From handcrafts to vintage, Rome's Christmas markets help to create a festive atmosphere in the city each December.
The capital's best known Christmas market, the Befana at Piazza Navona, returns in December - not without controversy - after three years. Below is a selection of traditional and alternative festive markets around Rome to make your Christmas shopping easier and help you find original presents for all ages.
Mercato Monti
2-24 Dec. This trendy urban market in Monti is bigger and better than ever before, with a large selection of vintage-style clothing, accessories, collectibles, books and illustrations, combining affordability and quality with an exclusively Made in Italy brand. Free entry. 10.00-20.00. The December dates are 2-3 Dec, 7-10 Dec and 16-24 Dec, inclusive.Via Leonina 46 (Metro B Cavour), website.
Vintage Market
3 Dec. The Vintage Market hosts a selection of stalls selling hand-crafted and retro items, ideal for alternative Christmas gifts. Guests can also enjoy workshops, brunch and aperitivi, with workshops and activities for kids. 11.00-21.00. Via Biordo Michelotti 2. For details see Facebook page.
Car Boot Market
3, 10, 27 Dec. This car boot sale takes place in the grounds of the Città dell’Altra Economia complex in Testaccio on three dates during December. The market regularly attracts up to 80 car-fulls of second-hand items, including vintage clothes, jewellery and bric-à-brac. 10.00 until sunset, free entry. For details see website. Città dell'Altra Economia, Largo Dino Frisullo, Testaccio.
8-24 Dec. The 16th edition of the Arts and Craft Market takes place as usual in Piazza Cinecittà. Organised by cultural association Prenti l'Arte, the market includes handmade artworks by more than 40 artisans. Free entry. 09.00-20.00. For details see website.
9 Dec. The Joel Nafuma Refugee Center (JNRC) at the American Episcopal Church of Rome, St Paul’s Within the Walls, holds its annual Christmas Market on Saturday 9 Dec, from midday until 17.00. The one-day-only sale includes gifts and craftwork, with hot chocolate and mulled wine, and Santa and his elves promise to make an appearance. For info tel. 064883339 or see website. Via Napoli 58 (Via Nazionale).
10 Dec. This one-day-only event at Lanificio 159 allows visitors to browse through the work of more than 100 artisans, from 11.00 until midnight. On offer are vintage and retro clothes and accessories, books and records. There are also activities for children, workshops, live music and street food. Via di Pietralata 159A. For details see Facebook event page.
16-17 Dec. 80 stands offering decorative handcrafted objects and fashion items from Japan, with a sushi bar, games for children and a variety of cultural events. Sat 11.00-20.00. Sun 11.00-21.00. €2 entry, free for kids. Ex-Dogana, Via dello Scalo S. Lorenzo 10. For details see Facebook event page.
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