From handcrafts to vintage, Rome's Christmas markets help create a festive atmosphere each December. The future of the capital's best known market, the Befana at Piazza Navona, remains in limbo after a recent corruption investigation led to the stall licenses being cancelled. However there are plenty of other markets to explore, both indoors and out.

Arts and Craft Market

11-24 Dec. The 14th edition of the Arts and Craft Market takes place in Piazza Cinecittà and includes handmade artworks by 30 artisans. Highlights include the recycling workshop on 17 Dec, print workshop on 20 December, and the Christmas raffle on 23 December. Free entry. 09.00-20.00. For more details see Facebook page.

Car Boot Market

13, 20, 27 Dec. This car boot sale takes place in the grounds of the Città dell’Altra Economia complex in Testaccio every Sunday in December and 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.

Mercatino Giapponese – Blackout

13, 20 Dec. Decorative handcrafted objects and fashion items from Japan, with a sushi bar. 10.00-20.00. Via Casilina 173. For details see Facebook event page.

JNRC Holiday Market

12 Dec. The Joel Nafuma Refugee Center (JNRC) at the American Episcopal Church of Rome, St Paul’s Within the Walls, holds its annual Holiday Market on Saturday 12 Dec, from 10.00-17.00. 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. Via Napoli 58 (Via Nazionale), website. 

Mercato Monti

12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22 Dec. This trendy urban market in Monti is bigger and better than ever before, taking place in three rooms over two floors with more than 50 exhibitors. On offer is a 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. Via Leonina 46 (Metro B Cavour), website.

Merry handmade Roma

12-13 Dec. This unusual fair shows visitors how to make their own personalised Christmas presents from scratch. On 12 Dec the makerspace provides workshops teaching creative tips such as paper decorations, toys and handmade home decor gift items. On 13 Dec the craftspeople and "makers" sale their produce, offering a retro alternative to today's high-tech world. Famo Cose, Via Caltanissetta 26, see Facebook page.

Mos Maiorum

13 Dec. The cultural association Mos Maiorum hosts this annual indoor Christmas market, offering a selection of handmade Italian produce at bargain prices. The stands range from haute couture and clothes to accessories and vintage jewellery, and there is also entertainment for children. 09.30-19.30. Hotel Courtyard by Marriott, Via Moscati 7, tel. 3393609602, 3343315211, website.

Natale a Ponte Milvio

8 Dec-6 Jan. The Christmas Village at the Ponte Milvio market offers a range of gift items as well as numerous workshops and children's events including the English-language Story Time: Santa's Elves at midday on 13 Dec, letter-sending to Santa Claus on 20 Dec, and a free performance by a gospel choir at 18.00 on 26 Dec. Daily 09.30-18.00. Sun 10.00-13.00. See website.

Natalino Lanificio Christmas Market

13 Dec. This one-day-only event at Lanificio 159 allows visitors to browse through more than 60 stalls over 12 hours. On offer are vintage and retro clothes and accessories, books and records. There are also activities for children, workshops, live music and street food. 11.00-23.00. Via di Pietralata 159A, website.

Necci Christmas market

13, 20 Dec. The popular Bar Necci in the Pigneto district hosts a Christmas market, as part of the Pigneto Christmas Street festival, which includes the sale of gift items as well as live music, workshops and vintage swap parties. For details see website.

Piazza Mazzini

2-27 Dec. The Christmas version of the twice-monthly market of collectibles takes place at the usual Piazza Mazzini venue in the heart of Prati. The market offers Christmas decorations and unique gifts and is open daily from 09.00-19.30.

Quirinetta Vintage Market

13, 20 Dec. The Quirinetta 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 apertivi. 11.00-21.00. Via Marco Minghetti 5, see Facebook page.