Christmas Markets in Rome and Lazio

by Anna D. Lyman (freelance) | Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Traditional Christmas markets have taken root in Italy in recent years. Rome and its surroundings hold several such street markets during the advent with the most well-known at Piazza Navona. The elongated baroque square hosts dozens of stands selling artwork, toys, handicrafts, candy/sweets and much more, including Neapolitan Nativity Scenes in all sizes. On top of this there are fairground attractions including a vintage carousel, shooting stands, etc. The market is a pleasant place for a pause in the city centre and can be a good place to find original Christmas gifts.
Here’s a selection of Christmas Markets in Rome and Lazio. Just to be sure we advise you check the dates and opening hours beforehand with the local Comune or Pro loco cultural associations.

Rome
10-13 Dec: Mercatino di Natale di Roma - Con il Cuore
The ‘Mercatino di Piazza Caprera’ boasts stalls loaded with gift ideas as well as mulled wine, roast meats, hot chocolate. Clowns, story-telling, music for kids with the proceeds going to charity.
Piazzale Ankara (M Flaminio ‘A’ line) Tel. 0685301755 www.gentiepaesi.it
Dec-6 Jan: Piazza Navona Christmas Market
Piazza Navona
6 Dec-6 Jan: Mercatino di natale
Piazza Re di Roma (M Re di Roma ‘A’ line)
Dec-6 Jan: Portobello Park
Via Pietro Raimondi, Parioli (Villa Borghese)
Dec-6 Jan: Castel Sant’Angelo
Via Lungotevere Castello (M Lepanto/Ottaviano ‘A’ line)

Lazio
6-27 Dec: Mercatino di Natale
Local specialty foods, handicrafts with bruschette, hot chocolate and vinbrulè.
Piazza del Municipio, Bellegra (70km E of Rome) Tel. 3381985545
13 Dec: Mercatino di Natale
Market, games and activities for children (face-painting, balloons, Santa Claus).
Gallese (80km N of Rome) Tel. 0761495536, 0761495478
13, 20, 24, 27, 31 Dec: Il Centro del Natale
Sunday Christmas market with handicrafts, food, entertainment and lots of ciocaria tradition.
Frosinone (85km SE of Rome)
Dec-6 Jan: Mercatino di Natale di Viterbo
Local crafts, foods, Christmas decorations and gifts. Evening street illuminations
add to the festive atmosphere. An antiques fair runs concurrently.
Piazza Fontana Grande, Viterbo (80km NW of Rome)
6 Dec-6 Jan: Mercatini di Natale
Cittareale (128km NE of Rome)
7 Dec-6 Jan: Mercatino di Natale - Per Curiosare
Handicrafts, collectibles, artwork, antiques and various bric-a-brac. (09.00-19.00)
Piazza Massimo, Tivoli (30km E of Rome)