Christmas means exchanging gifts and children know it well, and to find the right gift in Genoa you can go to a store on our main shopping ‘arteria,’ XX Settembre street, or perhaps go to one of the many markets that are set up every year for the occasion, starting at the end of November. You could really find the right gift among these stalls, full of original objects.
I enjoy the atmosphere the most, with the many attractions, it is guaranteed fun.
There is the Christmas Magic Village by the port area, characterized by numerous small houses and by the house of Santa Claus, where the little ones can have great fun. You can buy unique handmade pieces of local Genoese ceramic here and taste local products such as Cinque Terre wines from the Fall harvest, torrone nougat and Genoese pandolce cake.
Medieval Christmas market in Genoa
The largest Christmas village in Liguria is set up in the Calvisio valley, just behind the city, and it remains open until January. You will not even think you are in Liguria, because you find wooden stalls made in the shape of a chalet, just like those of the northern European markets. Typical products of the Ligurian territory are exhibited here such as basil pesto or walnut pesto and there are many Christmas gift ideas.
The oldest market is certainly the market of San Nicola in Genoa downtown.
The appointment is always in Piazza Sarzano, not far from the home of Christopher Columbus and it runs all December.
The Christmas Market of San Nicola is certainly the most famous and brings the city back in time as it seems to be catapulted into the Renaissance. With all its stalls in historical style, the market is inaugurated by a historical parade which ends in the medieval village set up for the occasion. All is animated by music, shows, workshops and one corner is also dedicated to farm animals.
Christmas stalls
Not only one can buy artisan products here, but one can also meet the artisans who made these products and occasionally watch them work.
Since this market is so ancient, at times the artisans like to dress up like their ancestors used to and one can see them in action making goods. They are puppeteers, jewelers, carpenters, embroiderers, sculptors, nativity carvers, soap makers, ceramists, engravers, toy makers, hatters, glass blowers…but also food is key here so one can meet and talk about local products with pastry chefs, chocolate makers, millers, beekeepers and wine makers from the surrounding territories. The key words are Liguria, sea, local and authentic.
This market deserves to be visited because it is a true tradition for Genoese families to come here before Christmas whether it is to shop or just to browse.
It was founded on the initiative of the parish of St. Nicholas to support a social project to help local families in need and since then it has never stopped expanding, becoming bigger, better and a true tradition for the Genoese.
The nearby Castle of Dragonara, in the beautiful village of Camogli, is transformed into the home of Santa Claus, waiting for little ones and offering sweets stalls, an house of elves and even a carpentry section.
St. Nicholas (San Nicola) market in Genoa city center – parade
Located in a wonderful setting, the castle, with its ancient interiors is a unique attraction because furniture and ornaments are handcrafted by local designers and everything in the castle during this time of the year is for sale for those who can afford an exclusive and unique Christmas gift.
