The magic of a Christmas market by the sea

December is the most wonderful time of the year, when the cities are illuminated with lights, the smell of cinnamon, cloves and delicious biscuits is everywhere, and Christmas markets are once again at the forefront in the bigger towns. There are many towns and cities near me, with Christmas markets, music concerts, festive lights, colorful stalls and fragrant treats. December holidays are usually marked by snow in our region, so we think that's the best way to enjoy the festive atmosphere (and mulled wine 🙃). But Christmas and New Year fairs are also known in places that mostly successfully avoid snow.

But when it comes to festive fairs, we rarely think of places by the sea. Why not head to a seaside Christmas market for a change? Italian Trieste has always been a popular day-trip destination, and this northern Adriatic port city is always busy, especially at Christmas time. There you can shop for presents, taste a variety of pastries and other Italian delicacies, listen to a street concert, or just wander through the festively decorated streets right by the sea. In fact, the Trieste Christmas Market has been a fast-growing Christmas market for the last few years, with the number of stalls and the offer growing year on year.

Last week, my family and I visited it. The fair runs for a relatively long time, from 8 December to 7 January, including Orthodox Christmas, so it attracts even more visitors. The mild temperatures by the sea, above ten degrees Celsius, allowed us to take off our gloves and hats, making it easier to browse the festive stalls. We may not really feel the Christmas chill, but the atmosphere in this beautiful seaside town with a rich history, where tradition and modernity shake hands, is as it should be.

The main activity takes place in the surrounding streets of Ponte Rosso, Piazza della Borsa, St Anthony's Square and Unity of Italy Square, where nearly 70 stalls have been set up. According to the organizers, more than 20 of them are selling food and drinks, while the rest are selling various products and festive gifts. Vendors from Italy and other countries are presenting themselves.

The famous Unity of Italy Square has endless charm, surrounded by buildings on three sides and overlooking the beautiful Adriatic Sea on the fourth. At this time of the year it is further decorated in Christmas colors, which make it even more attractive.

The significance of the small blue lights on the ground of the square is also very interesting: they represent the area that was covered by the sea until 1863.

The picturesque stalls will ensure you find Christmas gifts and decorations for you and your loved ones. The offer is really varied. From Christmas figurines to useful ceramic products, there are lots of ceramic products to choose from.

Wood lovers can also find something to their liking, with everything from mortars to decorative items.

Whether you need warm socks, gloves or scarves, you've come to the right place.

Cosmetic lovers are not forgotten either, with several stalls offering naturally made soaps and home fragrances.

And there's much more to see and buy.

The stalls also offer traditional specialties, typical Trieste dishes such as cured meats and cheeses.

And being in Italy, their traditional Christmas dessert Panettone should not be missing from the fair's offer, along with other sweet and savory delicacies.

Of course, mulled wine shouldn't be missing either, to brighten up the already hot atmosphere 😊

Christmas scents mix with the smell of the sea at the fair, adding a special charm to the festive days in the heart of the Old Town. Add to that the excellent live music by local musicians and you have, in my opinion, the perfect Christmas market.

If you still can't find a suitable gift at the fair, you can visit a nearby shop that also offers authentic products for an original gift. I came across one of these in a shop window that we saw on our walk through the city. I think this underwear is really original, but otherwise I don't know how I'd wear pants over it 😊

I hope I have been able to show you the pleasant atmosphere we enjoyed in Trieste. As this is my last post of the year, I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year!

See you in 2024!

Thanks for reading,
feel free to leave a comment, I will be glad to reply to.
Best regards, @miljo76