Christmas in the Mountains 2025: The 12 best vacation destinations in Italy

The Christmas Village of Livigno, consisting of typical Christmas markets, è present in Ostaria Street from Nov. 24 to Dec. 24. In addition, on Dec. 22, 23 and 24, Santa Claus will pass through the city 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 features a saltwater pool, saunas and relaxation areas.

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

The main event è the traditional Santa Claus of Courmayeur 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 midway station of the SkyWay Mont Blanc.

If, during the vacations, you would like to try some experiences, we recommend the snowshoeing on Mont Blanc or the 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 is transformed into the Christmas Country with food booths where you can taste local products. In addition, there will be the nativity scene exhibition at the "Luis Trenker" cultural center with free admission.

During the vacation season, you can also try the sledding slope for fun with friends or family.

In Selva di Val Gardena, from December 27 to 30, will be in place the 28th edition of the snow sculpture contest, an event to be a spectator suitable for even the mostù little ones.

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, several events characterize the period, such as the Christmas raffle, for which è reservations are necessary.

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

Finally, we recommend that you book a dinner in a mountain hut with snowmobile transport to be enjoyed among friends, couples or family.

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 the traditional Christmas markets with food stalls from December 15 to January 6. 

In addition, on the afternoon of Dec. 16 è organized a laboratory for children in which è you 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

The Lake Braies, in the winter time, takes on a unique charm. È a perfect place for mountain lovers since it is possible to hike or snowshoe and enjoy the breathtaking view.

There are also several lodges, hotels and apartments where you can stay and spend a couple of days of tranquility. We recommend, for example, the Gstattlhof Apartments which are located just a 4-minute drive from the lake.

An'other option è the Hotel Trenker which currently has offers for the Christmas season and where è 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