Colorful decorations, Christmas music, spicy flavors await you in the Christmas markets across Europe, immerse yourself in a magical world and discover an atmosphere that only here you can find. Wander among the lit houses and enjoy the arrival of Christmas.
Born from a Nordic tradition, now the Christmas markets are in all Europe. Let’s find out the less-known ones and those that worth a visite this year, from north to south.
1. In Rovereto there’s Peoples’ Christmas
North and South meet in Rovereto. The Christmas markets in Trentino are certainly not well-known, but close to those of Trent you’ll find Rovereto, also known as the City of Peace. Here the Christmas and its markets want to be a meeting point between peoples. In the wooden chalets you will find craftsmen and artists from different countries of the world that accompany the local artisan and food.
Where to stay: the ecological B&B Manu&Dige awaits you just few steps away from the center and from the markets of Rovereto with a rich breakfast made with local products.
Fun fact: For a complete trip to Trentino Alto Adige, read our Green Guide!
2. In Brixen the Christmas Markets are green!
In Brixen, as in all of Alto Adige, the Christmas market is certified Green Event. Around the Cathedral, the parish church of San Michele and the town hall there are the wooden houses decorated by school children, from gardens of the municipality respecting the environment. The leaflets and brochures are made of FSC paper. Walking in these eco.friendly markets you cannot miss the many typical sweets: from krapfen donuts to the strauben!
Where to stay: Just 15km from Brixen you can immerse yourself in uncontaminated nature in Vitalpina Hotel Bergschlössl, a 4-star hotel between luxury and ecology.
Fun fact: Do not miss the events of the Christmas market as the living nature scene in the Old Cemetery (December 19), workshops for children or the multimedia show projected on the facades of the Episcopal Palace.
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- Christmas Market in Brixen, ph. by Yellow.Cat, via flcikr
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- Christmas Market in Brixen, ph. by Simone, via flickr
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- Christmas Market in Brixen
3. In Berlin you can discover over 50 Christmas markets
In Berlin not only in the big squares but also in museums, in the streets of every neighborhood Christmas markets enchant you with their lights and goodies. From the suggestive background of the famous Alexanderplatz to the market of organic and fair trade products in Kollwitzplatz Square to Gendarmenmarkt Square where the orchestras of jazz, gospel and the jugglers enliven the market to the market to celebrate the Jewish festival Hanukkah.
Where to stay: Stay in an Italian tavern in the town of Berlin. Neontoaster awaits you with great vegan dishes and fine wine.
Fun fact: Discover the wonders of Berlin with our Green Guide!
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- Traditional Christmas Market at Postdamerplats, Berlin
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- ph. by fritz, via flickr
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- Christmas Market in Berlin, ph. by Stéphanie Kilgast via flickr
4. In Vienna you’ll discover a village within the city
In Vienna, we cannot miss the Christmas market of Spittelberg where the shops, studios of young artists and superb local food create a unique atmosphere in a unique place. Spittelberg is a huge pedestrian area, the second in the city, and with its historic center and its romantic alleys is a real village within the city.
Where to stay: Discover the luxury in the heart of Vienna. Even Queen Elisabeth slept in the Hotel Sacher Vienna.
Fun fact: Although the Spittelberg is the most peculiar, in Vienna you will find other Christmas markets. Discover them all!
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- Vienna Rathouse, ph. by Sandy Kirchlechner via flickr
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- Christmas lights in Vienna, ph. by Sandy Kirchlechner, via flickr
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- Christmas deco at Stephansplatz, Vienna, ph. by Sandy Kirchlechner, via flcikr
5. In Verona Romeo and Juliet kiss under the mistletoe
In all the streets of the town up to the wonderful Piazza Bra, from 20 November to 27 December, the city of Love becomes a Christmas city. Accompanying the 60 wooden houses there are numerous events including the 32nd International Festival of the Nativity in Art and Tradition. Inside the beautiful Arena you can admire about 400 nativity scenes that come from all over the world.
Where to stay: Stay in this cozy farmhouse Corte All’Olmo a few kilometers from the city center
Fun fact: the comet in Piazza Bra is the largest Archisculpture in the world!
6. In Turin Christmas is international
From 4 to 23 December Piazza Borgo Dora turns red and green and the stalls and chalets offer to the visitors the best Piedmont and Italian craftsman, but not only. In Turin there are also 8 foreign countries that offer their handicrafts and food and wine.
Where to stay: in the heart of the Vanchiglia quarter and a few steps from the historical center there’s Casaleggera eco-apartment.
Fun fact: Among the excellent food, the Egyptian Museum and the market of Porta Palazzo, Turin is a city that has much to tell. Check it out with our Green Guide!
7. In Florence the market speaks German
We are in a very Italian city yet the atmosphere is typical of the Nordic Christmas. Germany, along with the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, and its tradition is coming to Florence, in the beautiful setting of Piazza Santa Croce to the Weihnachtsmarkt. Among sausages, beer and brezen over 50 mini wooden chalets allow from 2 to 20 December to live a European Christmas.
Where to stay: Discover all the sustainable accommodations in and around Florence, from the restored medieval houses of the old town to the organic farm in the Chianti hills.
Fun fact: Do not miss the appointment of Saturday, December 12 with the gospel choir Soulciety in Piazza Santa Croce!
8. In Naples you’ll rediscover the tradition of the nativity scene
In Naples, the nativity scene tradition meets the Christmas markets. Via San Gregorio Armeno turns into a must-see market, open all year. Small shops of artisans showcasing statues of Neapolitan nativity scene, one of the world’s most famous. The classic characters of the native scene join their caricatures of famous people or typical of Neapolitan culture.
Where to stay: Discover all the sustainable accommodations in and around Naples, elegant and environmentally conscious B&B are waiting you.
Fun fact: Discover the city of Naples and its traditions with our Green Guide!
9. In Siena there’s an out of the ordinary market
Siena also this year, for two days, goes back in time and is transformed into a medieval city. On the trail of what happened in the thirteenth century, the Piazza del Campo prey life with over 150 stalls of crafts, food and wine. Saturday 5 and Sunday December 6 at Siena there will be music, theater and cooking workshops.
Where to stay: In the heart of Siena in the delightful B&B Paradiso n.4, with excellent local breakfast and a panoramic view over the rooftops like no other!
Fun fact: not far from the city, in Montepulciano you will find a wonderful and magical Christmas village with the castle of Santa Claus, carriages and skating rink.
Which one you are going to visit? Tell us in the comments below!