December in Italy is filled with festive charm, but the month goes far beyond Christmas markets and seasonal lights. Italy’s cultural calendar for December 2025 includes major art exhibitions, international fairs and renowned music festivals. Here are six standout events not to miss.
- Artigiano in Fiera, Milan (6–14 December 2025)
- Bolzano Christmas Market (27 November 2025 – 6 January 2026)
- Umbria Jazz Winter, Orvieto (30 December 2025 – 3 January 2026)
- Kandinsky and Italy at MA*GA, Gallarate (30 November 2025 – 12 April 2026)
- Più libri, più liberi, Rome (4–8 December 2025)
- XMAS Comics & Games, Turin (13–14 December 2025)
Artigiano in Fiera, Milan (6–14 December 2025)
Artigiano in Fiera returns to the pavilions of Fieramilano Rho with one of the world’s largest craft showcases. Visitors can explore themed areas dedicated to different regions of the world, discover artisan boutiques and enjoy culinary traditions from across the globe. Entry is free, although an online pass is required. The fair is easy to reach via the M1 red line towards Rho Fiera or by regional trains that stop directly at Rho Fiera.
Bolzano Christmas Market (27 November 2025 – 6 January 2026)
The Christkindlmarkt in Bolzano is one of Italy’s most atmospheric Christmas markets. Walther Square transforms into a festive village of wooden chalets, Tyrolean crafts, mulled wine and Christmas scents. The market is open every day from 10:00 to 19:00, with extended hours for food stalls on selected dates. Travellers arriving by train can reach the square with a short ten-minute walk from Bolzano station.
Umbria Jazz Winter, Orvieto (30 December 2025 – 3 January 2026)
Between Christmas and New Year, Orvieto becomes the setting for Umbria Jazz Winter, a festival that brings concerts, gospel performances, jam sessions and gourmet experiences to its historic theatres and piazzas. Venues include the Teatro del Carmine, Palazzo dei Sette, Teatro Mancinelli and the city’s medieval centre. Orvieto is well connected by train on the Florence–Rome line, and drivers can exit the A1 at Orvieto and take the escalators up to the centre.
Kandinsky and Italy at MA*GA, Gallarate (30 November 2025 – 12 April 2026)
The MA*GA Museum hosts a major exhibition exploring Wassily Kandinsky’s artistic relationship with Italy. The event brings together works, documents and immersive installations, making it an ideal cultural stop for those near Milan. The exhibition runs from late November to mid-April, with guided tours available at weekends. Gallarate is accessible by train, with local buses connecting the station to the museum.
Più libri, più liberi, Rome (4–8 December 2025)
Rome’s celebrated fair dedicated to small and medium-sized publishers returns to the striking “La Nuvola” Convention Centre in the EUR district. Over five days, visitors can expect book launches, author events, signings, workshops for schools and a full programme designed for publishing professionals. The venue is easily reached by taking Metro B to EUR Palasport or EUR Fermi and continuing on foot. Tickets can also be purchased online.
XMAS Comics & Games, Turin (13–14 December 2025)
XMAS Comics & Games brings a lively mix of comics, cosplay, board games and videogames to Lingotto Fiere, making it an ideal weekend event before Christmas. Alongside exhibitors and themed areas, the programme includes popular concerts by Giorgio Vanni and Cristina d’Avena. The event is accessible via Metro M1, stopping at Lingotto or Italia 61, or by regional trains that serve Torino Lingotto station.
December in Italy offers a perfect blend of festive cheer and cultural experiences. From the twinkling lights of Bolzano’s Christmas market to world-class art exhibitions in Gallarate and the soulful rhythms of Umbria Jazz Winter in Orvieto, there is something for every traveller. Whether you are seeking unique gifts, immersive concerts, or simply the joy of Italian Christmas traditions, December 2025 promises memories that will last long after the holiday season ends. Planning your trip around these events is the ideal way to experience Italy at its most magical time of year.