News from Italy
The scent of Christmas: The magical Christmas markets
Andira Vitale: The atmosphere and the magic of Christmas … We are talking about the overwhelming period of Christmas. Deer, lights, stars, snowflakes, mulled wine, panettone, traditional crafts and small stalls set up in many wooden huts … Christmas markets are all this … Or a winter’s tale … Enjoy this fairytale atmosphere. Entertain your ears with elegant notes of Christmas carols…
The most beautiful places of the most beautiful time of the year are the Christmas markets. The markets established in the ancient and central part of the city are the gates to a fairy-tale world. While wandering among the wooden huts with the Christmas carols accompanying the return of the carousels, we both travel to our memories and collect new ones. The expectation of these trips, which are made under the shining stars, with mulled wines chasing the cold, with cinnamon and aniseed tortillas, is the same for everyone: A new journey to new hopes under the stars…
A tradition of over a hundred years, the Christmas markets originate in the Middle Ages: the first written document that mentions them dates back to 1434 in Dresden, where the first fairs of small artisans began. Since then the markets have extended to Northern Europe and are now in every corner of the world, including Italy.
There are many markets in Italy that are worth visiting, some of which are particularly famous, such as those in large cities, but also small villages have equally spectacular ones. In this gallery, here are some of the unmissable Christmas markets in Italy, among the things to know and the goodies for a special Christmas trip at any time:
Como Christmas Market
The real big hero of Como is the Magic Festival of Lights. Covering all the main buildings in the center of Como, the light and light installation show fascinates almost everyone. The festival, which includes fairy tale heroes, makes its participants live in a real Christmas atmosphere. In addition, traditional Christmas stalls and wooden huts, from Piazza Cavour to all the characteristic streets of Como, host traditional handicrafts and Christmas gifts! There is no shortage of food and wine stands where you can enjoy mulled wine and bite into a pretzel. For the more romantic, a Ferris wheel with stunning views of the illuminated lake and a carousel and ice skating for kids are also considered. The children know that Santa Claus is waiting for them to listen to their wishes and for this they have to detour to Como. Because in Volta Temple Gardens, a Santa Claus House and a post office to give their gift lists also greet their visitors.
Bolzano Christmas Market
The streets and avenues of Bolzano in South Tyrol are immersed in the enchanting Christmas glow of magical lights and flickering romantic candles for a month. If the whole place is covered with white snow, the winter postcard at the foot of Bolzano Cathedral will be insatiable…
Trento Christmas Market
Trentino remains among the unmissable destinations for those who love Christmas markets, starting with that of Trento, the largest, with almost 100 wooden houses that will enliven the heart of the city from 20 November to 6 January: between Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti among the chalets you will find all the local artisan excellences, and an entire island of flavors will be dedicated to food and wine. The Trento market is also an excellent starting point for visiting many others that animate one of the most beautiful Alpine regions in Italy at Christmas: there are 17 in as many small wonderful towns and villages in Trentino, from Rovereto where the festivities will be dedicated to theme of light, in Ala, which will traditionally set up the halls of the baroque palaces that embellish the historic center, up to Avio, which will welcome visitors to its festively decorated castle.
Bressanone Christmas Market
The lights that illuminate the city during Christmas break through the ancient walls of the old episcopal city. At the foot of the majestic Duomo, surrounded by centuries-old magnificent residences, a colorful world of seductive scents and unique flavors opens up to visitors. While traditional handicrafts, handmade nativity scenes, wood carvings, candles, cute glass and ceramic objects fascinate those who see them, the typical specialties of the Isarco Valley appeal to gourmets of all sizes.
Brunico Christmas Market
Magical moments of meditation in a romantic atmosphere, the smell of freshly cooked specialties and all the unique charm of snowy winter in Val Pusteria…
Sterzing-Vipiteno Christmas market
The medieval city of Vipiteno shows its most romantic and seductive side during Christmas. Iridescent light garlands, original gifts and delectable delicacies to tickle the palate… At the foot of the Tower of the Twelve, built in 1486, visitors are drawn to hand-carved nativity scenes and traditional Christmas decorations; Vipiteno’s streets, squares and corners are filled with the scent of freshly baked Christmas cookies, as local artisans put their work on sale.
In the traditional small wooden stands, you can see warm felt slippers, blankets, Christmas tree decorations and various pine sculptures. Typical and delicious South Tyrolean specialties such as “Lebkuchen” (ginger biscuits) and “Zelten” (traditional sweet fruit bread). Don’t leave without tasting wine or “Apfelglühmix” (South Tyrolean apple juice boiled with orange juice and spices)…
Dobbiaco Christmas Market
The peaks of the Dolomites are clad in white, warm lights shimmer and brighten the days of Christmas, and you can smell cinnamon and spices and freshly baked Christmas sweets as you wander the streets and avenues. Biscuits are prepared and sweet Christmas tunes are heard. You can indulge yourself with high-quality regional delicacies displayed in the huts while traveling in such a fairy-tale world…
Let’s entertain your ears with elegant notes of Christmas carols…
