Mercatini di Natale di Gubbio

The Mercatini di Natale di Gubbio offers one of Italy's most dramatically staged Christmas market experiences, set against the backdrop of the world's largest Christmas tree — a breathtaking illuminated outline stretching over 750 meters up the slopes of Monte Ingino. Part of the broader 'Gubbio è Natale' festival, the outdoor market stalls cluster in Piazza Quaranta Martiri, filling the medieval square with the warm glow of wooden chalets in classic Tyrolean style from late November through Epiphany on January 6. Browsing the market, visitors discover a rich mix of locally produced foods, artisan crafts, and sweet treats including regional chocolates and traditional Umbrian specialties. The festive circuit extends well beyond the stalls: ChristmasLand, housed inside the historic Palazzo Beni on Via Cavour, offers over 700 square meters of immersive Christmas-themed experiences including virtual reality sleigh rides and nativity displays from around the world. Families can ride the Gubbio Express Christmas train through the medieval streets, spin on the Grande Ruota del Polo Nord panoramic wheel, lace up skates on the ice rink, or take the Colle Eletto funicular up to the Basilica di Sant'Ubaldo for sweeping views of the illuminated hillside tree. Artistic light installations transform Piazza San Giovanni each evening, while the San Martino district hosts a life-size nativity scene. The iconic tree is ceremonially lit on December 7, burning nightly from dusk until late into the night. Plan your visit on a weekday evening to enjoy the illuminated tree and market atmosphere with smaller crowds.