Top 5 Italian Christmas markets to reach by train with Trenitalia

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Ready for Christmas? If you can’t get into the Christmas spirit until you walk around the stalls of the first Christmas markets of the year, this list of top 5 Italian Christmas markets is for you!

Read on for more information on how to get to 5 of the best Italian Christmas markets by train with Trenitalia. Say goodbye to stress and yes to shopping!

1. Bolzano

A true jewel of Trentino Alto Adige, Bolzano offers one of the most charming and traditional Christmas markets in the entire region. For over a month, from November 24, 2023, to January 6, 2024, the Christmas atmosphere fills the streets and alleys of the capital of South Tyrol, giving you a truly magical experience.

The Christmas markets are open every day from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (excluding Christmas Day when they are closed). Their opening times are slightly different on December 24 (from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm), December 31 (from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm), and January 1 (from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm).

Enjoy a nice stroll up to Bolzano Cathedral under the snow with your family!

How to get to Bolzano by train with Trenitalia

• You can get from Milan to Bolzano in about 3 hours. You can take a high-speed Frecciarossa train operated by Trenitalia from Milan Central station, then get off at Verona Porta Nuova station and change onto one of Trenitalia’s regional trains to Bolzano.
• You can get from Venice to Bolzano in about 3 hours as well. Take a high-speed Frecciarossa train from Venezia Santa Lucia station, then get off at Verona Porta Nuova station and change onto one of Trenitalia’s regional trains to Bolzano.
• You can get from Verona to Bolzano in 1 hour and 30 minutes on a Trenitalia regional train, without having to change.

Trains to Bolzano

 

2. Trento

90 wooden stalls where you can find local handicrafts, culinary specialties, Christmas decorations, and much more – it’s all set to make Trento a magical place this Christmas! The new edition of the Christmas market has taken over the two main squares of the city, Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battista, and will be there until January 7, 2024.

The Christmas market is open:

• Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm
• Friday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm
• On December 24 and December 31 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• On January 1 from 12:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

The market will be closed on Christmas Day.

How to get to Trento by train with Trenitalia

• You can reach Trento from Milan in less than 3 hours. You can take a high-speed Frecciarossa train from Milan Central station, then get off at Verona Porta Nuova station and change onto one of Trenitalia’s regional trains to Trento.
• You can reach Trento from Venice in about 2 hours. Take a high-speed Frecciarossa train from Venezia Santa Lucia station, then get off at Verona Porta Nuova station and change onto one of Trenitalia’s regional trains to Trento.
• You can reach Trento from Verona in about one hour on a Trenitalia regional train, without having to change.

Trains to Trento

 

3. Bressanone

Bressanone’s Christmas market, with its 37 stalls, is one of the most well-known markets in Italy and attracts millions of visitors every year. Piazza del Duomo (the Cathedral’s Square), where it is set up, comes to life with lights, colors, melodies, and flavors, leading tourists to discover the city’s artisanal soul.

The Christmas market ends on January 6, 2024 and is open every day at the following times:

• Monday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
• December 24 and 31 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
• January 1 from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• January 6 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The market is closed on Christmas Day.

How to get to Bressanone by train with Trenitalia

• You can get from Milan to Bressanone in about 4 hours. You can take a high-speed Frecciarossa train from Milan Central station, get off at Verona Porta Nuova station and then change onto one of Trenitalia’s regional trains to Bressanone.
• You can get from Verona to Bressanone in 2 hours and 20 minutes – you’ll just need to take one of Trenitalia’s regional trains.

Trains to Bressanone

 

4. Merano

Merano is one of the most famous Christmas markets in Italy and comes with numerous events. Due to popular demand, the Historical Christmas Village has returned to Piazza Rena, where you can experience a magical Advent atmosphere.

Merano’s Christmas market is certified as a Green Event, as it follows environmental protection criteria. The market is open until January 6, 2024, from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm (it’s closed on Christmas Day). Opening times slightly change on December 24 and 31 (from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm).

How to get to Merano by train with Trenitalia

• If you’re traveling from Milan to Merano, you can take a high-speed Frecciarossa train from Milan Central station to Verona Porta Nuova, then change onto a Trenitalia regional train and get off at Bolzano. From here, you’ll need to take another regional train to Merano. The total journey time is about 4 hours.
• Similarly, if you’re traveling from Venice to Merano, you can take a high-speed Frecciarossa train from Venezia Santa Lucia station, then change at Verona Porta Nuova and take a Trenitalia regional train to Bolzano. From here, you’ll need to take another regional train to Merano. The total journey time is about 4 hours in this case too.
• If you’re traveling from Verona to Merano, you can take a high-speed Frecciarossa train and get off in Bolzano. From here, you’ll need to take a regional train to Merano. In total, the journey takes around 3 hours.

Trains to Merano

 

5. Aosta

In the heart of Aosta, the Marché Vert Noël will be open until January 7. This Christmas market offers plenty of events and activities for all ages: over 30 stalls with local handicrafts are displayed in Roncas, Caveri and Giovanni XXIII squares.

The market is open every day from 10:30 am to 8:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm on December 25 and January 1.

How to get to Aosta by train with Trenitalia

• You can get from Milan to Aosta in a little over 3 hours. You can take a high-speed Frecciarossa train from Milan to Turin, then change onto a Trenitalia regional train to Aosta.
• You can get from Turin to Aosta in about 2 hours on a Trenitalia regional train.

Trains to Aosta