Christmas in the Mountains 2024: The 12 best vacation destinations in Italy

Livigno's Christmas Village, consisting of typical Christmas markets, is present in Ostaria Street from Nov. 24 to Dec. 24. In addition, on Dec. 22, 23 and 24, Santa Claus will pass through the town center in his carriage to deliver candy to children.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for relaxation during the vacations, you can try a spa in Livigno that has a saltwater pool, saunas and relaxation areas.

Finally, in the snowy forests near Livigno you can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, which is also perfect for children

The main event is Courmayeur's traditional Santa Claus called Rhémy de Noël. As per legend, children will light a lantern on December 24 to light his way and make sure he can deliver all the presents.

On Dec. 26, there will also be a performance by the Gospel Choir singing Christmas songs at the Pavillon middle station of the SkyWay Mont Blanc.

If, during the vacations, you would like to try some experiences, we recommend snowshoeing on Mont Blanc or dinner at a chalet with snowmobile transportation

The Santa Claus Village is set up in the city center from December 16 to 18, where every afternoon children can deliver their letters directly to Santa Claus himself.

An activity not to be missed if you are passing through the area is Husky snowshoeing also suitable for children of all ages.

If, on the other hand, you want to stay in Madonna di Campiglio for a few days and are looking for a special offer,Hotel Chalet del Brenta may be right for you, also offering a discount on ski equipment rental and ski pass purchase

Merano is perhaps the most famous destination for Christmas markets. In fact, from November 24 to January 6, the city center is transformed and becomes a real Christmas village. In addition, guided tours of the city center and the most important monuments are organized for which reservations must be made.

If you are looking for a place to sleep or eat, the markets' website has a dedicated section to help you in your search.

Finally, during the vacation season you can take advantage ofHotel Therme Merano 's offers to stay in the city center, relax at the spa, and dine in the excellent restaurant

From Dec. 1 to Jan. 7, the center of Ortisei will be transformed into Christmasland with food booths where local products can be tasted. In addition, there will be an exhibition of nativity scenes at the "Luis Trenker" cultural center with free admission.

During the vacation days you can also try the toboggan run for fun with friends or family.

In Selva di Val Gardena, from December 27 to 30, the 27th Snow Sculpture Contest will be on, an event to be a spectator that is also suitable for children

Cortina, from Dec. 5 to Jan. 7, comes alive with light installations, Christmas markets and Santa Claus ready to welcome the little ones.

On December 26 in Piazza A. Dibona at 6 p.m. there will also be a concert by the Solenote Gospel Choir.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for activities to do in the Cortina area, we recommend a snowshoeing trip to Passo Giau suitable even for beginners.

Also at Passo Giau, at the da Aurelio restaurant, you can enjoy a fine lunch in a location with a typical mountain style

During the Christmas vacations, the center of Bormio comes alive. Christmas markets are present from December 1 to January 8, and there is also adisplay of handcrafted nativity scenes.

In addition, several events characterize the period, such as the Christmas tombola on Dec. 17, for which reservations must be made.

If you are also looking for an activity to do with children, we recommend the alpaca walk in Valdidentro between Bormio and Livigno.

Finally, we recommend booking a dinner at a mountain hut with snowmobile transport to enjoy with friends, couples or families

In the winter period there are several events at the foot of the Matterhorn.

Those who want to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere can listen to a concert by the Dames de la Ville D'Aoste women's choir on Dec. 27 at 9 p.m. in Cervinia's Parish Church.

With the start of the new year you can also find the holiday market in Valtournenche

In the center of San Candido you can find traditional Christmas markets with gourmet stalls from December 15 to January 6.

In addition, a workshop is organized for children on the afternoon of December 16 where they can build lanterns and decorations for the Christmas tree

In this mountainous area above Verona, the Christmas season brings several Christmas markets.

In Bosco Chiesanuova the markets are present on weekends from December 2 to 17, while in Cerro Veronese there is a single Christmas market on December 17 from 9 a.m.

But the event not to be missed is definitely theLiving Christmas Tree on Mount Busimo on Dec. 23 from 8 pm. You can participate in person by signing up or watch this show with the little ones.

In Cerro Veronese, on Dec. 26 at 8:30 p.m., it will also be possible to listen to the Christmas Gospel Concert for which reservations must be made

Lake Braies, in the winter time, takes on a unique charm. It is a perfect place for mountain lovers as it is possible to go hiking or snowshoeing and enjoy the breathtaking view.

There are also several mountain huts, hotels and apartments where you can stay and spend a couple of days of tranquility. For example, we recommend the Gstattlhof Apartments, which are only a 4-minute drive from the lake.

Another option is theHotel Trenker, which currently has offers for the Christmas season and in which there is a spa

To spend the Christmas vacations in Roccaraso, you can book a hotel room or rent a room and enjoy the ski slopes in total comfort.

We recommend the Principessa Giovanna Refuge from the typical mountain style located directly on the ski slopes of Aremogna.This refuge, in addition to having space to stay overnight, also offers an excellent restaurant where hot taste typical dishes.

Another recommendation is the family-runHotel Lusi, which currently has a special offer for Christmas to stay 4 nights including Christmas Eve dinner