Christmas Markets in Italian Castles: The Most Amazing to Visit

The guide to the most beautiful Christmas markets in exceptional locations: the magnificent Italian castles.

What are the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Italian castles? Imagine an enchanted world with sparkling lights, the scent of cinnamon, and the magic of Christmas set against the backdrop of majestic and ancient castles.

There are many Christmas markets that are set up every year in the historic castles of Italy. A journey through time and the festive atmosphere.

Here are the most beautiful Christmas markets in Italian castles.

Dates: November 23, 2024 - December 22, 2024

The Christmas market returns inside the walls of Avio Castle, a property of FAI, the National Trust for Italy.

After the success of previous editions, this castle at the entrance of Trentino will host the seventh edition of this event.

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Five weekends to enjoy the flavors and traditions of Trentino Christmas and beyond: exhibitors from the world of gastronomy and local crafts from Vallagarina and the upper Verona area will animate the Baron Palace and its spacious courtyard with a suggestive market.

Sweets, cured meats, local cheeses, wines, ciders, and craft beers, honey, and jams, along with small artisanal productions in wood, ceramics, wax, and fabric.

Accompanying the traditional market will be choir concerts, activities for children, and guided tours will mark the extraordinary opening days.

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Dates: November 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 2024 - December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 2024

In the enchanting ghost village of Apice Vecchia, in the province of Benevento, Ettore Castle transforms into a fairytale venue from November to December. Here you can stroll through numerous stands of the Christmas market, where you will find high-quality artisanal and locally sourced products.

The food area, curated by the Proloco of Apice, will surprise you with a variety of food stands. Additionally, the fifth edition promises many surprises, for example, you will find Santa Claus's home perched on the majestic tower of the castle.

Here, amid sparkling lights and the joy of the elves, children can experience the excitement of personally handing their letters to Santa Claus in his cozy home.

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The show will be the beating heart of the event, with magical voices that will create the perfect atmosphere to immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas. The cheerful jester will entertain both young and old with his energy, while fire-eaters and belly dancers will add a touch of mystery and charm.

To make the event even more memorable, performances by the famous tenor Rocco Speranza, who will move the audience with his voice. An unmissable attraction will be the area dedicated to The Magic School of Hogwarts, the saga loved by both adults and children. Here, you can experience the magic of the world's most famous magic school and meet its characters.

Every afternoon, the Benevento Longobarda association offers a journey back in time to the 6th century, with the spectacular event Siege at the Castle.

You can visit the military camp and immerse yourself in Longobard history, with historical reenactments, archery, medieval craftsmanship, and historical fencing.

Dates: November 16-17; November 23-24; November 30 - December 1; December 6-8; December 14-15; December 20 - January 6, 2025; December 25 afternoon opening

Christmas in Montepulciano returns for its eleventh edition and features one of the largest Christmas markets in Italy, with over 70 wooden houses for shopping, a selection of sweet and savory street food, and numerous attractions for the whole family, starting with Santa Claus's Castle in the Fortress.

As every year, the market develops in the upper part of the city, between Piazza Grande and Via San Donato, and hosts exhibitors from all over Italy. In the fortress, the "Santa Claus's Castle" will return, where Santa Claus lives with his elves, where children can visit the magical kitchen, the winter garden, ride on the sleigh, and meet the host.

In the castle's garden, you can also take a ride on the ponies and enjoy a rich offering of street food with sweet and savory specialties, inside the equipped and covered area. Still in the heart of the historic center, in the little square of Vicolo del Leone (next to the Town Hall), the "Christmas Terrace" will be set up, a space created in collaboration with the Vino Nobile Consortium, where you can sip wine and taste the delicious local specialties, all while enjoying a breathtaking view.

Then don't miss the ice skating rink at Poggiofanti Garden, open from Saturday, November 23, 2024, to January 31, 2025, the video mapping on the facade of the Duomo, and the Christmas tree in Piazza Grande.

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Dates: November 8-10, November 15-17, November 22 - December 15, 2024

Wonderful is the title of this year's Christmas event at Limatola Castle, located between the provinces of Benevento and Caserta, which presents the 15th edition of Cadeaux al Castello.

Wonderfully is the theme of this journey that will feature the Nutcracker, who, through his wisdom and connection to the spiritual world, guides us to discover the wonder of Christmas and life.

To the notes of "Meraviglioso" by Domenico Modugno, you will embark on a sparkling journey of lights, animated by medieval dances, street performers, ancient crafts, gastronomy, and of course the Christmas market. About 80 exhibitors will propose, in the internal and external spaces of the castle, products and excellences of craftsmanship, antiques, ceramics, and gastronomy. The Norman castle will also host many artists and wandering shows.

This year, the Great Santa Claus Lodge awaits children who wish to take a free souvenir photo with Santa Claus. Many decorated keys, engraved with thoughts about Christmas, will be placed in every corner of the medieval castle. "The key to a wonderful Christmas is knowing how to look beyond appearances and grasp the beauty that the world offers us," explains Pina Martone Sgueglia, owner of Limatola Castle, who conceived Christmas markets 15 years ago with her husband Stefano.

Dates: From November 29 to December 8, 2024

Not far from Merano, the small town of Tirolo hosts an intimate Christmas market set up within the castle walls.

For the occasion, the inner courtyard of Tirolo Castle and the Hall of Knights will turn into wide exhibition spaces where local artisans will showcase their creations and ancient peasant work, such as felt-making, use of the lathe, basket weaving, and the creation of jewelry and ceramics.

Inside the castle chapel, local women farmers will present hand-crafted nativity scenes.

In the castle courtyard, you will find the food stand and a small petting zoo with sheep and donkeys.

As every year, there will be workshops dedicated to children for creating small gifts and numerous musical moments with notable bands. On the last day of the Christmas market at Tirolo Castle, there will be a charity concert in the Hall of Knights. Finally, carriage rides, concerts, theatrical and magic performances, and Alpine horn players will enliven these festive days.

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Dates: November 16 - December 22, 2024

An event spread across the lands of the Langhe, Monferrato, and Roero to experience the magic of Christmas.

From November 16 to December 22, 2024, immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere in Asti, Govone, and San Damiano d'Asti, united in a charming itinerary among tradition, art, and magic.

Piazza Alfieri in Asti will host a fascinating Christmas market with 130 wooden huts, where artisanal products, typical gastronomy, and delicious street food await to savor local traditions. In San Damiano d'Asti, the Living Nativity will bring ancient trades to light, with costumed figures and the evocative notes of bagpipers in the historic cellars of the village.

At Govone Royal Castle, all the magic of Christmas will shine. Surrounded by a romantic enchanted village, the town will transform into a fairy-tale snow globe, welcoming elves, shows, and attractions for both young and old.

Discover the new musical from Santa's House, and for the little ones, the Elf School, where they can become perfect helpers of Santa Claus.

During your visit to the UNESCO-listed castle, you will be able to tour the noble rooms set up for the occasion with Christmas decorations and the exhibition "Christmas at the Royal Castle."

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November 30 - December 8, 2024

The Christmas markets return to Visconti Castle in Somma Lombardo for the fifteenth edition from November 30 to December 8, 2024.

Numerous artisans will participate, showcasing truly Italian craftsmanship. You will see decorative handmade items for the home made from felt, ceramics, wood, jewelry, candles, miniatures, and of course many beautiful Christmas decorations. The delicious corner of taste will feature food stands inspired by the aromas and flavors of tradition. You will find gastronomic delights from various Italian regions and artisanal Christmas treats, as well as the unmissable coffee and chocolate corner in the castle courtyard.

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You can also savor delicious fritters, churros, piadinas, pizza slices, hot dishes, sausages, appetizers, and Calabrian specialties along with typical sweets, panettoni, beers, and artisanal liqueurs. Finally, there will be wellness and personal care products offered by small businesses that stand out for the quality of the raw materials used.

As every year, the visit will begin at the entrance avenue that runs alongside the moat, continuing into the heart of the castle, in the characteristic courtyard and portico area and in the ground floor rooms. On the first floor, in addition to the welcoming rooms hosting selected exhibitors, there will be many unmissable initiatives for the whole family.

For example, on Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1, the "House of Merlin the Wizard" association will be present in the Visconti Hall, bringing special moments to children with the animation "The Christmas of Resolved Wishes."