Guide to Verona's Christmas markets 2025: full calendar, map, and must-see attractions

Quando l’aria si riempie di cannella e le vie del centro si illuminano di nuove luci soffuse, Verona si trasforma nel cuore pulsante del Natale italiano e voi in turisti affascinati, pronti a perdervi tra le piazze storiche e le migliaia di altri visitatori.

The scent of mulled wine and artisanal sweets, songs and sparkles wherever you look: the city of Verona renews its appointment with the traditional Christmas markets, ready to welcome families, curious onlookers, and enthusiasts amid the austere charm of the historic squares and the sparkle of the stalls.

To ensure you don't miss a single moment of the magic, here's a detailed guide: from possible opening days to the most evocative locations, from must-see events to practical information on shuttles and parking. Everything you need to know to experience the Christkindlmarkt Veronese in 2025, between signature itineraries and international traditions.

Dates, times and special calendar 2025

Date ufficiali d’apertura e chiusura

Year after year, the Christmas markets to Verona They present themselves as a key fixture in the winter events calendar. However, even traditions allow for nuances: 2025 offers two official opening dates to keep an eye on.

According to the most reliable sources, the Christmas lights switching on ceremony will already be shining on November 14, 2025 (to be checked for any advances or postponements via the Municipality website), with an opening event often accompanied by music and the delegation of Nuremberg in Piazza dei Signori. However, other sources indicate the actual start date as November 21, 2025—perfect for those who want to organize a long weekend with a Nordic atmosphere.

For greetings, it oscillates between the December 26, 2025 (ipotesi più diffusa per la chiusura “classica”) e il December 28, 2025, An extended period that also allows families traveling after Christmas to indulge in a few extra days of stalls and shows. A practical tip: to avoid surprises, always consult the program. events and official announcements in the days preceding the visit.

Daily opening hours and special days (December 24, 25, 26)

Planning a visit to the Christkindlmarkt Veronese means navigating different time slots, designed to offer experiences that are both relaxed and lively. Sunday to Thursday, the stalls come alive with 11:00 to 21:00, creating the ideal setting for an afternoon stroll perhaps followed by a typical dinner.

THE Friday, Saturday and days before holidays they are the counterpart with early opening (from 10:00) and postponed closing at 23:00The perfect choice for those who want to capture the magic of the lights after dark and find that last gift among the crafts and flavors of France. Be aware of special opening hours on peak days: December 24th (Eve) stalls active from 10:00 to 17:00, to avoid last minute crowding; the December 25th we officially enter the festive atmosphere from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM; The December 26th, for those who want to experience the last day, opening from 10:00 (or 11:00) to 18:00, with possible evening extensions to be verified.

The calendar is enriched with exhibitions, races and secondary events, always to be compared with the official program for every safety.

Where the markets are held: squares, courtyards and a quick map

Piazza dei Signori, Old Market Courtyard, Courtyard of the Court

Enter the labyrinth of lights and colours of the Christmas markets Verona It means immersing yourself in an itinerary that touches the heart of the historic center. The main setting is divided between Lords' Square—the true epicenter of the festival, with over one hundred exhibitors and the typical wooden houses in the style Nuremberg—and the underwear Old Market Courtyard, perfect for those looking for intimate corners and traditional views.

Here the scent of delicacies meets artisanal workmanship of rare finesse, while the Courtyard of the Court It often hosts select stalls and themed installations. A journey to be enjoyed slowly, letting yourself be guided by the sounds of small orchestras or the tinkling of Christmas bells.

Connected points: Piazza Bra, Porta Nuova, Arena, Palazzo della Gran Guardia

Beyond the golden triangle of Christmas, the path extends organically towards Piazza Bra: an avenue dotted with plays of light, ideal for those arriving in the city thanks to the direct connection with the shuttles where the majestic Arena, which in this period becomes a backdrop for concerts and the famous International Nativity Scene Exhibition (typical hours 9:00–20:00).

The sumptuous Palace of the Gran Guardia instead hosts the historic exhibition Presepi dal Mondo, a record-breaking collection of over 400 international works. The charm of New Gate e dei suoi imponenti addobbi: impossibile non scattare una foto all’albero di Natale “Bauli” alto ben 20 metri, che svetta come faro per grandi e piccini.

What to see and unmissable activities

Christkindlmarkt, Bauli tree, Comet Star, Nativity scenes

The beating heart of the festival revolves around the Christkindlmarkt: here the tradition of the mythical Nuremberg It comes to life at every stall, amidst wooden sculptures and decorations imported directly from Bavaria. During the opening days, the ceremony marks the beginning of a meaningful collaboration between the two cities, celebrated by an official delegation.

Don't miss the impressive Bauli Christmas tree, a true icon of the Veronese calendar, which radiates the area of New Gate of lights and atmosphere, and the famous Comet Star, a light installation that seems to glide towards the’Arena. Those who love nativity scenes will find something to suit them: the International Review inside the’Arena e la mostra “Nativity Scenes from Around the World” in Palace of the Gran Guardia They promise wonder with hundreds of representations ranging from the most classic materials to contemporary design.

Santa's house, ice rink and light installations

Among the most popular attractions stands out the Santa's House, set up in Old Market CourtyardA wonderful place for children, where they can deliver letters and take unique photos, with staff ready to accommodate every wish. For those who love combining sport and tradition, the ice skating rink (formerly the Arsenale pool) offers guaranteed fun even on the coldest days. Checking schedules and tickets is recommended to avoid lines.

The experience is completed by the diffused light installations: giant reindeer and a sparkling polar bear decorate iconic points such as Castel San Pietro and the Verona Centro parking lot, offering a spectacle that enchants both adults and children. The focus on energy saving translates into a spectacular display, especially enjoyable in the evening.

Family events and services (Passport, workshops, races)

Passport of the markets and gifts

Those looking for an original way to discover all the stages of the Christmas markets can rely on the Passport of the markets: a real travel booklet to be collected from the’Info Point on Via della Costa. Here, each visitor receives a booklet to collect stamps at selected stations, with the possibility of receiving a small complimentary gift at the end. An ideal initiative to stimulate curiosity and social interaction, especially among the little ones.

The same Info Point It becomes a hub for assistance and practical information: to participate in workshops, receive updates on scheduled activities, and obtain all the necessary stamps.

Children's events: Panettone distribution, Christmas Run, rides

Designed for family fun, the events for children are numerous and well-distributed. The most anticipated? The distribution of panettone at various points around the city—a small ritual involving children at set times. The "Santa Claus Race" is a must-see: Christmas Run (5 or 10 km), a non-competitive race that passes through the snow-covered streets amid costumes, laughter and the throwing of cotton candy.

There is no shortage of rides, among which the most notable is the’tree of happiness: an attraction designed for inclusiveness, also open to children with disabilities. Workshops, entertainment, and small shows enrich an already packed calendar of family-friendly activities. For program details and registration in advance, please check the official municipal channels.

How to get there, park, and use the shuttles

Recommended parking and shuttle frequencies reported

Moving through the illuminated streets of Verona during the Christmas markets It can be a real pleasure if you plan the logistics intelligently. Many prefer to leave the car on the outskirts of the city center: among the top solutions, the Park Fiera and the Park Genovesa, connected directly by shuttle to avoid queues and wasting time.

The service of free shuttle bus It stands out for its efficiency and frequency: from the P3 Fiera car park, a shuttle runs every 7–10 minutes to Piazza Bra. Pro tip: If you can avoid arriving between 3–5 pm on weekends (peak rush), you'll avoid queues. We recommend our guests here at Casa di David leave their car at P3 at 1:00 pm and take the shuttle at 2:00 pm, when the flow of visitors eases before the evening rush.

For those who want to fully experience the markets, you can stay at Casa di David, independent apartment vicino al centro di Verona, si trova a 20 min di macchina da Piazza dei Signori e dai mercatini, permettendovi di rientrare comodamente fra una sessione di shopping e l’altra, parcheggiare nel parcheggio privato gratuito, di ricaricare le energie, e di ricevere consigli personalizzati su orari meno affollati e percorsi.

Weekend shuttle schedules and departure points

For those planning their visit on busiest days, the shuttle service is operational every Saturday from early afternoon: the first ride leaves at 14:00, while the last one from the main parking areas starts towards the 20:05. On Sundays and public holidays, however, the service is intensified: first trips from 9:00 until the last one 20:20.

The main collection and stopping points remain Pradaval And Genoese. To avoid waiting, it's advisable to consult the updated shuttle schedule on the city's official websites or rely on local reports. One detail not to be overlooked is the presence of active webcams over the city, useful for checking real-time weather conditions and traffic levels on the busiest days.

Nearby markets, extended itineraries, and where to stay

Bussolengo (Flover) and Lake Garda

For those who wish to extend their trip or discover other Christmas scenarios, the area around Verona offers highly charming solutions. A few kilometers away is the famous Flover Christmas Village, hosted at Bussolengo: a covered and heated initiative, a true mecca for interior decoration lovers and for those who want to shop without fearing the cold.

Moving towards the Lake Garda, you will encounter the enchantment of the lakeside markets of Bardolino And LaziseThese are perfect opportunities to plan day trips, including scenic walks and themed stalls, perhaps sipping hot chocolate overlooking the water. Don't forget to check the schedules of nearby markets and plan transportation in advance, given the high traffic on December weekends.

Quick tips for where to stay and bookings

In Verona's busy Christmas calendar, finding quality accommodation becomes a top priority.

The staff offers insider tips on less crowded times and optimal routes, and the comfortable rooms are perfect for relaxing between activities. For those arriving by car, Casa di David provides information on nearby parking facilities.

Tip: Book accommodation, tours, or activities well in advance, considering the high demand, especially during the central weekends of December.

For the calendar of events and exhibitions, it is essential to consult the official website until the last minute - to not miss out on unrepeatable opportunities and guarantee yourself a tailor-made party along every square and alley of Verona.

Pronti a immergervi nell’incanto? Che siate cacciatori di regali, famiglie in cerca di emozioni o viaggiatori gourmet, i mercatini di Natale di Verona promettono un itinerario denso di sorprese.

Per vivere questa magia con comfort e comodità assoluta, considerate di alloggiare a Casa di David vicino al centro storico – i posti disponibili nel periodo festivo si riempiono rapidamente. Prenotate per tempo su www.casadidavid.it, tenete d’occhio gli aggiornamenti degli organizzatori, e lasciate che l’atmosfera vi conquisti: la magia del 2025 vi aspetta, pronta a riscrivere ancora una volta la sceneggiatura del Natale italiano.