December in Verona: Christmas markets, lights and wine

The most magical time of the year is coming and Verona is getting ready for Christmas with hundreds of events, celebrations and exhibitions. If you are planning a weekend trip in the following weeks, remember that Verona has everything you could ask for: history, culture, Christmas markets and excellent wines. Didn’t you know that? Don’t you worry! You still have around a month to enjoy Verona in its most fascinating guise.

Christmas Markets in Verona

Christmas markets in Verona are much more than a simple tradition. In December, all the main squares and the streets of the city centre are packed with millions of people from Verona and from all over the world. The reason why so many people are attracted by Verona in this time of the year is mainly the famous Christmas market. More than 100 exhibitors choose our city as the perfect place to show their products: from culinary specialties to artisanal products made of wood, ceramic or glass. Verona becomes therefore the right spot to find an original handcrafted gift. Moreover, thanks to the collaboration with the Christkindlmarkt of Nuremberg you can breathe the German atmosphere in Piazza dei Signori with the typical wooden houses, German food and music.

The International Nativity Scene Exhibition

Nevertheless, Christmas markets are not the only tradition in Verona. The Verona Christmas Run, aka The running of the Santas, and the magnificent Christmas star in Piazza Bra are just two examples of traditional attractions, which fascinate thousands of people. And most importantly, 2019 is going to host the 36^th edition of the intercultural exhibition The International Nativity Scene, which has been going on since 1983. This winter it takes place inside the majestic Palazzo della Gran Guardia right in Piazza Bra. Artists from Europe, Africa, South America, Japan and China exhibit more than 400 artworks, which have a single and central theme: the Nativity. It is definitely a must see if you are in Verona around Christmas.

Warm you up with a glass of wine

In spite of the warm atmosphere that Christmas markets can have, Verona can be pretty cold in December. The right solution? A glass of the amazing wine produced just a few miles from Verona city centre. Even though many people think winter is not the right season for a wine tour, there are lots of positive sides about visiting a winery in December such as:

• Enjoying Valpolicella in a fairy-tale atmosphere;
• Understanding better how important the winter work in the vineyards is to have good grapes for the following vintage;
• Having an exclusive treatment since wineries are not overcrowded with people;
• Understanding better what appasimento means having a look at the grapes which are still drying;
• Sipping a glass of Amarone in front of a fireplace while talking to the winemaker.

Join us for a Two amarone wineries or a Valpolicella and Amarone with lunch, and we will make you discover how perfect the combination of red wines, winter and Verona is.