Christmas markets in Liguria are not huge like those in Trentino or Alsace: there are many of them, they are small, and they are usually tied to a neighbourhood or a village. That is the charm: wooden huts in a Genoa square, a Santa Claus festival in the hills, an illuminated nativity scene above the sea. This guide explains how the calendar works, where to look and how to plan your trip.
The 2026 programme comes out between late October and November, so here you will find the pattern and the tried-and-tested places, with last year’s dates as a reference and a clear note of what is still to be confirmed. We update the page as the towns publish their calendars.
- Typical season: late November to 6 January, with most events in December
- Genoa: the city plans festivities from 8 December to 6 January in 2026, with lights in all districts; the programme may change
- Hinterland: one-day or weekend markets, mostly in December
- Where to stay: book early for the Immaculate Conception weekend (8 December) and the holidays
- 2026 dates: check town halls and Pro Loco pages shortly before each event
How Ligurian Christmas markets work
Liguria has no single big market: events are spread out. Cities put wooden huts in the main squares, hinterland villages hold one- or two-day festivals with stalls, Santa Claus, music and hot food, while the coast leans on lights, nativity scenes and concerts. The peak is the December weekends, with 8 December as the big opening date. Most markets are free and last a few days or a few hours, so choose a base first and decide what to see afterwards.
Genoa: squares, lights and the Old Port
Genoa is the main stop. For 2026 the city plans festivities from 8 December to 6 January 2027 with lights in all nine districts, and tradition has the Christmas tree and lights switched on in Piazza De Ferrari on 8 December. The final programme has not been published yet.
As a reference, in 2025 the city-centre markets were the Christmas Fair in Piazza della Vittoria (29 November to 24 December), the San Nicola market in Piazza Piccapietra (29 November to 23 December) and the Campetto market (6 to 24 December); in Sestri Ponente there was a Christmas village (6 December to 6 January). Dates may differ this year, but the pattern (start in late November, end around Christmas) repeats. At the Old Port, around the Aquarium, last year there were lights and evening shows. For the festive sweet, read what to eat in Genoa: pandolce is the star.
Find a place to stay for the Christmas markets
Genoa hinterland: markets and village festivals
In 2025 several villages inland from Genoa held Christmas markets between late November and late December: Santo Stefano d’Aveto (6 to 21 December, with a mini-nativity contest), Busalla (6 to 24 December), Torriglia with its ElfoDay (14 December), Rossiglione (13 and 14 December) and others. They are family events with craft stalls, hot chocolate and a Santa Claus house. For 2026 dates, contact the local Pro Loco.
On the coast: Camogli, Arenzano and nativity scenes
On the seafront the events are smaller. In 2025 Camogli held a market with typical German products (29 November) and Arenzano had markets on the promenade (12 to 14 December). Another Christmas attraction is the illuminated nativity scene of Manarola: read the Manarola nativity scene for dates and how to get there.
Planning your trip
- Pick a December weekend and a base: Genoa for the city markets, the coast for a quieter Christmas.
- Take the train on busy days: central squares are pedestrian or crowded and parking is hard.
- The hinterland needs a car; roads can be cold or icy, especially in the evening.
- Check dates and times on town hall and Pro Loco sites a few days before, and see our page on events in Liguria.
- Carry some cash: the smallest stalls may not take cards.
Where to stay for the markets
Genoa is the most convenient base: read where to stay in Genoa to choose an area (old town, Principe or Brignole). If you prefer a seaside Christmas, Camogli and Arenzano are quieter. The Immaculate Conception weekend and the holidays fill up early, so book in advance and prefer free-cancellation rates until the programmes are confirmed. More ideas in where to sleep in Liguria.
Frequently asked questions
When do Christmas markets start in Liguria?
Usually in late November, and they cluster in December. In Genoa, according to the city, the festivities run from 8 December to 6 January, with some markets starting earlier.
Where are the Christmas markets in Genoa?
In the central squares (Vittoria, Piccapietra, De Ferrari and others), with events at the Old Port and in the neighbourhoods. Exact 2026 locations will be known close to the date.
Do you pay to enter Ligurian markets?
Entry is free: you only pay for what you buy or eat.
Are there Christmas markets on the coast?
A few small ones: Camogli and Arenzano hosted markets last year, but the coast relies more on lights and nativity scenes.
Do I need a car to visit the markets?
Not for Genoa, where the train is better. For hinterland villages yes: buses are few, especially on holidays.
When will the 2026 dates be confirmed?
Towns publish their calendars between late October and November. We update this page as they come out.