Besides the numerous outdoor markets which create an enchanting Christmas atmosphere around the city's famous squares and streets, there are also several indoor bazaars, held at international schools and churches. Here shoppers can purchase handmade and second-hand items as unique Christmas presents, as well as discover international Christmas traditions. Most markets offer fun activities for children and typical live entertainment, such as music by classical pipers. 

PIAZZA NAVONA

1 Dec-6 Jan

Piazza Navona hosts this famous open air fair, which ends with a traditional parade for La Befana (the witch who bring sweets for all children) on 6 January. Numerous stands sell handmade Christmas presents and toys, sweets and biological products as well as decorations for the Christmas tree and crib. If you search you can still find nativity figures made out of terracotta instead of plastic. Children can ride on the merry-go-round in the centre of the square. 09.00-23.00.

ICE PARK AT TOR DI QUINTO

1 Dec-6 Jan

Viale Tor di Quinto is the location for the Christmas village, with a large ice-skating rink for children and adults, as well as children's fun park Bimbilandia, laser gamess, cafes and other entertainment. Mon-Sun 10.00-24.00. Viale Tor di Quinto 57, tel. 0698260443, www.icepark.it.

AUDITORIUM PARCO DELLA MUSICA

4 Dec-6 Jan

Ciu Ciu Bosco and Flavia Donà dalle Rose organise this annual Christmas bazaar, better known as Caravanserraglio, around the outdoor spaces of the Auditorium.

A 300-sqm tent hosts over 50 exhibitors, who display their original Christmas presents and bijoux, characterised by high quality and innovative style, and created by Italian craftsmen, artists and designers. 10.30-21.00. Spazio Serra, Viale Pietro de Coubertin, tel. 3392314592, 337728681, www.caravanserraglio.info.

RESTAURANT CASA NOVECENTO

15, 22 Dec, 5 Jan

Rome on Demand hosts the second edition of this outdoor Christmas market at Casa Novecento. On sale are hand-baked cakes, scented candles as well as handmade bags and shoes, jewellery and clothes. Via Guglielmo Marconi 32, tel. 3397544585, for further information contact info@romeondemand.it.

AMERICAN OVERSEAS SCHOOL OF ROME

15 Dec

The American Overseas School of Rome holds its annual Winter Bazaar with numerous stands offering pottery, mosaic tables, iron craftwork, traditional food, wine, jewellery, toys, candles and artwork. 11.00-16.00. Via Cassia 811, tel. 0633438300, www.aosr.org.

MOS MAIORUM

15 Dec

The cultural association Mos Maiorum hosts this annual indoor Christmas market, held in the beautiful surroundings of the Hotel Courtyard by Marriott. Over 60 exhibitors offer a great selection of handmade Italian produce at bargain prices. The stands range from haute couture and clothes to accessories and vintage jewellery. There is entertainment for children from 15.30 to 18.30. 09.30-19.30. Via Moscati 7, tel. 3393609602, 3343315211, www.associazionemosmaiorum.it.

MERCATO MONTI

14,21,22,28,29 Dec
This well known urban market in the heart of the central Monti district is holding a number of Christmas editions during December. Since 2009 it has provided new ideas for affordable high quality presents, exclusively made in Italy, as well as promoting young design talents and offering an alternative shopping experience. Its stands focus on fashion, design, vintage and many other creations by Italian makers and craftsmen. On 15 Dec the market is also holding a special event at the Radisson Blu Es Hotel on Via Filippo Turati 171, from 12.00 to 22.00. Sat-Sun 10.00-20.00. Conference Hall Hotel Palatino, Via Leonina 46 (Metro B, Cavour stop), www.mercatomonti.com.