For me, few things bring the magic of the season to life, like wandering through a Christmas market under twinkling lights. Across Veneto, Christmas markets showcase handcrafted goods and regional delicacies, they bring communities together and welcome visitors into the holiday spirit. While all markets have their charm, we have selected 5 of our favourites for your way to embrace the season.
Remember to wrap up – it’s cold out there!
Verona: Christmas Charm and Historic Highlights
Verona’s Piazza dei Signori hosts a Christmas market inspired by Nuremberg’s Christkindlmarkt from 15 November to 26 December. Over 100 wooden stalls offer handcrafted goods, decorations, and festive treats. Try some local specialities such as Pandoro, a Veronese Christmas cake, or Palle de Ricotta, fried donuts with ricotta, alongside mulled wine or locally produced Amarone. You won’t be disappointed.
Head to the Presepi dal Mondo exhibition in the Arena; it showcases over 400 nativity scenes from around the world. This Guinness World Record-holding display includes pieces from museums and artisans, all under the Stella Cometa, a large steel sculpture of the Star of Bethlehem. For an added layer of tradition visit Verona on the 12 December the night before The Festa di Santa Lucia, children leave coffee, carrots, and wine for Santa Lucia and wake to find sweets and gifts.
Bardolino: Lakeside Festivities on Lake Garda
From 1 December 2023 to 7 January 2024, Bardolino hosts its Christmas celebrations along the lakefront and in the town centre. Stalls offer a variety of local crafts, food, and festive decorations.
This year, the festivities extend to Parco Carrara Bottagisio, featuring an indoor ice rink and a 30-metre-high Ferris wheel with views of Lake Garda. In Piazza del Porto, children can enjoy Santa’s sleigh and a traditional carousel. A Christmas train and live performances all add to the festive spirit. For the truly brave, there is a New Year’s Dive, where participants jump into the chilly waters of Lake Garda to celebrate the start of the year.
Asiago: Alpine Magic in a Winter Wonderland
Asiago’s Christmas market fills Piazza Carli and Piazza II° Risorgimento with charming wooden stalls offering handmade gifts, decorations, and natural products from the 9 November 2024 to 6 January 2025, . The alpine setting, often snow-covered, adds to the seasonal atmosphere.
Food is a highlight, with dishes like Polenta with Asiago cheese and desserts such as strudel and butter cookies. Families can join creative workshops, and children can also enjoy a merry-go-round and seasonal shows.
Cison di Valmarino: A Cosy Festive Retreat
The small village of Cison di Valmarino hosts its Christmas market, Stelle a Natale, from 8 December 2024 to 6 January 2025. Stalls offer locally made crafts, gifts, and holiday decorations.
Food options include grilled meats, cheeses, and zaletti biscuits, along with hot apple juice and mulled wine. Live music, storytelling, and nativity plays entertain visitors, while children can create their own decorations in workshops. The market’s setting near Castelbrando, with its medieval streets and festive lights, creates a warm and traditional Christmas atmosphere.
Jesolo: Coastal Celebrations by the Sea
While you would typically associate Jesolo with drinking a Spritz on the beach, from 22 November 2024 to 6 January 2025, Jesolo’s Piazza Mazzini and Piazza Aurora become the setting for the Jesolo Christmas Village. Over 70 stalls offer handcrafted gifts, decorations, and local treats.
Do not miss the Jesolo Sand Nativity, featuring nativity scenes made from sand, ice, and stone. Other attractions include an ice rink, carnival rides, and performances by jugglers and stilt walkers. Santa’s house and creative activities for children make this a family-friendly day.
Conclusion
There’s something special about stepping into a Christmas market. With the scent of spiced vin brulé and warm treats, lights twinkling in the cold air, Christmas trees, delicious food and happy children, Veneto’s Christmas markets are a wonderful way to celebrate the season. Remember to pause, enjoy the moment, and soak in the holiday spirit.
For more information, visit the official Veneto tourism website.
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