With the arrival of Christmas many Italians want to visit places and locations that can somehow convey the most authentic Christmas atmosphere. For this many decide to take a few days off to go to the mountains, or to visit the most famous Christmas markets. Very often these two elements combine: many mountain resorts organize markets very suggestive and really beautiful to visit.
Unfortunately, the most famous Christmas markets also have a problem of tourist flow, especially on weekends. If there are too many people you risk not feeling the real atmosphere of Christmas, and not living a very pleasant experience.
The best solution is to visit the less known Christmas markets, which can be a real surprise.
Piedmont: the Christmas market of Govone
One of the most famous Christmas markets is located in Piedmont, and it is that of Asti. Every year it is the destination of many tourists, from all over Italy and beyond. What many people don’t know is that a few kilometers from Asti there is the town of Govone, which hosts a smaller but equally beautiful market full of Christmas atmosphere.
In addition, the streets of Govone are filled with themed events, transforming the city into a kind of Christmas village, able to transport visitors into a fairy-tale reality. Finally, you can not forget to visit the Royal Castle of Govone, which is also a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Marche: Candelara Christmas market
In the Marche one of the most suggestive Christmas markets is that of Candelara. This medieval village has not yet been attacked by mass tourism, so it can be a perfect place to visit to enjoy a few days of relaxation immersed in the Christmas atmosphere.
Candelara is known for its candle production, so a visit to this market can be the ideal occasion to buy local handicrafts, to keep or give to friends and relatives just at Christmas. During the event, the lights of the streets are turned off for about half an hour every day, to let the candles to illuminate the village, giving tourists a unique experience.
Trentino Alto Adige: Christmas market in Chiusa and Christmas market in Bressanone
Trentino Alto Adige, with its high mountains and green forests, is one of the most suitable regions for those who want to breathe the Christmas spirit. There are many villages, nestled between mountains and hills, which organize events, demonstrations and markets on the occasion of Christmas.
The Christmas market in Chiusa is beautiful and still offers a very intimate atmosphere. Walking through the market you have the opportunity to see and buy products made by local artisans, for example through the processing of wood. There is no shortage of typical desserts of the Tyrolean tradition, and many delicious hot drinks.
Compared to the other markets on our list, the one in Bressanone is more well known, but we preferred to mention it because of the great importance given to handicrafts. If you are in Trentino Alto Adige for the market of Chiusa, you could take advantage to extend your holidays and add Bressanone to your itinerary. In this Christmas market you can find skilled craftsmen who offer products made not only with wood, but also with glass and ceramics.
Lazio: Christmas market in Greccio
The symbols of Christmas are essentially two: the tree and the crib. In Italy the culture of the crib is very strong, and there are artisans who over the years have acquired experience and competence to make true works of art.
Many associate the crib with the tradition of Campania, but it is in Lazio that you can discover a market that has made the crib its pride. It is the Christmas market of Greccio, focused on the Italian nativity scene. You can admire many exceptional works, and also buy items to embellish your crib.
Sicily: Trapani Christmas Market
In Sicily winter temperatures make it really difficult to see the snow, but that doesn’t mean you can’t breathe the authentic Christmas atmosphere. The citizens of Trapani, who organize a Christmas market not to be underestimated. The aim of this market is to make known and appreciate the craftsmanship of this place, ranging from the realization of ceramics painted by hand to the preparation of delicious cakes.
Puglia: Christmas market in Alberobello
We close this selection of our less known Christmas markets with the one in Alberobello. Alberobello is a unique city, characterized by the typical white of the trulli that offers an evocative and inimitable panorama. The trulli, ancient buildings with a lot of history behind them, are a perfect backdrop for the Christmas market in Alberobello, which makes tasty Apulian specialties its strong point, such as taralli, focacce and local wines.
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