Italy is already preparing for Christmas 2026, with traditional markets, illuminated streets and attractions that transform historic cities into destinations for the holiday season.
A selection of 10 Italian destinations for those planning to travel between November and January includes major cities such as Rome, Milan and Florence, as well as smaller places known for their Christmas markets.
Piedmont stands out, with celebrations in Asti and Govone. The list also includes destinations in Tuscany, Veneto, Campania and Trentino-Alto Adige.
Explore 10 destinations to visit in Italy for Christmas 2026.
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Christmas Markets in Italy
Swipe to discover the ten Italian destinations selected for Christmas 2026, from Piedmont to Campania.
1. Asti and Govone Piedmont
Piedmont hosts the Il Magico Paese di Natale, which celebrates its 20th edition in 2026. In Asti, Piazza Alfieri hosts stalls with crafts, regional products and traditional foods. Govone, meanwhile, offers Christmas attractions around its royal castle. The celebrations also extend to San Damiano d'Asti, known for its living nativity scene.
When: from November 14 to December 20, on scheduled days.
2. Rome Lazio
In the Italian capital, Piazza Navona is one of the main hubs of Christmas celebrations. The market features crafts, gifts, sweets and attractions for children amid Baroque architecture. The program traditionally runs through Epiphany, on January 6, when Befana takes center stage. The itinerary can include the nativity scenes in churches and the decorations near the Vatican.
Reference period: December through January 6, 2027; check the official 2026 schedule.
3. Bressanone Trentino-Alto Adige
At the foot of the Alps, Bressanone maintains one of the best-known Christmas traditions in South Tyrol. The market takes place in Piazza Duomo, in front of the cathedral, with stalls selling crafts, ornaments and culinary specialties. In 2026, the fair turns 35. The city also offers a light and music show at the Hofburg, the former episcopal palace.
When: from November 27 to January 6, 2027.
4. Arezzo Tuscany
The Tuscan city transforms its historic center with the event Arezzo Città del Natale. Piazza Grande hosts a market inspired by Tyrolean traditions, while light projections highlight the medieval facades. There are stalls with handmade products, family attractions and food spaces. The combination of historic heritage and Christmas programming is the main draw.
General schedule: from November 14 to January 6, 2027.
5. Florence Tuscany
In Florence, the Piazza Santa Croce Christmas market brings together wooden stalls in front of one of the city's most important basilicas. Visitors will find crafts, gifts and culinary specialties from different European regions. The trip can also combine the celebrations with visits to the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio and Renaissance monuments.
When: 2026 dates still subject to official confirmation.
6. Milan Lombardy
Milan combines decorated shop windows, Christmas lights and traditional fairs. One of the best known is the Oh Bej! Oh Bej!, held around Castello Sforzesco for the feast of Saint Ambrose, the city's patron saint. The year-end itinerary also includes Piazza del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
When: Oh Bej! Oh Bej! fair scheduled for December 5 to 8; confirm before visiting.
7. Montepulciano Tuscany
Known for its wines and Tuscan landscapes, Montepulciano hosts a Christmas market amid Renaissance buildings and stone streets. The event Natale a Montepulciano usually brings together craft stalls, food products and attractions for children, including Santa Claus Castle. It is an option for those who prefer a smaller town to major tourist capitals.
When: Christmas program scheduled between November and January; check specific dates.
8. Venice Veneto
Venice takes on a different look during winter, when Christmas lights are reflected in the canals and historic facades. The city offers seasonal fairs, craft shops and traditional products, including Murano glass pieces. Piazza San Marco, Ponte di Rialto and less crowded neighborhoods can be part of a year-end itinerary.
When: Christmas events scheduled throughout December; program to be confirmed.
9. Limatola Campania
Between Naples and Caserta, Castello di Limatola hosts the event Cadeaux al Castello. The medieval fortress features decorations, craft stalls, food and themed attractions in its courtyards and indoor spaces. The setting is the distinguishing feature of this celebration, which can be combined with a visit to the Royal Palace of Caserta.
When: 2026 dates have not yet been definitively confirmed.
10. Bolzano Trentino-Alto Adige
Bolzano hosts one of Italy's most traditional Christmas markets. In Piazza Walther, wooden stalls offer decorations, crafts and food products from South Tyrol. Its proximity to the Dolomites and the influence of Italian and Austrian cultures are part of the local identity. The city also serves as a starting point for exploring other Alpine towns.
When: from November 26 to January 6, 2027.
Dates and attractions may be changed by organizers. Before traveling, consult each destination's official channels.
The itinerary combines four of Italy’s most visited cities, with train travel and enough time to see the main attractions without changing hotels every...
