As the festive season approaches, British travellers are searching for the perfect Christmas market experience, and one Italian gem offers a truly magical alternative to the usual destinations. Verona, the legendary city of Romeo and Juliet, hosts an expansive and enchanting Christmas market that rivals any in Europe.
A Fairytale Setting for Festive Cheer
From November 21 to December 28, the historic Piazza dei Signori transforms into a winter wonderland. The Verona Christmas market boasts an impressive more than 200 stalls, each adorned with glittering lights and offering a wealth of artisan products and seasonal gifts. The air fills with the comforting aromas of gingerbread and mulled wine, known locally as vin brulè, creating an irresistible festive atmosphere.
Unlike many other European markets, Verona offers a unique opportunity to experience the magic from a horse-drawn carriage, allowing visitors to glide past illuminated Renaissance palaces in a truly memorable way.
Festive Delights and Shopping Treasures
Shoppers will be delighted by the array of handmade souvenirs, ceramics, jewellery, and wooden crafts available in the charming wooden chalets. The market is a food lover's paradise, serving up local specialities like steaming-hot pearà sauce with pork sausage, German-style bretzels, and hearty bratwurst.
No visit is complete without sampling Verona's famous Christmas cake, pandoro. This fluffy sweet bread, whose name means 'golden bread', was created in the city by patissier Domenico Melegatti back in 1894.
Beyond the Market: A City in Celebration
The festive spirit extends far beyond the market stalls. Visitors can enjoy Christmas concerts, theatre performances, and ballet shows throughout the city. An International Exhibition called 'Nativities from the World' adds to the cultural offerings, while children will love the House of Santa Claus, the Enchanted Forest, and ice-skating rinks in Piazza Sacco e Vanzetti.
One of the most anticipated sights is the return of the incredible star installation at Piazza Bra, which has previously been one of the city's most iconic photographic spots.
The market draws inspiration from one of the oldest and most famous German markets in Nuremberg, often considered the birthplace of this cherished tradition. Visitors have praised the experience, with one Tripadvisor reviewer noting the beautiful surrounding buildings and calling it "well worth a visit".
For British travellers, the journey is surprisingly straightforward. Direct flights from London to Verona start from just £20, with a flight duration of just under two hours, making this Italian festive escape perfectly accessible for a magical winter weekend.
