Christmas markets in and around the city centre

In the streets of the city centre and in the outlying villages, the heart-warming and exciting Christmas atmosphere is beginning to take hold. This spirit and desire to celebrate is primarily linked to the traditional markets that fill the city's squares and streets every year with Christmas trees, decorations and figurines, not to mention mulled wine and many other typical products.

In this guide to Bologna's 2025 Christmas markets you will find all the updated dates and must-see locations in the city with in-depth information on handicrafts and local specialities

Ancient Santa Lucia Fair in Strada Maggiore

A visit to the city' s oldest market, the Santa Lucia Fair, located under one of its most beautiful and distinctive porticoes - recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an absolute must. From 2025 November 7 to December 26, the manifold stalls and wooden kiosks along the arcades of Strada Maggiore will be offering the widest range of original crib figures, as well as everything else needed for a merry, colourful and memorable Christmas.

Christmas Fair in via Altabella

While we're on the subject of Bologna's classic markets, a special mention must be made of the Christmas Fair in via Altabella, from 2025 November 21 to 2026 January 6. Costume jewellery, sweets, gift ideas and much more for Christmas shopping are awaiting just a few steps from Piazza Maggiore, next to St. Peter's Cathedral. 

Artists' Handicrafts Markets

As for the famous Artists' Handicraft Markets, where you can find special items and small handicrafts from the Christmas period, they will take place:

• DecomelArt - via San Giuseppe, set up on 1, 2, 14, 15,16, 28, 29, 30 November and 5 to 24 December 2025;
• San Giuseppe Color - via San Giuseppe, set up on 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23 November and 5 to 24 December 2025;
• Kurbis - via Altabella, set up on 21, 22, 28, 29 November and 5, 6, 7, 8, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24 December 2025.

Bologna during Epiphany

Family, children and adults will enjoy the Epiphany Fair in via Indipendenza, via Rizzoli, via Ugo Bassi in Bologna city centre from 2 to 6 January 2026 and get a lot of sweets and candies!

Bologna Christmas Markets Map 

Useful tips for visiting the Christmas markets

• When to go: the least crowded times are weekday mornings.
• How to get around: it’s best to move on foot or by public transport.
• Where to park: Staveco, Tanari, VIII Agosto
• Foods to try: a cone of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, nougat at the markets; tortellini in broth and traditional boiled meats in one of Bologna’s typical trattorias.
• Souvenirs to buy: the Christmas markets offer endless choices, but if you’re looking for something unique, buy online the Christmas Cookie Cutter featuring Bologna’s iconic landmarks, perfectly paired with the ÈBologna Rolling Pin.
  You can pick it up at the Bologna Welcome Infopoint in Piazza Maggiore 1/E.