Italy prepares for 2026 Christmas markets and holiday travel

Various regions in Italy are preparing for the 2026 holiday season with diverse Christmas market offerings and specialized travel experiences.

In the province of Piacenza, markets will feature artisanal goods, food, and local traditions. Locations include Piacenza city, with markets at Auditorium Sant'Ilario and Piazza Cavalli, as well as various villages such as Grazzano Visconti, Castell'Arquato, and Bobbio. These events range from gastronomic festivals to craft markets held in historic castles and town squares.

In the Abruzzo region, the Ferrovia dei Parchi is offering a special Christmas Market Train experience. Traveling along the historic line known as the Transiberian of Italy, the service connects Sulmona to Roccaraso and Campo di Giove. Passengers can ride in vintage carriages from the 1930s and 1950s to visit mountain villages decorated for the holidays. The 2026 schedule runs from November 21, 2026, through January 6, 2027.