Christmas markets are the Italians’ favorite weekend day trips as the season arrives. According to a study conducted by AstraRicerche commissioned by the Magical Country of Christmas, one of the ten Italian Christmas markets, now in its 17th edition, held in the towns of Govone, Asti and San Damiano d’Asti, in Piedmont, even surpasses visits to art cities and mountain destinations.
The Christmas markets tourism is a rapidly growing phenomenon in Italy, so much so that in some locations, beyond Govone, they started earlier than usual (Asiago, in Veneto, and Pergine Valsugana, in Trentino). At least once, nine Italians out of ten (40 million people) have visited them, and six out of ten, equal to 25 million people, are genuine habitués of Christmas markets.
The main reason for visiting is to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, but the gastronomic aspect also holds significance. In fact, four Italians out of ten buy artisanal products from the wooden stalls of the Christmas markets, also driven by the desire to support local small producers.
Why Italians Love Christmas Markets
For Italians, what makes a stroll through the Christmas markets a unique experience is the presence of lighting installations that accompany the entire route, but the culinary experience, including wine tastings and local products, and the entertainment for children, with animations and Christmas-themed shows, count a lot.
For one Italian out of two, the ideal destination for a holiday or a day trip during the Christmas period should include a fairy-tale atmosphere, elves must be present, and, of course, Santa Claus. Moreover, there must be an atmosphere of Christmas beyond the cultural and enogastronomic offerings of the area, and visiting a cold place should evoke the mountains, snow, and forests.
The First Christmas Markets Open
As anticipated, some Christmas markets have already opened their doors. Among the most beautiful to visit is certainly the Magical Country of Christmas, a widespread event that takes place in the Piedmontese territory of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato until December 17.
Picturesque also in its location is Grazzano Visconti, in the rebuilt medieval village, the finest faux-historical site in Italy. Delizious are also the Asiago Christmas Gardens, while the first market in Trentino to be inaugurated on November 11 is Pergine Valsugana. These remain open until January 7, 2024.
When Do the Other Christmas Markets Open
The majority of Christmas markets in Italy are inaugurated between the third and fourth weekends of November. On November 18, those in Trentino—namely Trento, Rango, Levico Terme—open, as do Christmas markets in some cities, from Verona to Florence, Arezzo, Montepulciano and even Milan.
Markets in Alto Adige open a month before Christmas, namely Bolzano, Merano, Vipiteno, Brunico, Bressanone, San Candido and Dobbiaco, as well as others in the Alpine towns, such as Livigno in Lombardy and Rovereto in Trentino.
And then all the others open, lasting fewer days, such as the one inside Castel Tirolo that lasts only two weekends (1-3 and 8-10 December); some only for a weekend, like the Christmas market in Macugnaga (2-3 December), the Santa Maria Maggiore Christmas market and that of Glorenza, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages (8-10 December), the Silandro market in South Tyrol (16-17/12) and the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! fair in Milan (7-10 December).
Download “Christmas Markets in Italy: The Complete Guide” and discover the most beautiful ones.
