A Christmas in Italy: Madonna Di Campiglio, Bolzano and Verona

An Italian vacation is exotic enough; if the timing is during Christmas, it adds a whole other flavor to the entire deal. And I was not disappointed with my choice of bringing my family here. We flew into Verona and spent a couple of days in the famous mountainous regions of Trentino, the medieval European city of Bolzano and finished up relaxing by beautiful Verona.

Since Northern Italy had just received a heavy first snowfall, we figured that hitting the ski slopes would be the best thing to kick-start the vacation. Madonna Di Campiglio happened to be an elegant town used as a base for ski vacations by a great number of visitors. With over 9 miles of cross-country ski trails, skiing in the powdery snow among the ‘Dolomites’ was a unique experience.  The nearby Adamello-Brenta natural park has lovely hikes in the valleys area in the midst of alpine vegetation and great lakes – an excellent option for those who are not into skiing. If outdoor activities are becoming too much, stop for a grappa and relax at one of the many taverns and bars in this mountain town.

Bolzano Christmas Market

Christmas Market in Bolzano

Bolzano, about two hours drive away, is the castle basin of Europe with over four hundred in the nearby surroundings! Once we got to know about the Christmas Market in Bolzano (the biggest Christmas market in Italy), we could hardly wait to go there and experience Christmas like we had never done before. When we arrived in the heart of the city, we found a beautiful Piazza Walther that was gorgeously lit and full of goodies and attractions for both adults and children alike like carriage tours, puppet theatres, music, Christmas tree decorations, handmade crafts, tasty local foods, and much more!

After a physically exhaustive week, the final few days in Italy were spent relaxing in the Romanesque town of Verona. The enchanting tourist trails of Romeo and Juliet in the city are a must for the Shakespearan fans. But, we opted to enjoy Verona in perfect traditional Christmas style… so we immersed ourselves in the full spirit of Christmas in Verona by enjoying the many small markets.

Santa Lucia Christmas market, Piazza Bra, Verona

Christmas market, Piazza Bra, Verona

The most famous and largest is the Santa Lucia Christmas market held in Piazza Bra, you can’t miss the huge illuminated shooting star that seems to be flying out of the Arena and landing in the Piazza. Impressive too is the Nativity Exhibition held in the famous Roman Arena. The exhibition hosts incredible nativity scenes from all over the world.

After an eventful vacation, we bid goodbye to beautiful Northern Italy with the hopes of returning once again in the future.

Written by

John Romano is an entrepreneur, marketing strategist, Internet consultant, blogger and an expert in the technical, conceptual, and content development of online startups. He is the founder of several ecommerce sites and has helped multiple companies launch successful online businesses.

7 comments

  1. Jennifer D.

    A Christmas in Italy: Madonna Di Campiglio, Bolzano and Verona

    I wish I could be there too! :(

  2. A Christmas in Italy: Madonna Di Campiglio, Bolzano and Verona

    Looks like alot of family fun!

  3. MarieT

    A Christmas in Italy: Madonna Di Campiglio, Bolzano and Verona

    That Christmas market picture is so gorgeous! It must’ve really felt magical to be walking among the lights and sights of that city. I’m jealous! To be able to experience a holiday in another country is a truly unique thing that breaks from tradition when most people are thinking of home.

  4. Kim

    A Christmas in Italy: Madonna Di Campiglio, Bolzano and Verona

    I should be going to Europe more often… maybe I better start looking for an Italian boyfriend…! ;)

  5. Doug

    A Christmas in Italy: Madonna Di Campiglio, Bolzano and Verona

    Bolzano looks absolutely beautiful. I would love to visit the Christmas market and do a it of shopping myself :-). I’m glad that you got the opportunity to bring your family over to Italy and let them explore the deep rich history and culture of the country.

  6. MelanieLM

    A Christmas in Italy: Madonna Di Campiglio, Bolzano and Verona

    I’m not sure I could leave hearth and home at Christmas time – too steeped in tradition and family – but this trip to Northern Italy looks like a great alternative for you. The pictures of the holiday markets and displays are marvelous. Sounds like a great time, as long as you speak Italian.

  7. Yuly love

    A Christmas in Italy: Madonna Di Campiglio, Bolzano and Verona

    Hi John Romano ! I can feel your intelligence, passion and dedication for your work. I love your website. But above all, read its pages taught me, as a person enlarges and fills me with a lot of spirituality. Thank you for a great Website !!!
    God always bless you and your family. ..

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