Ponte dell'Immacolata in Sicily: 5 Christmas markets to see

The Christmas markets have become an authentic tradition in Sicily.  Every year during the Christmas period, many Nativity scenes and Markets are set up, in the small villages and in the big cities of all Sicily, ensuring a Christmas atmosphere in the name of traditions and folklore that characterize this land. Here are the 5 most important events:

The Christmas markets in Erice

The Christmas markets in Erice are a unique opportunity to visit one of the villages
Sicily’s most beautiful medieval towns, with extraordinary charm, with a unique panorama. During Christmas the village dresses up with exhibitions, shows, Christmas markets, concerts, bagpipers and cribs. The representations of the Nativity are built and exhibited in the streets of the village, in churches, in the workshops by artisans and locals. During the whole period of the event are organized, in wooden houses, the Christmas markets where exhibitors present a wide range of gift ideas including crafts, jewelry, toys, furniture and many home decorations. Numerous stands offer the opportunity to taste Sicilian sweets among almond paste, cannoli and unique specialties such as Genoese.

The Christmas Markets in Caltagirone

Caltagirone has always been known for its cribs, the nativity celebrations are particularly felt by all the inhabitants. The city is the ideal setting for representations and events of the Christmas period. For Christmas the streets of the town are elegantly decorated with lights and floral arrangements, offering an unforgettable show with concerts, exhibitions and events. The exhibitions of cribs in Caltagirone attract thousands of visitors every year, interested in admiring wonderful ancient and modern cribs. Skilled potters create works made entirely by hand that are inspired by Christmas and its symbols including: figures of shepherds, nativity scenes, but also centerpieces and ornaments. The old town hosts the Christmas markets with stands
artisans, traders, food producers and hobbyists.

The Christmas Markets in Ragusa

The Christmas appointments at Ragusa include over a month of programming in various locations, between the historic center and the villages of Donnafugata and Marina di Ragusa. Every year there are over 100 events including concerts, theater performances, the House of Santa Claus, cultural events, games and entertainment for adults and children. The streets of the city are filled with living nativity scenes, gospel concerts, circus performances, Christmas markets, exhibitions, events, workshops and treasure hunts. The Baroque Christmas in Ragusa Ibla also includes "The Chocolate Factory", where the master chocolatiers set up a delicious chocolate fountain.

The Christmas Markets in Zafferana Etnea

Zafferana Etnea, is a famous winter tourist center located on the eastern slopes of Etna. In the city center are set up the characteristic houses, meticulously decorated with the characteristic Christmas festoons, inside which will be exposed products of local crafts and the food industry. The main square hosts every year a large Christmas tree around which the music of the bagpipers resound. In addition to the typical Christmas stalls, with a little luck in December it might be possible to organize a ski session on Etna.

The Christmas Markets in Palermo

Christmas in Palermomeans Christmas fairs, markets and stalls. Local artisans always exhibit their creations and children can have fun on rides and in Christmas villages. The appointment with the Street Food Village to taste the local food and wine specialties in the streets of the center, under the lights. Decorations, gift ideas, sweets, ceramics, Christmas trees and much more for sale on counters, in wooden chalets or in villas hosting events. It is not Christmas in Palermo without the ice rink that every year confirms the Christmas attraction par excellence in the Sicilian capital.