Mercatini di Natale a Bergamo - Christmas Markets in Bergamo

Christmas Markets in Bergamo: the magic of lights, flavors and tradition

The City Outside Bergamo Culture

19 November 2025

During Advent, Bergamo transforms into a place of wonder: the streets light up, the air smells of spices, and the squares turn into small enchanted villages. The Christmas markets are the beating heart of this atmosphere, an invitation to experience the city slowly and rediscover the warmth of its traditions.

Where are the Christmas markets in Bergamo?

The main city market is located in Piazzale degli Alpini, just a few steps from the railway station and easily reachable on foot from the city centre. It is a true Christmas village: warm lights, live music, and dozens of wooden chalets offering Bergamo specialities and handcrafted items from all over Italy.

Near Piazza Matteotti, the Christmas Forest is set up, and in front of Palazzo Frizzoni you’ll find the Ferris wheel, while Piazza Vittorio Veneto hosts Santa’s House and its Magic Forest.

Heading up towards Città Alta, the charm of Christmas becomes even more magical. In Piazza Vecchia and along the medieval streets of the borough, small shops and stalls display artistic nativity scenes, wool scarves, scented candles, and typical products from the Orobic valleys. All framed by historic buildings and a panorama that looks painted at sunset.

Chorus Life is the favourite destination for those who want to ice skate, offering a 300-square-metre rink.

When do the Christmas markets start in Bergamo?

As early as November, Bergamo lights up with festive illuminations and scents that transform the city into a small Christmas gem at the foot of the Orobic Prealps.

The first wooden chalets of the Christmas Village in Bergamo appear on 15 November in Piazzale degli Alpini, the beating heart of Bergamo’s Christmas Markets, and will be open until 28 December 2025.

The standard opening hours are from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM, while on Saturdays closing time is extended to 10:00 PM. Here artisans, local producers, and culinary artists welcome visitors with steaming mulled wine, handmade decorations, and traditional sweets.

The Ferris wheel in Piazza Matteotti will be operating from 16 November to 12 January 2026, while the ice-skating rink at Chorus Life opens from 14 November until 18 January 2026.

During the December weekends, additional events multiply, including concerts, gospel choirs, art exhibitions and tastings, making Bergamo an ideal destination to enjoy the festive season.

Christmas Lights in Bergamo’s Historic Centre

Christmas Design: a journey of light and creativity

An element that enriches Bergamo’s Christmas atmosphere in an extraordinary way is Christmas Design, an open-air exhibition that animates the city with authentic designer light installations. From 22 November to 6 January, 14 artworks created by designers, artists, and companies illuminate the most iconic squares and streets of Upper and Lower Bergamo, transforming the old town into a magical stage.

Some of the most impressive installations from last year included “Flowing Colors” in Piazza Cavour in Lower Bergamo, with colour-changing light effects, and the “Light Box” in Piazza della Cittadella, a luminous parallelepiped suspended between reality and dream.

For those wishing to enjoy a truly unique experience during the Christmas season, Bergamo By Tuk Tuk offers a beautiful Tour among the Christmas markets and the Christmas Design installations. Imagine exploring the city aboard an electric Tuk Tuk, under a sky of lights, discovering the stories behind each artwork, the designers who created them, and the meaning of their luminous transformations.

Bosco di Natale Christmas Design – image taken from www.christmasdesign.it

Christmas markets in the province of Bergamo

Beyond the city centre, Christmas markets also spread through the villages and small towns of the Bergamo area, offering experiences that vary but remain authentic.

In Clusone, for example, the Christmas market takes place in the beautiful setting of the historic centre, among frescoed arcades and the famous “danza macabra”. In Castione della Presolana, the wooden chalets at the foot of the mountains create a fairy-tale atmosphere, with horses, bagpipe players, and hot chocolate served in steaming cups.

On Lake Iseo, in Sarnico, the Christmas markets are set up along the waterfront, with traditional wooden chalets from 30 November 2025 to 6 January 2026.

In other villages such as Cornalba, Brumano, Almé, Cavernago and Berbenno, the Christmas markets will be particularly lively during the Immaculate Conception weekend, from 6 to 8 December, with festive moments, stalls, local crafts, gift ideas, music and entertainment for all ages.