mulled wine, Stollen and
Lebkuchen cakes, bratwurst and more.
Open: 23 November – 21 December 2013
www.nataleinpiazza.it
BELLUNO
From November 30 to December 31 the traditional Christmas Market of Belluno will crowd and light up the gardens of Piazza dei Martiri, one of the most beautiful squares of the city, with its wooden stands, decorations, and bright, colorful lights. Called Christmas Gardens, the market sells wool and wood handmade objects, original gift ideas and local and regional specialties. There will be about twenty stands and many outdoor refreshment areas with mulled wine, sandwiches and hot chocolate. In the weekend there will also be entertainment such as music, games for children and shows.
Open: 30 November – 31 December 2013
AOSTA VALLEY
www.lovevda.it
AOSTA
Between December and January, the “Marché Vert Noël” turns a little piece of the town – Piazza Caveri – into an alpine village. Delicious local specialities, wines, handicrafts, traditional objects, gifts, Nordic inspirations…affordable little luxuries to conjure up the convivial flavour of the festive season! Every day, visitors can stroll through the “Streets” of the village in search of a gift idea among the crafts on display: candles, handmade soaps, ceramics, wooden handicrafts, antique objects and furniture, clothing and accessories in boiled wool and felt, hemp, lace,Christmas decorations, typical food, wine, sweets and pastries from the region,articles featuring découpage or other decorative or craft techniques.
Open: 30 November 2013 – 6 January 2014
FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA
www.turismo.fvg.it
UDINE
Enjoy the magic and the charm of the Christmas songs, markets and the fabulous atmosphere in the fascinating setting of the city of Udine.
Open: 8 – 24 December 2013
SAURIS
The Christmas Market in Sauris re-lives each year the tradition of this delightful
mountain village. Along the narrow streets and the quaint squares Father Christmas and wooden hut selling festive food and wine, toys and decoration will animate the atmosphere. Not to be missed is the opportunity to discover the old Sauris on a horsedrawn carriage.
Open: 7-8 December 2013
CHRISTMAS IN THE CITIES
Christmas is a well loved tradition all over Italy and traditional Christmas markets and fairs can be found all over the peninsula in the most important cities.
ROME
Piazza Navona Christmas Market Over Christmas, the piazza is suddenly swamped by a bustling multi-coloured market, selling cribs, decorations and sweets. A treat for young children, it reaches its height of excitement on the night of 5th January, when the “Befana” (The Good Witch) flies about the country, delivering presents to “well behaved “ children and pieces of coal to the naughty ones. www.turismoroma.it
Open : 8 December 2013 to 6 January 2014
VENICE
Christmas fairs in various piazzas (campo) in Venice: Campo S.Bartolomeo, Campo San Salvador, Campo San Luca, Campo Manin, Strada Nuova.
Open: 20 – 24 December 2013 and 2-5 January 2014
FLORENCE
Mercato Tedesco di Natale (German Christmas Market) Piazza Santa Croce
This Christmas Market is inspired by the tradition of the German city of Heidelberg, wooden huts and stalls selling Italian and German delicacies, decorations, handicrafts.
Open: end of November – 23 December 2013
BOLOGNA
Fiera di Santa Lucia Portico of Chiesa dei Servi in Strada Maggiore Traditional Fair dedicated to Christmas, stalls full of decorations for the Xmas tree, the nativity crib, food and wine and other delicacies.
Open: 17 November 2013 – 1 January 2014
NAPLES
Nativity Cribs in Via S. Gregorio Armeno This narrow street is famous all over the world for its handcrafted Nativity Crib figurines, from the traditional ones to the most sophisticated , it buzzes at Christmas time with Neapolitans and tourists alike
MILAN
Il villaggio delle meraviglie Giardini Indro Montanelli, entry from Corso Venezia.
Christmas market and other seasonal activities for adults and children takes place in these gardens in the centre of Milan, with a skating rink and shows with various performance artists throughout the festive season.
Open: 6 Dec 2013 – 12 January 2014
TURIN
This traditional market returns with many new exhibitors and full of joy, colour, tradition, celebration, solidarity, peace, light and sweetness: a wide range of gift items for Christmas, together with tastings and selling of culinary delights and specialities of Piedmont producers and other Italian regions.
Open: 4-23 December 2013 in Piazza Borgo Dora, 34.
www.turismotorino.org
THIS INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT TIME OF PUBLICATION