First things first: This is just my list, according to my personal opinions and tastes. I’m saying this, because every time I post anything, there’s always someone who says “You didn’t insert this” or “I prefer that”, or worse, the rude “No, this one sucks, the other one is way better”. Sometimes, I’d like to be capable of replying just as rudely: “Open your own blog and make your own list!”. But nevermind, here’s my list of Best Christmas markets in the Veneto and surroundings.
Best Christmas markets in the Veneto
Cison di Valmarino Artigianato Vivo
Cison di Valmarino is a little village north of Treviso, close to the Prosecco Hills and listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. Every year the municipality organizes a couple of beautiful markets, one in August and one in December. The latter is called Stelle di Natale (Christmas Stars). It is one of my favorite events of the year, since the stalls and kiosks are scattered along the alleys, inside the houses courtyards, along the river, involving the whole village. Plus, all the products are really artisanal. Here and there you can also find food and drink stands, selling local specialties. 2019 dates (they vary each year): December 7-8 and 14-15. If you want to see a couple of images, go to my post: Cison di Valmarino.
Also, the village next to Cison, Follina, has a cute market. But it only lasts a weekend and this year we have already missed it.
Mercatino Rotonda di Badoere
Also in the Treviso district, you can visit another lovely Christmas Market, the one in Badoere. It is particularly scenographic because of the so-called Rotonda in the main square: 2 hemispherical arcades dating back to 1600 and a small parish on one side. They were part of a villa that sadly was destroyed by a fire in 1920. Under the arcades, you can find some local shops: gelateria, café, hairstylist, clothes, florist, trattoria, etc. While in the piazza about 150 stalls display their artisanal products. Plus there’s a central stand where you can grab a bite. 2019 dates: November 17 – December 15. If you want to see a couple of images, you can find some in my throwback post (it was Spring and the post was dedicated to asparagus, the main product of the village): Rotonda di Badoere.
Treviso: Natale a Treviso
Treviso is particularly beautiful around Christmas, cause the municipality sets some effective decorations over the water of the canals and many shops put some effort in adorning their storefronts. Under the Loggia dei Cavalieri, you can admire the Foresta Incantata, the Enchanted Forest as homage to the woods hit by the Vaia storm in 2018. While in Piazza Borsa there’s an ice rink. Here and there along the streets, you can find kiosks and markets, while several events will take place under the Loggia dei Trecento. 2019 dates: there are different events and timetables, but you can find decorations and settings until January 6. If you want to take a look go to my post: Christmas in Treviso
Bassano del Grappa: Natale a Bassano
Bassano del Grappa is one of my favorite towns in the Veneto and I’m always glad to go there. The Christmas markets are quite nice, mostly located in the main squares: Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Libertà. 2019 dates: November 16 – January 6
Castelfranco Veneto: Natale sotto le Mura
I have recently been to Natale Sotto le Mura, Christmas under the city walls. The setting is nice, along the main street of the town and partly along the exterior part of the walls. I reckon it must be better after sunset, cause I went in the morning and with no lights on, the atmosphere was not very festive. I must be honest as always, though. The kiosks are not numerous, especially in the gardens outside (which is the best part). And many of them do not sell items that impressed me much. But, if you go there, I have a suggestion for a scrumptious meal: Antico Girone. 2019 dates: November 23 – January 6
Lake Garda
I didn’t visit it but I heard it’s beautiful: the Christmas market of Malcesine on Lake Garda. Matteo and I went this summer and the village is really gorgeous. So I can only imagine how beautiful it must be around Christmas. 2019 dates: December 7 – January 6
A couple of years ago, we visited Lazise and Bardolino during Christmas instead. Cute but not unmissable in my opinion. Yet, the villages are nice, and if you’re in the area it can be an idea for a close trip (both until January 6).
Lazise
Verona: Natale in Piazza
OK, so Verona is beautiful. It’s one of my favorite cities ever. The markets are nice, especially the part in piazza dei Signori where the small wooden houses are set. Here you can find the Nuremberg market, with artisanal products of that area, also food-related, such as Gluhwein, Bratwurst, etc. I wrote a post about it. I was not super happy because, in my opinion, it didn’t have the quaint atmosphere I expected. Anyways, Verona is beautiful and it is always worth a visit. Here my throwback post: Verona Christmas Markets.
Venezia and Mestre
Venezia has not a proper Christmas market per se. There are some stalls along Strada Nova and an ice rink in Campo San Polo. Plus, you can admire Christmas decorations here and there. The best part is, of course, Piazza San Marco with the lights and the Christmas tree.
In Mestre, you can find a bigger Christmas market in the main square, Piazza Ferretto, and central streets. Until January 6.
The photo below is by my friend Claudia. You can follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudia_mimejorvenecia/
Padova: Natale a Padova
For as much as I love my city, I must admit, Christmas markets here are not as beautiful as they could be. Imagine the entire area of Prato della Valle full of Christmas Stands! Probably, the municipality doesn’t give permission because of the regular Saturday market (here my post about the best markets in Padua). And what about the listón (via VIII Febbraio, via Roma, via Umberto I)? Not as many stalls as there could be. You can basically find some stands around the piazze (Piazza della Frutta mainly plus Piazza Capitaniato, beyond the Clock Tower) and a separate small market (but very cute) in Piazza Eremitani. Sorry, it’s just that I’d love to see my city with more Christmas decorations, more lights, and more market kiosks. (Markets until January 6)
Christmas in Padua 
Natale a Padova
Other ideas
I have never visited the following markets so I can’t grant they’re worth a visit. But I just wanted to quote them so you’re informed about them: Vicenza, Asiago, Cortina, Pedavena, Jesolo, Caorle, Bibione. I hope to see them sooner or later.
