The Friuli Venezia-Giulia Christmas Markets

Started in the region’s capital Trieste one of the most eagerly awaited events, in the run-up to Christmas, is that of the Saint Nicholas Market in Viale XX Settembre where you can find sweet and toy stalls. Whilst if you visit Muggia, on the second Sunday of the month, you can find the Market of Arts and Crafts in Piazza Galilei dedicated to crafts and hobbies.

Gorizia has two markets in the run up to Christmas that take place in the streets of the historic centre. Alongside the traditional advent market, there is also the historical Saint Andrea market here, where you can wander around the stalls and enjoy the festive atmosphere. And after a hard day’s shopping, why not enjoy one of the musical concerts that take place in the town’s churches.

Alternatively try 'Winter in Aquileia', a traditional pre-Christmas event, in the antique Roman port with its characteristic winding streets that has a really magical atmosphere.

In Udine, between 8 and 24th December the Piazza Duomo is home to the Christmas market selling handmade crafts and local products from the around the region.
Moving away from the Trieste region into Pordenone, you can find the cake festival held on 8th December, in Spilimbergo. The beautiful old town is invaded by master pastry chefs who fill the streets with sweets, cakes and desserts and wonderful scents. Traditional items to watch out for include ‘zaleti’, a yellow biscuit made from corn. The main Christmas market is on December 17th along with a special edition of the antiques market.

In Gemona del Friuli which is found in the pre-Alpine area, from 8th December you can visit the Santa Lucia Christmas Market. Nearby the small town of Venzone celebrates a medieval festival of Santa Lucia when local residents still walk to the Santa Lucia church to cast a vote before joining in the Christmas market.

Heading north, the festivities continue at Villa Santina, a few kilometres from Tolmezzo, where the local market sells local agricultural products and you can enjoy the chance to taste the local traditional recipes.

In Sauris, among the old houses built with stone and wood that make this one of the most characteristic villages in Carnia, the traditional Christmas market takes places between 8th and 10th December. Handmade products made with wood or terracotta, and local products like honey, desserts and ham fill the stalls with bright tempting displays.

And finally.... Loved by children, Arta Terme is a Christmas market with a difference. Alongside the market, the local people carry out an ancient ritual which sees the giving of gifts to the children and for the adults, there is also the chance to take a horse and carriage around the old town. All accompanied by a traditional glass of mulled wine and roast chestnuts.