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Illuminated huts and string lights in Wolkenstein · © Wolkenstein Tourism AssociationThe Travel Magazine from italien.news
Christmas in Italy
Christmas, Amid Lights and Traditions.
Christmas in Italy means markets in the Alps, nativity scenes, and festivals of lights all the way down to the south. Here you’ll find Advent trips to Val Gardena in the Dolomites, Lake Garda, Manarola in Liguria, Gubbio in Umbria, and Salerno and Naples in Campania.
Advent · Markets · Nativity Scenes · Light Art
Where to go for Christmas in Italy?
Six travel ideas combine the Dolomites with Lake Garda, Liguria, Umbria, and Campania. Choose between a visit to a market, a nativity scene on a mountainside, and light art in the city.
Dolomites · Val Gardena
Val Gardena: The Christmas Valley of the Dolomites
Christmas markets, nativity scenes, and snow sculptures in Val Gardena: This guide brings together the Advent destinations in the Dolomite valley and gives you ideas for days spent visiting markets and taking winter walks.
Go to the Travel Guide ↗Illuminated huts and string lights in Wolkenstein · © Wolkenstein Tourism Association
Lake Garda · Christmas Markets
Advent on Lake Garda
From Arco and Riva to Bardolino and Peschiera: This travel guide showcases Christmas markets around Lake Garda and helps you choose your Advent itinerary.
Go to the Travel Guide ↗Advent atmosphere at Lake Garda · © canva.com
Liguria · Manarola
The Nativity Scene in Manarola
Above the coastal village of Manarola in the Cinque Terre, nativity figures glow on the hillside. This article introduces you to this Christmas tradition on the Ligurian coast.
Go to the Travel Guide ↗The Christmas nativity scene on the hillside of Manarola · © shutterstock.com
Umbria · Gubbio
The Tree of Lights in Gubbio
On Monte Ingino, the mountainside overlooking Gubbio, lights form the shape of a Christmas tree. Combine a visit to see the installation with a tour of the historic center of Gubbio.
Go to the Travel Guide ↗The illuminated Christmas tree on the hillside above Gubbio · © canva.com
Campania · Salerno
Luci d’Artista in Salerno
During the Luci d’Artista light festival, the streets and squares of Salerno become a stage. This guide will help you combine light art with a walking tour of the city.
Go to the Travel Guide ↗Light Art at Luci d’Artista in Salerno · © openlib.enit.it / Simone Antonazzo
Campania · Naples
Christmas time in Naples
Nativity scene crafts, regional cuisine, and Via San Gregorio Armeno, Naples’ Nativity Scene Street: Discover Christmas traditions in one of southern Italy’s major cities.
Go to the Travel Guide ↗Naples During the Christmas Season · © canva.comChristmas Items from the Editorial Team
Christmas Markets, Advent, and Traditions in Italy
Markets and nativity scenes, festivals of lights, family traditions, Christmas cuisine, and New Year’s celebrations: Browse our selection of Christmas items from Italy. The travel guides will help you choose your destination and plan your trip once you’re there.
The Christmas Season Unfolds
When would you like to take your Christmas trip to Italy?
Advent weekends, holidays, or the days around New Year's: The time of year you travel determines which markets, light displays, and traditions you'll be able to experience.
Advent
Markets and Lights
Many Christmas markets open in November. Compare the opening dates for your favorite destinations and be sure to plan an evening visit when the lights and market stalls are at their best.
Christmas
Nativity scenes and festive meals
Nativity scenes, family dinners, and regional desserts are hallmarks of the holidays. Make restaurant reservations well in advance and combine your visit to the city with the local traditions observed there.
New Year's Eve and January 6
Until Epiphany
In Italy, the Christmas season traditionally lasts until January 6. This includes the Befana, Italy’s gift-bringer on Epiphany. Check which markets are still open at your destination.
Before Departure
How are you planning your Advent trip to Italy?
A visit to the market can be combined with museums, churches, and regional cuisine. These three tips will help you turn a packed Christmas itinerary into the perfect trip.
01 / Dates
Pay attention to the season
When checking market dates, be sure to note the specific year. Opening days, light shows, and guided tours vary from place to place; it’s especially worth checking the current schedule on holidays.
02 / Getting Here
Plan the return trip, too
Many Christmas attractions are best experienced in the evening. Be sure to check the last train or bus departure times and factor in the walk from the market to the train station or your lodging.
03 / Travel Schedule
Take time to get to know the place
Choose just a few set activities. A walk through town, a visit to a market, and a meal together often make for a more relaxed day than visiting several Christmas destinations in a row.
Continue your journey
Discover Italy Even After the Holidays
The winter page features Christmas markets and traditions, as well as ski vacations, hot springs, and city breaks. You can also find information on the other seasons here for your next trip.
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas in Italy
Answers to help you plan your trip and links for further reading.
Sources and Further Information
- Italia.it: Christmas in Italy (accessed November 2026)
- Italia.it: Christmas Markets from North to South (accessed November 2026)
- Italia.it: Christmas Markets in Central and Southern Italy (accessed November 2026)
- Italian Government: Holidays and Commemorative Days (accessed November 2026)
You can find dates and opening days in the linked travel guides and in the current program from the respective organizers.