The charm of autumn gradually dissolves, giving way to the magical Christmas atmosphere that envelops the streets and squares of Verona . The beating heart of this celebration is the Verona Christmas market, which is preparing to make its return to the suggestive Piazza dei Signori. However, the 2023 edition will have a new location, more suitable in terms of safety, located behind Piazza Erbe, between Piazza dei Signori and its charming courtyards: Cortile Mercato Vecchio and Cortile del Tribunal .
From November to December, these markets welcome around 100 exhibitors, offering a wide range of gift ideas, Christmas decorations, traditional culinary specialties and irresistible local products, such as mulled wine and spicy delicacies that can be enjoyed on site or taken home. An iconic element that characterizes the Christmas panorama of Verona is the imposing Bauli Christmas tree, 20 meters high , positioned near Porta Nuova in the external square.
Christmas therefore presents itself as an excellent opportunity to discover the city and its beauties, Verona also presents itself as a perfect base for trips out of town to discover the Veneto and Lake Garda which in this period, although cold, is enchanting to see .
The Christkindlmarkt and the wooden houses
Piazza dei Signori, a place of historical and architectural importance, is home to the “Christkindlmarkt”, bringing a touch of the German city of Nuremberg to Verona . This market, inaugurated with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the presence of the city authorities and representatives of Nuremberg, offers characteristic wooden houses where exhibitors present crafts, typical traditional products and delicious Christmas sweets.
Numerous initiatives enliven the Verona Christmas Markets, including the " Christmas Passport ", an original opportunity to get a stamp at the main points of interest of the market. The “ Tree of Happiness Carousel ” adds a playful touch with a large carousel in the shape of a Christmas tree, also accessible to disabled people. The magic of Santa Claus materializes in the Glittering House of Santa Claus in Cortile Vecchio and in Santa's Post Office in Lungadige San Giorgio.
Finally, nativity scene enthusiasts will be able to enjoy an exhibition in collaboration with AMIA in the Cloister of the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore and in the Loggia of Frà Giocondo, while the International Exhibition of the nativity scene in art and tradition will take place in the Arena . The “ Santa Claus Run ” offers a fun and healthy opportunity to participate in the festive atmosphere with a non-competitive 5 or 10 km run.
The enchantment of the Christmas markets in Verona
The Christmas markets in Verona represent an unmissable opportunity to experience the Christmas tradition in a magical and evocative context. The vibrant atmosphere, the variety of artisanal and gastronomic products, and the numerous initiatives make this event a real journey into the enchantment of Christmas in Verona. For those who want to fully enjoy the city's numerous attractions, it is possible to book a stay online quickly and easily .
To fully experience the Christmas atmosphere, it is advisable to leave your car in one of Verona's car parks and explore the markets on foot, thus allowing you to better savor the magic of Christmas that envelops the city. The Santa Lucia Fair , which takes place from 10 to 13 December in the central Piazza Bra, adds further opportunities for Christmas delights with stalls full of sweets, sweets, games and gift items.