The Ultimate Guide to Italian Christmas Markets
Dear Friends of The Fleece Milano,
As we approach the final month of the year, the Christmas season is almost upon us. December is a wonderful time when the air becomes brisk, twinkling lights glisten and smells of burning firewood and cinnamon fill the air. At The Fleece Milano, we like to get into the holiday spirit by strolling through Christmas markets with our friends and family. Italy is home to some of the best Christmas markets in the world, and we are here to share some of our favorites with you.
Brunico, or the German, Bruneck, north of the Dolomites, is a perfect place for holiday cheer. The town is transformed into a cozy winter wonderland where you can shop for glass, wood, ceramics, and hand-made trinkets created from both traditional and innovative craftsmanship. Stop into one of the many food stalls, where you can enjoy a warm meal after a day out in the snow. The majority of the vendors are scattered throughout the Old Town and on Via Bastioni and Piazza Municipio. If you enjoy sports, hit the slopes at Mt. Plan de Corones for skiing. You won’t regret the amazing views you will enjoy on your way down.
To immerse yourself in an enchanting setting, head to Trento, the city of Christmas, from November 19th to January 8th. The market takes place in Piazza Fiera and Piazza Battisti where you will find festive stalls with Christmas decorations, candles, paintings – and even a gift-wrapping station! To stay cozy while browsing the many stalls, be sure to wear a timeless piece from our sustainable turtleneck collection. Try traditional Trentino and Tyrolean specialties: potato tortel, gnocchi, hot chocolate, and the tasty “parampoli”, a drink of brewed coffee, grappa, wine, and caramelized sugar. A hot, flambé drink that is sure to warm you up while shopping. If traveling with children, Piazza Dante culminates every aspect of a magical village, from Santa’s workshop to a stable of reindeer, and toy factory. The village features a train that runs along the flowerbed of the square, followed by a toboggan run and a 32-meter-high ferris wheel, covered with colorful LED lights, which allows for a unique view of the Piazza.
Another Christmas market that we love to visit is Mercato di Natale in Firenze, located right outside of the Duomo in Piazza Santa Croce. The market takes place from November 19th to December 18th, 10:00- 23:00, and admission is free. Don’t forget to bring your letters to the North Pole. This open-air wooden stall market has been an annual tradition in Florence for the past 500 years. Be sure to grab a Kürtőskalács, also called chimney cake, covered in your choice of toppings such as cinnamon and chocolate. To get yourself in the holiday spirit, the market features performers such as musicians, singers, and people waving flags from around the world.
Moving a little more to the south we now land on the Amalfi Coast. Yes, you read that right! While Sorrento usually attracts summer tourism, do not discount it as a winter destination. The streets are sparkly and a large Christmas tree is on display in the middle of Piazza Tasso. The Christmas lights will go on by the end of November, and will turn on each day at the top of the hour. Try and go to the piazza at this time to see the tree come alive with colorful light. Every weekend in Piazza Tasso, there will be the annual puppet theater, bands, and street artists. To shop for Christmas gifts, The Enchanted Garden market will run from December 7th to January 6th at Villa Fiorentino where a traditional nativity scene is set up.
We hope that you enjoy celebrating this Christmas season,
Best, The TFM Team