The charm of autumn gradually fades, 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, preparing to make its return to the charming Piazza dei Signori. However, the 2023 edition will have a new, more secure location, located behind Piazza Erbe, between Piazza dei Signori and its charming courtyards: Cortile Mercato Vecchio and Cortile del Tribunale .
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 Verona's Christmas scene is the imposing 20-meter-tall Bauli Christmas tree , located near Porta Nuova in the external square.
Christmas is therefore an excellent opportunity to discover the city and its beauties. Verona also makes a perfect base for day trips to explore the Veneto region and Lake Garda, which, although cold, is enchanting to see at this time of year.
The Christkindlmarkt and the wooden houses
Piazza dei Signori, a place of historical and architectural importance, hosts the "Christkindlmarkt," bringing a touch of the German city of Nuremberg to Verona . This market, inaugurated with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony attended by city authorities and representatives of Nuremberg, features characteristic wooden houses where exhibitors showcase crafts, traditional products, and delicious Christmas sweets.
Numerous initiatives enliven the Verona Christmas Markets, including the " Christmas Passport ," an original opportunity to validate your entry at the market's main attractions. The " Tree of Happiness Carousel " adds a touch of fun with a large carousel shaped like a Christmas tree, accessible to the disabled. The magic of Santa Claus materializes in the glittering Santa Claus House in the Cortile Vecchio and in Santa Claus's Post Office on Lungadige San Giorgio.
Finally, nativity scene enthusiasts will enjoy a show in collaboration with AMIA in the Cloister of the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore and in the Loggia di Frà Giocondo, while the Arena will host the International Exhibition of Nativity Scenes in Art and Tradition. The " Santa Claus Race " offers a fun and healthy opportunity to participate in the festive atmosphere with a non-competitive 5 or 10 km run.
The enchantment of Verona's Christmas markets
Verona's Christmas markets are an unmissable opportunity to experience Christmas traditions in a magical and evocative setting. The vibrant atmosphere, the variety of artisanal and gastronomic products, and the numerous initiatives make this event a true journey into the enchantment of Christmas in Verona. Those who want to fully enjoy the city's many attractions can book a stay online quickly and easily .
To fully experience the Christmas atmosphere, we recommend leaving your car in one of Verona's parking lots and exploring the markets on foot, allowing you to truly savor the Christmas magic that envelops the city. The Fiera di Santa Lucia , held from December 10th to 13th in the central Piazza Bra, offers even more opportunities for Christmas delights, with stalls filled with sweets, candy, games, and gifts.
