Although Christmas markets in Italy are not as big as in other countries you’ll find some good mercatini di Natale in the big cities and many markets in villages throughout Italy.
Rome
Piazza Navona becomes a huge Christmas market with stands selling Nativity figures, Christmas treats and toys. For the whole month of December until January 6 you can purchase the whole range of Rome’s famous sweets, candies, hot chestnuts, sugared apples, the famous torrone, and much more. To top it all, on January 6 the Befana herself comes along to hand out presents.
Torino
Borgo degli Antiquari changes into a magical Christmas market with all its lights, attractions and emotions. The shops are open every day of the week during December with plenty of market booths selling authentic and unique Christmas gift ideas.
Naples
An entire market in Naples is devoted to the presepi. Via San Gregorio Armeno is filled with craftsmen displaying their years’ work, nativity figures and entire scenes. Along with the Holy family carved in loving detail are the animated angels and wise men. Several market booths sell traditional Christmas decorations as well some home made detailed cribs.
Venice
Unlike most Italian holiday markets, this one is housed in 30 little wooden cabins and the square of Campo Santo Stefano is lined with a backdrop picturing Venetian palaces, giving the whole scene a festive atmosphere. The market features ornaments and decorations of Murano glass, traditional carnival masks, ceramics, jewellery, marbled paper and other Venetian specialities.
Trento
One of the main highlights of the season in Trento is the Christmas market, venue for which is the impressive Piazza Fiera.
Piazza Battisti is also completely transformed into a ‘playground’ for children with performances, music and entertainment. Adults, however,can enjoy the great deals at the market booths, presenting local products and much more. A real treat is the gastronomic event Sapori del Mercatino which involves 15 booths offering Trentino’s gourmet delicacies.