AOSTA - It's time for gifts, nativity scenes, mulled wine and cinnamon perfumes: craft fairs, Santa Claus villages and markets full of delicacies, toys and decorations return from the north to the south of the country.
Abroad cancellations and suspensions are flooding
: from the Czech Republic to Germany, from Liechtenstein to Austria, the latter in lockdown until 12 December;
restrictions in other EU countries are increasing, such as curfews in Ireland and the Netherlands.
In Italy for now the traditional markets are open
. Never as this year have we felt the desire to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the holidays and be enchanted by the illuminated wooden houses.
But to do it safely it is necessary to observe some rules: always wear a mask and show the green pass which from 6 December becomes strengthened
, i.e. valid only for recovered or vaccinated people. At the entrance there are checkpoints for the validity of the green pass with turnstiles and gates, but some locations provide a bracelet to wear while staying in the market area. Before leaving, therefore, it is good to inquire about the sites of the individual municipalities, especially if the region to which they belong changes color.
Here, from North to South, some markets that are worth the trip.
Until 6 January the Marché Vert Noël of Aosta opens its doors in the archaeological area of the Roman Theater and in the pedestrian area of the Arch of Augustus with over 30 wooden chalets surrounded by lights;
Here you can buy typical Aosta Valley products, from cheeses to wines, and creations in wood and felt by local artisans.
There are also workshops for children, rides and an ice rink.
The market is open from 10.30 to 20. Info: www.lovevda.it
In Piedmont the village of Santa Maria Maggiore, in the heart of the Ossola Valley, hosts from 6 to 8 December - from 9.30 to 18.30 - one of the largest and most evocative Christmas markets with 180 exhibitors. Among the wooden houses there are the artisan excellences of the village, from ceramics to blown glass artifacts and imaginative Christmas decorations. Throughout the village about 60 kilometers from Verbania you can breathe a magical atmosphere with refreshment points to taste mulled wine and stinchéet, hot piadina with butter and salt, and 8 different places to listen to music. A ring itinerary has also been created that involves the entire historic center up to via Cadorna, which houses 30 stalls. In the Christmas village there are shows and concerts. Info: mercatininatale.santamariamaggiore.info
The Christmas market in Aprica, in the Lombard mountains of Sondrio, takes place from 4 to 8 December and then continues on the weekends of 11-12, 18-19 and from 24 December to 6 January. In the wooden chalets in the center of the village, local artisans and producers offer their products and lots of games for children. It is a perfect occasion for after ski or to experience the Christmas atmosphere in the snow of the Alps. The market is open from 10 to 19. Info: apricaonline.com
The stalls in Trento remain among the most popular for those who love Christmas markets in the mountains: until 9 January 62 wooden houses animate the city center between Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti. Among the chalets, 3 of which are dedicated to volunteering and solidarity, you will find all the local artisan and food and wine excellences; the market allows you to take a journey into the tradition and magic of Christmas with particular attention to safety and sustainability. In addition to the stalls, there is also a rich calendar of events that give life to "Trento, the city of Christmas": free concerts, traveling shows on the history of the city and the Santa Claus village in Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore with many attractions for children. The market is open from 10 to 19.30 and on Fridays and Saturdays until 8.30 pm; December 18th and 31st until 10pm. Info: mercatinodinatale.tn.it
One of the most evocative markets in South Tyrol is that of Bressanone, which combines the tradition of stalls with music and light shows in the courtyard of the bishop's palace. Until 6 January from 10 to 19 Piazza Duomo welcomes the traditional wooden houses with handicrafts and local food and wine delicacies to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the event. Three control entrances make the market a safe place: at the entrance you are given a colored bracelet that allows you to enter and visit the other 4 original South Tyrolean markets, namely Merano, Brunico, Bolzano and Vipiteno. In addition to the stalls there will be concerts in Piazza Duomo, readings for children in the civic library and the musical show Liora. The value of time in the courtyard of the bishop's palace. Info: brixen.org / christmas
Until December 26, Piazza Grande in Arezzo hosts the Tyrolean village from Friday to Sunday, from 10 to 21: 32 wooden houses with gift ideas, decorations and handicrafts and two small huts where you can taste beers and gastronomic delicacies. In addition to the stalls, the Big Lights show of lights and colors, the house of Santa Claus in the Fraternita palace and guided tours of the historic center are back. In the Prato park, a stone's throw from Piazza Grande, there are the "Wonder Market" with many stalls and the Christmas Village, made with Lego bricks. Info: mercatodinatalearezzo.it
"Candele a Candelara" is the romantic market in Candelara, a medieval village in the province of Pesaro Urbino, within the "Unexpected Christmas" event. Until 12 December in the historic center the 60 wooden houses offer Christmas objects and decorations and local handmade candles, of every shape and fragrance. Their light illuminates the whole village festively decorated with nativity scenes and iron sculptures, the workshop of the elves and workshops dedicated to children. The market is open from 10 to 20 and the cost of entry is 4 euros. Info: ilnatalechenontiaspetti.it
The Norman castle of Limatola, a small village 40 kilometers from Benevento, hosts the charming Christmas market "Cadeau al Castello" until 12 December.
In addition to the stalls for craft and gastronomic purchases, you can participate in shows and workshops for the little ones and visit Santa's house.
In the castle you can also eat and sleep.
The market is open from Monday to Thursday, from 10 to 22, and from Friday to Sunday until 23. Tickets cost from 5 euros for adults and 3 for children (free up to 3 years) and can be purchased online;
info: mercatinodinatale-castellodilimatola.it