Verona: City Card with Arena Priority Entrance
8.563 reviews
Buy now
From 30,00€ per person
Considered one of Italy’s most romantic cities, Verona takes on even more charm during the Christmas season when the city is finely decorated. From mid-November onwards, characteristic wooden houses are installed in some areas of the historic centre in cooperation with the ‘Christkindlmarkt’ in Nuremberg. Adorned with many decorations and illuminated by numerous Christmas lights, the city of Verona is transformed and welcomes all its visitors in a truly magical atmosphere.
The journey of discovery through Christmas Verona begins at Piazza Bra, where, right in front of the Arena, an enormous poinsettia, boasting a height of almost 100 metres, is installed. This is the symbol of Christmas in Verona, which accompanies the city until 6 January. Still in Piazza Bra at the Palazzo della Gran Guardia, on the other hand, the ‘Mostra Internazionale del Presepe’ (International Nativity Scene Exhibition) is set up where cribs from various countries around the world are displayed. Via Giuseppe Mazzini then leads to Piazza dei Signori where the Verona Christmas market is organised.
The fairy-tale atmosphere of the city makes everything more magical and romantic, so much so that many couples choose to spend a weekend in Verona precisely during the Christmas period. Walking through the streets of the centre, moreover, it is really impossible to resist the call of the little kiosks that captivate everyone with the scent of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and other typical sweets.
The Verona Christmas Market occupies the areas of Piazza dei Signori, Cortile Mercato Vecchio and Cortile del Tribunale. Here you will find more than 100 small houses selling handicrafts, decorations, household items and numerous food and wine proposals.
A Santa Claus House is also set up in the Cortile Vecchio, which children can visit with the possibility on weekends of meeting Santa Claus and his elf helpers. During the weekends in December, the centre areas are animated by various musical events and live shows for young and old. In the Arsenal area, on the other hand, an ice skating rink is set up where everyone can rent skates for a few hours of pure fun.
Every year on the feast of Saint Lucy, which takes place on 13 December, Piazza Brà hosts a market known as ‘i banchéti de Santa Lùssia’ (Saint Lucia’s Banquets). Lucy of Syracuse, known as Santa Lucia, is a Sicilian martyr who is also venerated in the Verona area. In the city, her name is linked to an ancient tradition: on the night between 12 and 13 December, the Saint visits the homes of families bringing sweets and gifts to children who have behaved well. Thus, in the days leading up to the festival, the centre of the city of Verona hosts not only more than a hundred stalls but also many events for young and old.
During the Christmas period, the city of Verona also hosts the International Nativity Exhibition where one can admire cribs and nativities from all over the world. For the high number of cribs on display (over 400) the Exhibition has also entered the Guinness Book of Records. The event, which is organised by the Fondazione Verona per l’Arena (Verona Foundation for the Arena), includes an annual exhibition of cribs and creations inspired by the theme of the Nativity from museums, private collections and crib craftsmen from different parts of the world. The exhibition is held at the Palazzo della Gran Guardia from around mid-November to mid-January.
The Verona Christmas markets are the perfect opportunity to sample some of the delicacies of the local gastronomic tradition. Several small houses are set up in the market area, presenting typical products from the Veneto region. Don’t miss a taste of the famous Soppressa Veneta or Prosciutto Berico Euganeo, two typical sausages of the area. Added to this are the numerous cheeses that can also be purchased as gifts to take home, such as Monte Veronese Stravecchio. Some stalls prepare the famous polenta that can be accompanied by mushrooms or always by cheese.
Among the main dishes to be sampled is ‘Pastisada de Caval’, a kind of horse stew cooked in red wine. Those in search of sweets should not miss the typical ‘Frittelle di Santa Lucia’ or the ‘Mandorlato di Cologna Veneta’, which is a typical sweet made with four main ingredients: honey, sugar, egg white and almonds. As for drinking, it is well known that the Veronese territory is rich in wines such as Soave, Valpolicella or Bardolino, to name but a few. Those looking for a warmer drink can find chocolate, bombardino (made with zabaglione, coffee, brandy and cream) or a good glass of mulled wine accompanied by roasted chestnuts.
During the Christmas period, the Verona area is full of activities and things to do. From mid-November the city is exquisitely decorated with decorations and illuminations and the atmosphere is truly magical. In Piazza delle Erbe it is possible to climb to the top of the Lamberti Tower, which, thanks to its 84-metre height, offers an incredible view over the entire city. Also not to be missed are visits to the most interesting sites such as Castelvecchio, now home to the Museo Civico di Verona, Juliet’s House or the Duomo. Those who love skating can go to the skating rink set up at the Arsenal, while running enthusiasts can sign up for the ‘Santa Claus Race’. The recreational-motor event is suitable for the whole family and includes two routes (5 km or 10 km) to be done by running or walking wearing Father Christmas clothes or more generally Christmas clothes.
Concert lovers will find a rich programme to attend in Verona. Organ concerts, classical music concerts or gospel performances are organised in numerous churches and theatres. Gardaland, the famous Amusement Park, is also open during the Christmas period with a very special setting known as ‘Gardaland Magic Winter!’ Finally, from Verona it is easy to reach the Lake Garda area where there are numerous small towns that, during the Advent weeks, take on a very special charm and host evocative markets. In particular, we recommend a visit to Lazise, Malcesine and Bardolino.
The Verona Christmas markets are also the right opportunity to buy typical souvenirs or gifts to take home. Amongst the small wooden houses are many craftsmen selling handmade products, jewellery and costume jewellery, but also knick-knacks and clothing. There are several stalls selling home decorations or Christmas-related items. In addition to this, there is also the possibility of buying typical food and drinks such as Grappa veneta, wine or homemade sweets.
The Verona area is also known for producing some very famous foods such as Vialone Nano rice, which is ideal for those who love cooking risottos. This rice is used to make ‘Riso all’Amarone‘, i.e. rice cooked with Amarone della Valpolicella wine. In the markets, it is also possible to find local producers selling maize flour to make polenta or confectioners selling the famous Pandoro, which is said to have originated in Verona.
City Card allow you to save on public transport and / or on the entrances to the main tourist attractions.
Hotel 
Budget accommodations 
Apartments 
Family Hotel 
Luxury Hotel 
Resorts