What to do in Italy at Christmas

Vipiteno Christmas market

The very first traditional Christmas markets date back to around the 14th century in Germany and Alsace and then spread along the Alps, including Italy. If you want a taste of the most authentic versions then you must go and discover the South Tyrolean Christmas Markets: from November to January the original Christmas markets of South Tyrol embellish the streets and squares of Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, Brunico and Vipiteno. Easily reachable also by train, these are the ideal spots where to immerse yourself in an exciting atmosphere made of colors, perfumes and tastes that warm anyone's heart.

No less traditional are the markets of Nativity scene art in Naples, an art dating back to the late 1700s that remained unchanged over the centuries: from early November to January 6th, the well-known Nativity scene craftsmen’s workshops in Via San Gregorio Armeno – a real institution in Naples –display figurines for traditional and more eccentric Nativity scenes. In addition to the historic craft shops of San Gregorio Armeno, for the whole Christmas period, the Municipality of Naples organizes a rich calendar of events with theatre, music and dance shows, guided tours and many markets of local and Christmas handicrafts in different parts of the city.

In Milan, instead, the Christmas markets are mainly held in relation to “Fiera degli Oh Bej! Oh Bej”, the traditional markets for St. Ambrose's Day, patron saint of Milan: to the markets, which some believe date back to the year 1288, are held from December 5th to 8th in front of the Sforza Castle. The Christmas holiday period, for Milan, includes a calendar packed with events and in particular, traditionally two historic events are held in the city: the Scala Opening Night on the night of December 7th, and the Christmas concert in the Cathedral, free and open to everyone, on the evening of December 20th.

If you want to enjoy your Christmas holiday in Italy with a high wow factor you can’t miss Matera and its evocative Nativity play: every weekend in December a sacred-theatrical representation of the Nativity takes place in the amazing setting of the Sassi di Matera, which has also been Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2019. Between Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveso a touching itinerary rich in charm and spirituality unwinds, featuring actors who will re-enact different scenes of everyday-life in the Judea of two thousand years ago.

Christmas is also particularly special in Gubbio, in Umbria, where every year, on the night of 7 December, the historic Christmas tree, the biggest in the world, is lit up. Created at the foot of Mount Igino and stretching until the medieval city walls, the tree is illuminated by over 700 multicolored lights, spans a length of 750 meters and an area of 130,000 square meters. But Christmas in Gubbio doesn’t stop there: in Piazza 40 Martiri the characteristic Christmas markets are held, while the medieval San Martino neighborhood hosts the traditional nativity scene and last but not least, the miniature train and panoramic wheel from which visitors can enjoy an unparalleled view of Gubbio and its Christmas tree.

The Holiday and Travel Magazine

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