Ciao Reader,

Picture this: snow-dusted peaks of the Dolomites rising behind wooden market stalls, the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread drifting through a medieval piazza, and artisans selling hand-carved nativity figures.

This is Christmas in Italy, and it's far more magical than most travelers realize.

While Germany and Austria get all the Christmas market glory, Italy's mercatini di Natale are criminally underrated. The best ones aren't in Rome or Florence. They're tucked into the Alpine towns of South Tyrol, where Italian and Austrian traditions blend into something enchanting.

Where The Real Magic Happens

​Bolzano hosts Italy's largest and most traditional Christmas market in Piazza Walther, surrounded by those jaw-dropping Dolomite peaks. The wooden stalls overflow with local treasures, including hand-carved ornaments, woolen scarves, and South Tyrolean specialties like hearty dumplings and glühwein (mulled wine) that'll warm you from the inside out.

Just north, Bressanone (Brixen) is South Tyrol's oldest town and feels like stepping into a Hans Christian Andersen story. The Piazza Duomo market is smaller but beloved for its artisan crafts and, Rachel's favorite, incredible gingerbread creations she didn't find anywhere else in Italy.

Here's What You Need To Know

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a national holiday that kicks off the Christmas season throughout Italy, when lights flicker on and markets open their stalls. They typically run through early January, so you've got time to plan. Visit our site for the full list of our favorite Italy Christmas markets​

Can't make it to Italy this December? Browse our complete guide to traditional Italian Christmas food (from panettone to tortellini in brodo) and bring a taste of the Italian holidays home. Or dive into Italian Christmas traditions to discover La Befana, the friendly witch who fills stockings in January (yes, really).

Ready To Experience It Yourself?

December in Italy means fewer crowds, dramatic Alpine scenery, and that intoxicating blend of Italian warmth and Austrian gemütlichkeit.

If you're dreaming of cobblestone streets lit by thousands of twinkling lights, steaming mugs of spiced wine, and mornings that start with fresh sfogliatelle from a local pasticceria, let's chat about planning your Italian Christmas adventure.