Christmas Weekend in Parma

Christmas Weekend in Parma

 

 

If you’re planning a weekend getaway to explore an Italian city, Parma is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the enchantment of Christmas celebrations. Amidst food&wine tastings, shopping in the historic city center, gourmet restaurants, and special events, this capital of Emilia-Romagna offers a unique experience for a memorable Christmas weekend.

So, I’ve crafted an itinerary for you, by focusing on good food, wine, cultural experiences, and attractions in our beloved Food Valley during the holiday season. Have you packed your bags? Are you ready to go? Well, let’s start with Saturday morning 👇

Cultural Tasting at Cantina Il Poggio

 

Plan a Saturday morning with a wine tasting at Cantina Il Poggio 🍷. Nestled in the picturesque hills of Salsomaggiore Terme, we invite you to experience an extraordinary cultural journey. Amidst charming vineyards and a history linked to the food&wine traditions of the region, this December’s calendar is filled with activities on Saturdays. It’s an excellent opportunity to discover new producers and get ahead with Christmas gifts 🎁.

We’re open from Monday to Saturday, and tastings are available at 11:00 am or 2:30 pm. Bid us farewell on Thursday the 21st with the last soirée of the year. In the early afternoon, it’s time to say goodbye and drive towards Parma, the Gastronomic City (UNESCO – City of Gastronomy).

💡Tip: Parma is small, but driving can be tricky (full of cameras and restricted traffic zones), especially on weekends when the historic center is entirely closed to vehicles. I recommend setting your navigation to one of the following parking lots:

• Toschi Parking at the price of €14.50 for every 24 hours, 7 minutes away from the center
• Goito Parking at the price of €15 for every 24 hours, 5 minutes away from the center
• Repubblica Parking at the price of €9.50 for every 24 hours, 12 minutes away from the center (a pleasant walk along Via Repubblica and its chic storefronts, heading towards Piazza Garibaldi)
• Kennedy Parking at the price of €11 for every 24 hours, 10 minutes away from the center, in the Oltretorrente area.                                          On Sundays, blue lines in Parma are not paid, while white lines are reserved for residents, so parking is prohibited even on Sundays. And after parking?

Shopping in the Historic Center

There’s nothing more magical than strolling through the streets of Parma’s historic center during the Christmas season and admiring the shop windows, whether for gift ideas or simply to relax the mind.

So, after delighting your palate with food&wine delights, we recommend some healthy shopping in the streets of Parma’s historic center. Boutiques and shops offer a wide range of local products, from traditional crafts to trendier creations. You’ll find unique souvenirs, typical food delicacies, and clothing that reflect the style and elegance of classic Made in Italy.

In particular, I want to recommend you a special boutique, O’ Christmas Village, where you can indulge in unique and sought-after Christmas gifts. It’s almost time for an aperitif, what do you say, are you up for it? I recommend the beautiful location of O’Bistrot in Piazza Garibaldi. It might seem like a “tourist trap,” but it’s actually one of the best places for pre or post-dinner, with a considerable selection of wine bottles. Other places for a good glass of wine (but where reservations are necessary):

• Enoteca Tabarro
• Vineria Giramondo
• Ombre Rosse
• Vanissa C’est La Vie (the latter, specialized in gins, a passionate place near Repubblica Parking. I recommend it especially for post-dinner, although their aperitivo is excellent, with cold cuts and cheeses).

Where to Eat? Officina Alimentare Dedicata

 

 

Here, “research” is the keyword.

If I, Alessandra, were to go out to eat in the center of Parma, my heart belongs to Officina Alimentare Dedicata. An intimate place, perfect for couples, a welcoming restaurant with super professional, friendly staff, and truly sought-after products, as well as wines. Respect for seasonality is their philosophy; portions are not overly generous but just right (so there’s no food waste), and the cuisine is definitely tied to Parmesan tradition, enjoyed in a slightly more gourmet way. Book in advance here too.

 

Where to Stay? A Relaxing Night at Hotel Button

 

After enjoying dinner, it’s time to relax in a comfortable hotel room, preferably just a few steps from the recommended restaurant. Et voilà, I have the solution for you here too! Literally behind Officina Alimentare Dedicata is one of the most splendid and historic hotels in the city. Hotel Button, owned by the Cortesi family in the third generation, is located in the heart of Parma’s historic center. This cozy hotel not only offers a privileged location to explore the city but also comfort and high-quality services to make your stay enjoyable and unforgettable.

Reception service, bar, breakfast room with local pastry products, unique style in furnishings, reminiscent of 1920s Paris. The current structure’s style reinterprets those years when it was a destination for artists and opera singers from Teatro Regio, to revive for its guests a unique environment rich in memories, history, and luxurious traditions of the city of Parma.

Special Events: Winter Jamboree and Christmas Markets

During your Christmas weekend in Parma, don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the Winter Jamboree, a spectacular event held at the Fiere di Parma from December 7th to 10th. This winter celebration offers entertainment, shows, and activities for the whole family, making the Christmas atmosphere even more vibrant. Also, immerse yourself in the enchanted atmosphere of the Christmas markets in Piazza Ghiaia. Here, you can find handmade items, Christmas decorations, and gastronomic delights that will make your Christmas weekend in Parma even more magical and charming, all on November 26th and then on December 3rd, 8th, 12th, 17th, and 24th.

Food, wine, high fashion, class, art, and culture: Parma is all of this, and there’s no better time to discover it than at Christmas.

Have you ever been to Parma? Do you have other attractions to recommend to our readers? If so, let us know in the comments, and let us know if you’ll be inspired by this itinerary to come and visit us in our splendid Food Valley 💛💙

Merry Christmas y’ll from the staff of Cantina Il Poggio 🍷🎄✨