CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN TRIESTE
WHAT TO EXPECT
Fiera di San Nicolò (Early December)
Kicking off the season, the San Nicolò Fair is a beloved tradition held along Viale XX Settembre from December 1st to December 8th. It celebrates Saint Nicholas, the protector of children, and features stalls selling:
• Traditional sweets, gingerbread, roasted nuts
• Wooden toys, handcrafted ornaments, winter accessories
Children can sometimes spot Saint Nicholas himself handing out treats, creating magical memories for families.
Trieste Christmas Market (December–January)
The main market usually runs from early December until January 6, stretching across:
• Piazza della Borsa
• Piazza Sant’Antonio
• Nearby pedestrian areas
Expect over 70 alpine-style wooden huts offering:
• Hot chocolate, mulled wine (vin brulé), sausage sandwiches
• Artisan crafts, candles, wool products, and Slavic specialties from nearby Slovenia and Croatia
The market is a multicultural experience, with international vendors contributing to a lively and diverse festive atmosphere.
Decorations, Atmosphere & Activities
Trieste transforms at night with thousands of twinkling lights and decorated trees. Highlights include:
• A traditional carousel for children in Piazza Borsa
• A small ice skating rink (some years) near the old port or the main square
• Christmas concerts and street performers
• Santa’s workshops or selfie spots set up for photo ops
It’s not uncommon to find spontaneous choir performances or stalls with hot roasted chestnuts and local Christmas pastries like presnitz.
Insider Tips
• Dress in layers: While the bora wind can make the air feel chilly, the sun often makes an afternoon stroll surprisingly mild.
• Try regional flavors: Taste specialties like goulash, polenta, or apple strudel, showing Trieste’s Austro-Hungarian roots.
• Stay nearby: Accommodations in the city center allow you to explore on foot and enjoy the festive evenings.
Trieste’s Christmas markets are not just about shopping; they’re about slowing down, warming up, and soaking in the joy of the season. With its sea views, multicultural touches, and cozy city center, Trieste in December feels like stepping into a snow globe by the Adriatic.
Do you like Christmas markets? We have the perfect experience for you! Check out our Trieste: Sweets & Christmas Markets Tour.