Winter Wonderland, Part Two: The 11 Best Christmas Markets in the Mediterranean
When it comes to Christmas, people tend to fall into two categories: It’s never too early to get in the spirit, or it’s always too early to get in the spirit. At Bella Vita, as advocates for preparedness, we think regardless of which end of the spectrum you sit on, the time to start planning is now.
One of the most magical parts of the end of the year is the hundreds upon hundreds of Christmas markets that spring up all across Europe. All of them are a sure fire way to get you in the Christmas spirit but some more than others. If you feel like doing Christmas the right way this year, check out our 11 favorite Mediterranean Christmas markets.
France
While Greece, Spain, and Italy aren’t exactly renowned for their Christmas markets, France has been holding its own against Germany for the longest time. In fact, it would be entirely possible to fill this list solely with French offerings, BUT we’re all about diversity, so we whittled it down to just three.
Arras
Arras, a charming town in the north of France, is home to an equally charming Christmas market. Situated in the grand setting of the very Grand’Place, Arras’ market is a small yet magical experience.
With 90 stalls offering everything from traditional eats to traditional crafts, an ice-skating rink, fairground rides, and festive lights, this market is perfect if you want to experience tradition without being overwhelmed by crowds or noise.
While visiting, it’s essential to try out the Flemish waffles — being so close to Belgium, they’re a local speciality, and you can’t miss them. Not sure where they are? Follow your nose.
Paris, L’Arche de Noel a la Defense.
It’s Paris, so there are many Christmas markets to be found across the city. We picked this one because it’s the largest, and it offers an experience far removed from something like Arras. Not only does it boast being the biggest in Paris, it also boasts being the most authentic.
This market has roughly 300 stalls, spreads over 10,000 square metres, and runs from the 19thof November to the 27th of December. You can expect to find all of the traditional Christmas market offerings and so much more.
What makes this market special is a combination of the merry and exuberant atmosphere, and the juxtaposition between the traditional Christmas decorations and the towering skyscrapers of Paris’ business district.
Colmar
Colmar made the list over some of the bigger markets due to its fairytale feel and stunning scenery. This town has easily one of the prettiest Christmas markets on the list, and that’s saying a lot.
The historic setting of Colmar’s Old Town fuses perfectly together with the Christmas scenery, decoration, and lighting. All in all it looks and feels like a fairy tale brought to life, and it’s difficult not to feel the Christmas spirit sink into your pores.
There is an abundance of events for you and the family — like concerts and exhibitions, a market specifically for children, and culinary specialities wherever you choose to turn.
Greece
Athens
Sure, Greece isn’t exactly most travelers’ first pick when it comes to a winter getaway, but that doesn’t mean it can’t hold its own — Athens is establishing itself as a great alternative to conventional Christmas breaks, and it makes for an especially magical Christmas destination.
While Athens doesn’t have a specific central Christmas market that stands out, the city does light up in festive celebration from mid-November onwards. With mesmerizing Christmas trees, lights, and displays, Athens becomes an homage to the most wonderful time of the year, and it’s well worth checking out.
Italy
Italy’s religious history is world renowned, so you can be sure to expect an almost unmatched reverence for the festive season. However, religion isn’t the only thing Italians are reverent about, and their love of incredible food, wine, and celebration means that Italy does Christmas markets incredibly. If you’re looking to get festive without getting freezing, look to Italy.
Bolzano
Bolzano could have made this list for its setting alone. Situated among the snow-capped Dolomites, Bolzano’s market feels festive just by virtue of geographical location and climate.
While other markets on this list interpret Christmas markets in a way that envelops their region’s culture and tradition, Bolzano sticks pretty close to the German Christmas market template — which is no bad thing! The organizers themselves were advised by the people responsible for the world famous Nuremberg Christmas market and you can tell.
You can expect an incredibly high standard from the food to the trinkets, so it’s impossible to walk away unhappy with your experience at Bolzano.
Milan, O Bej, O Bej
With over 400 stalls, Milan offers one of the largest markets in Italy, and indeed one of the largest markets on this list. It has been relocated in recent years to sit in the shadow of Milan’s castle, Castello Sforzesco.
It is a huge street market that offers an abundance of gastronomic delights, plus hundreds of local arts and handicraft stalls. Additionally, it’s a great chance to sample the Christmas atmosphere — as well as incredible delicacies like roast chestnuts, mulled wine, castagnaccio — or take your pick from local mustards, hand-knitted woollies, jewellery, toys and sweets.
Venice
The Italian list wouldn’t be complete with Venice on it. It may not be the biggest or the most authentic, but it really does offer something a little different — in terms of both experience and what is on offer to buy and consume.
The Christmas offered by the city of Venice is a fascinating journey through craft products, Christmas decorations, plus concerts and activities, and much more — all while situated in the heavenly city of Venice.
In Venice, the nativity scenes (or maybe ‘masterpieces’ is a more accurate representation…) alone are worth checking out.
Naples, Via San Gregorio Armeno
And speaking of incredibly intricate and stunning nativities, Italy gets four entries to the list purely because of the world famous presepi (nativity scenes) of Naples. Technically, this isn’t specific to the Christmas period, but it is when the area overflows with the spirit of the season.
The street has endless amounts of shops dedicated to Christmas, and should you choose to go earlier in the year you will be amazed at the difference between the relative tranquility in which the vendors work throughout the year, and the exuberant and frenetic atmosphere that fills the street during advent.
Spain
Much like Italy, Spain is big on food, fun, and the festive season. Spain has done an incredible job of taking the German Christmas market template and putting a classically Spanish twist on it. Wanna see Spain like the Spanish do? Check out these three essential markets:
Madrid, Plaza Mayor
During the festive period, for one whole month, the stunning central plaza of Madrid is taken over by local Madrileños in honor of this magical time and covered in festive cheer. The Plaza Mayor is filled with more than one hundred stalls all devoted to selling a multitude of festive products.
The stunning plaza is covered in a mesmerizing canopy of lights under which you can find everything you need for a merry christmas, a merry market visit, AND a successful Día de los Santos — Spain’s equivalent of April Fools’ Day. Not only are the stalls stocked with festive supplies, food, and drinks, but you can also find plenty of trickster toys too.
Zaragoza, Plaza de Pilar
Given Spain’s religious history and culture, you know that Christmas is firmly routed in heritage. This you can see wherever you go just by witnessing the ornate and intricate nativity scenes sprawled across the country. Nowhere, however, can you experience a nativity setting quite like at Zaragoza’s Plaza de Pilar christmas market.
In the shadow of the magnificent Basilica del Pilar, a giant 1,500 square meter nativity scene sprawls out like a maze. Nearly 50 life-size figures are used to recreate the night that Jesus was born. Adjacent to this incredible scene is Zaragoza’s main Christmas market.
Go for the nativity, stay for the parades and bands throughout the month that it is open.
Barcelona, Fira de Santa Llucia
Fira de Santa Llucia is probably Barcelona’s most known market, and it’s almost certainly the most traditional. Having been around since 1786, the market sprawls across three hundred stalls and has fully come into its own since its conception. Don’t expect to find any of the German classics here, but don’t worry — the Spanish know food and wine, so there are plenty of wonderful alternatives.
The market takes place every year next to the Barcelona cathedral, and it’s open from the 27th of November to the 23rd of December.
11 incredible markets means there’s no excuse to miss them — whether you prefer the German feel of the wintery Bolzano, the quaint fairy tale charm of Colmar, something a little more Mediterranean in Madrid, or anything in between, these markets are a must. We’re feeling the festive cheer already!
