Christmas markets in and around the city centre
Updated on 07 September 2026 From Karoline Villacidro
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 2026 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
Discover the must-see Christmas markets in Bologna
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 21 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.
French Christmas Village in Piazza Minghetti
By popular demand, the French Christmas Village returns to Piazza Minghetti for the feast of the Immaculate Conception from 5 to 8 December 2026. Numerous gazebos with traditional specialities from handicrafts to gastronomy will welcome visitors and aficionados.
French market in Piazza Minghetti, Bologna. AI edited
Porta Galliera Christmas Market
In Piazza XX Settembre, from 19 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, the Natale a Porta Galliera welcomes those arriving at or departing from the nearby train and bus stations with a warm atmosphere.
Snacking on hot chestnuts?
Between trips to the market, fight the cold with a bag of steaming hot chestnuts. Take a break at the stalls in the city's most populous streets (info valid from 20 September to 15 March):
- Via Rizzoli on the corner with Piazza Re Enzo
- Via Indipendenza at the corner with Via Montegrappa
- Piazza De' Celestini 1/a
- Via Ugo Bassi 8/a
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 2026 November 20 to 2027 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.
Traditional Podestà Arcade Antiques Fair
Moreover, under the Voltone del Podestà, from 12 to 24 December 2026, the stalls of the traditional Antiques Fair will be displaying unique vintage items.
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 from 4 to 24 December 2026;
- San Giuseppe Color - via San Giuseppe, set up from 4 to 24 December 2026;
- Kurbis - via Righi, set up on 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 21 and 22 December 2026.
Farmers' and solidarity markets in the city centre
On 12 and 13 December 2026, the countryside comes to town with the pre-Christmas market Nadel dal Cuntaden on Via Rizzoli, where you can find fresh local produce.
Pending the official dates in Piazza Re Enzo (next to the entrance of the Modernissimo) there will be the traditional market exhibition of social handicrafts organised by TerraVerde, an association that has been working in the social sector since 1997.
In
addition, a solidarity Christmas market is held every year in
the cloister of the Basilica of
St. Francesco; pending the official dates. The proceeds from these
markets support the structures of the Basilica and the Franciscan Order.
Finally, if you are looking for a Christmas tree, visit the Christmas Tree Market from 6 to 24 December 2026 in Piazza Trento e Trieste, within' the temporary seasonal market area of the district.
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 2027 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.
Frequently out and about in search of curiosities and unpublished facts to tell. I love typical cuisine, unplanned trips and plants, even if they don't love me back. I have been writing for bolognawelcome.com since 2021.
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