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When Christmas comes to South Tyrol

What's Christmas for you? Is it about glittering lights, candlelights, the smell of cinnamon and the time to be with your loved ones? Live it with us, here, in South Tyrol.

Follow the scent of freshly baked Zelten, a traditional fruitcake, and apple strudel, marvel at traditional South Tyrolean handicraft products and handmade Christmas tree decorations at the market stalls, or warm up your body and soul with a mug of hot mulled wine or fruity punch. The Christmas markets in South Tyrol are a particularly good place to enjoy the pre-Christmas period: it is the perfect way to get in the mood for the festive season.

In addition to the five South Tyrol's Original Christmas Markets in Bolzano/Bozen, Meran/Merano, Brixen/Bressanone, Sterzing/Vipiteno and Bruneck/Brunico, there are many other Christmas markets worth visiting, even in smaller villages in the mountains and valleys: the Christmas market in Klausen/Chiusa, the Glurns/Glorenza Advent market, the Sarntal Valley Advent, and many more. They make winter in South Tyrol a very special time.

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Alex Filz
IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Alex Filz
IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Alex Filz
IDM Südtirol-AltoAdige/Marion Lafogler
Christmas

Find your accommodation

The right accommodation for Christmas: we have a wide selection for you.

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All accommodations in South Tyrol

Authentic Christmas Markets

At the five original South Tyrolean Christmas markets, you can steo into the Christmas season and be blown away by the special atmosphere.

Bolzano/Bozen
Brixen/Bressanone
sterzing/vipiteno
Meran/Merano
Bruneck/Brunico

Intimate Christmas markets

Original, rustic and never predictable. Against the backdrop of the Dolomites, on the shores of a lake or in the midst of an awe-inspiring forest, the intimate Christmas markets are unique locations to throw yourself headlong into the contemplative atmosphere of the Advent season in South Tyrol. Far from the city hustle, in the quiet side valleys or quaint mountain villages, these Christmas markets provide out of the ordinary experiences. Here, amidst typical handicrafts, regional products, natural cosmetics or local designer pieces, you can get new and inspiring gift ideas. Besides the shopping experience, the food stalls are peddling South Tyrolean treats and traditional dishes, like the doughnut "Krapfen" or the popular "marende" made with speck. Indulge in South Tyrolean meals and seek a wine tasting experience in one of our award-winning wineries. No matter what your destination: the Südtirol Guest Pass shows you around. Get the ticket and reach South Tyrol's intimate Christmas markets by train or bus. You'll have unlimited access to all means of transport.

 

 

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Alex Filz

Christmas markets outside of the cities

The five original South Tyrolean Christmas markets are not the only places to enjoy an authentic Christmas atmosphere. You can also head to the smaller, yet equally compelling markets in the valleys or in the mountains. Time seems to stand still at the foot of the Dolomites, on the lake shores, in an enchanted forest or even in a barn. Traditions here are still pristine; as are the values conveyed by the Christmas markets.

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All Christmas markets at a glance

By train to South Tyrol's Original Christmas Markets

What makes South Tyrol's Original Christmas Markets a sustainable event? We pay attention to sustainability and consciously place value on regional products and authentic experiences. We would love if you'll give credit to our values ! You can reach our Christmas markets conveniently and in an environmentally friendly way by bus or train. Thanks to the Südtirol Guest Pass, you can use all forms of public transport with just one ticket. South Tyrol's Christmas markets stand for authentic enjoyment and local products, genuine craftsmanship and aromatic mulled wine, less traffic and more time for beauty.

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Manuela Tessaro

Tips for your visit to the Christmas markets

In the run-up to Christmas, we recommend checking the current traffic situation and the availability of parking spots:

Brennerautobahn motorway – the current traffic situation and traffic forecast for the coming months.

Parking in Bolzano/Bozen and Meran/Merano – real-time parking spot availability

During the Christmas season, the cities of South Tyrol shine in a very special light. Make the most of your visit to the Christmas market and immerse yourself in the history of South Tyrol's cities.

You can easily take advantage of South Tyrol's well-functioning local transport network and visit several Christmas markets inside and outside the cities. The South Tyrolean Christmas markets can be reached conveniently and in an environmentally friendly way by bus, train or cable car.

So you can relax on the bus and train and have more time to see everything, stroll around and sample the delicacies.

Make Advent creative

The smell of Zelten, a traditional fruitcake, fills your kitchen, and handmade felt decorations adorn your Christmas tree. Take our Advent traditions home and get into the Christmas spirit with our video tutorials!

Making the Advent Wreath

Making the Advent Wreath, is an art that has been passed down from generation to generation in South Tyrol. Fir branches are skillfully woven to form a circular shape which is personalised with natural elements such as berries, pine cones or ribbons and decorations to make it more colourful.  Four candles are carefully inserted into the Advent Wreath. Each represents a Sunday of Advent and evokes Christmas. This beautifully handmade wreath lights up homes and its natural  scents pervade churches, giving  a sense of peace and hope in Christmas.

Advent Wreath Making

The Original Zelten Fruitcake

Local dried fruits, sultanas, figs, and fragrant spices are blended to create an explosion of flavours. The dough is carefully knead to transform the ingredients into a soft, enveloping mass. Once placed in the oven, the Zelten doesn't need a long time to brown and spread its fragrance. What a delightful Christmas tradition!

The Original Zelten Fruitcake

Christmas Biscuits

Baking Christmas biscuits is a moment steeped in tradition which brings families closer. This ritual started with simple and spicy ingredients used in biscuits that are cut into different shapes: hearts, stars or circles topped with jam and icing. As the shortcrust pastry is baked in the oven, the fragrance drifts from the kitchen to all rooms.

Christmas Biscuits

Christmas Tree Decorations

Crafting felt decorations is an ancient art. It's about giving warmth and sharing traditions. Felt the soft wool and turn it into nice Christmas figures and symbols. Move the needle and thread with grace to embroider compelx details and use vibrant colours to hold the soul of the mountains. When felt ornaments are hung, it feels like they're dancing in the air and the joy they spread gets into everyone's hearts.

Christmas Tree Decorations

Events during Christmas Time

What events should you not miss out on in South Tyrol? You can't count them on one hand. Whether for culture lovers, sports enthusiasts or those who enjoy spending time with the family – our tips are sure to have something for everyone.

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All events in South Tyrol

Our local Christmas recipes

Would you like to bake traditional South Tyrolean fruit bread or Vanillekipferl, crescent-shaped biscuits? Perhaps accompanied by a mug of South Tyrolean mulled wine? This is how Christmas tastes in South Tyrol: with our recipes, you can easily bring the taste of Christmas into your kitchen.
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