There's no better time to travel in December than the Christmas markets . Cities light up with decorations and Christmas lights surrounding buildings, and in cities like those in Veneto, these lights are reflected on the rivers that flow through the city center.
Padua, Verona, Vicenza, and Venice are the ideal destinations or perfect bases for a weekend filled with pretzels and hot chocolate, Christmas decorations , and the warm atmosphere typical of this season. Here's an updated overview of the most beautiful Christmas markets to visit in Veneto, whether in the city, the mountains, or the villages—the entire region awaits you!
Christmas in front of the Arena
From November 21st to December 28th the 17th edition of the Verona Christmas Market in the exceptional location of the Verona Arena . This rich and welcoming event, organized in collaboration with the "Christkindlmarkt" of Nuremberg, will extend to Piazza Bra, Piazza dei Signori, and Piazza Sacco e Vanzetti, also known as the Arsenale.
Verona Christmas market is a warm and fun embrace, offering artisanal products perfect for Christmas gifts and decorating ideas, along with food specialties and Christmas-themed treats. Find opening hours here
Enchanted Christmas in the Dolomites
For an even more Nordic Christmas atmosphere, you can't miss Christmas in Belluno : Enchantment in the Dolomites. This series of special events and plenty of enchantment opens on Friday, November 28th in the city center, in Piazza dei Martiri. Here, Christmas smells of wood and cinnamon cookies; the elves have already turned on the holiday lights and welcome all visitors, young and old, for a special month, framed by the Dolomites and creating a magical atmosphere.
This market is truly enchanting and well worth the trip. Every street in the center lights up and prepares for a celebration filled with entertainment: a Ferris wheel to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery, art galleries, stalls with artisans, an ice-skating rink, a little train that runs through Belluno, and plenty of food and drink to warm your soul and enjoy a market that embodies tradition and wonder. Here's the full program.
The magic of the Three Peaks in Auronzo di Cadore
In the shadow of the majestic Lavaredo Peaks, another unmissable Christmas market takes place: Auronzo di Cadore lights up with magic, featuring traditional and consistently high-quality Christmas markets, along with the unmissable ice skating rink in the town center and a special Advent calendar in which each window of the Palazzo Corte Metto Museum will be dedicated to a Winter Olympic sport, awaiting the passage of the Olympic Torch in January 2026.
Sports, good food, Christmas cheer, and fun are the magical ingredients for a dream weekend in the Veneto mountains.
Christmas on Lake Garda: the Bardolino ice skating rink
If there's one place to enjoy Christmas in an engaging way, perfect for the little ones, it's definitely Lake Garda . On the Venetian shore, the undisputed star this year is the ice skating rink suspended between the sky and the lake. Christmas in Bardolino has officially begun and will continue until January 6th, transforming the lakeside into a true Christmas village. The water skating rink is one of the main attractions of this event, created by the Municipality and the Bardolino Top Foundation. The lakeside rink is absolutely spectacular and offers thrills for everyone.
The great Christmas tree of Venice
This year, the Venice Christmas tree in St. Mark's Square was lit on the evening of November 22nd with a beautiful celebration of lights, music, and plenty of entertainment, but that's just the beginning. For the " Venice. It's Christmas Time " program, the City Council has decided to spread the magic of Christmas throughout the city, which is already magical in itself, but which becomes even more enchanting at this time of year.
With more than 200 bright stars, the Christmas tree in St. Mark's Square is sure to be noticed, while the arches of the old and new procuratie are adorned with gold lights and sparkle along the streets. It won't be difficult to find Christmas shopping on Venice's
Discover the magic of Christmas in Veneto
There's no shortage of opportunities to have fun, shop, eat, and warm up in Veneto this Christmas, so prepare for a month of lights blending with the art and beauty of Veneto's cities. For your weekend dedicated to the Christmas markets, choose to stay in one of our city-center apartments: Verona, Venice, Padua, and Vicenza are the ideal bases for exploring the region's most characteristic Christmas markets without sacrificing the comfort and convenience of a private home.
Book one of our apartments now because Christmas is an experience to be enjoyed to the fullest, without compromise.
