Christmas is approaching and you are looking for ideas for your presents? Bologna's Christmas markets are an excellent opportunity to breathe in the festive atmosphere and do some Christmas shopping. The most famous one in the city is certainly the Santa Lucia Christmas Market, held every year at the church of Santa Maria dei Servi, but there are some alternatives.
Let’s discover the Christmas markets in the centre of Bologna.
We begin our tour of the markets from Via Indipendenza, Bologna's shopping street, which connects the train station to Piazza Maggiore.
Along the street we find two of the most popular markets in Bologna. The first is in Via San Giuseppe, a side street of Via Indipendenza. It is a rather small market, with stalls on both sides of the street selling arts and crafts, clothing and more.
The second market we meet walking in the direction of Piazza Maggiore is via Altabella Christmas market. It’s larger than San Giuseppe, from which it also differs because it is covered. Under the marquee you can wander among various stands selling sweets, clothing, handicrafts, copper jewellery and many other ideas for your Christmas presents.
Every year, Piazza Minghetti hosts the French Christmas Village, a very atmospheric market offering many specialities of the French cuisine including cheeses, but also handicrafts such as lavender and Parisian perfumes. All housed inside small wooden houses, perfect for recreating the Christmas atmosphere.
Let’s discover the Christmas markets in the centre of Bologna.
San Giuseppe Christmas Market
We begin our tour of the markets from Via Indipendenza, Bologna's shopping street, which connects the train station to Piazza Maggiore. Along the street we find two of the most popular markets in Bologna. The first is in Via San Giuseppe, a side street of Via Indipendenza. It is a rather small market, with stalls on both sides of the street selling arts and crafts, clothing and more.
Via Altabella Market
The second market we meet walking in the direction of Piazza Maggiore is via Altabella Christmas market. It’s larger than San Giuseppe, from which it also differs because it is covered. Under the marquee you can wander among various stands selling sweets, clothing, handicrafts, copper jewellery and many other ideas for your Christmas presents.
The French Christmas Village in Piazza Minghetti
Every year, Piazza Minghetti hosts the French Christmas Village, a very atmospheric market offering many specialities of the French cuisine including cheeses, but also handicrafts such as lavender and Parisian perfumes. All housed inside small wooden houses, perfect for recreating the Christmas atmosphere.
Santa Lucia Christmas Market
We conclude our review of Bolognese Christmas markets with the ancient Santa Lucia Christmas Market. Dating back to the late 16th century, the market attracts crowds of visitors every year under the portico of Santa Maria dei Servi in Strada Maggiore. The wooden stalls of the market host everything you need to decorate your tree and home: baubles, coloured lights, festoons and other decorations, as well as the traditional crib figurines. In addition to Christmas decorations, you can also find typical sweets and handicrafts.