South Tyrol‘s Christmas markets, where Christmas is at home
The scent of freshly-baked apple strudel and other seasonal sweets pervade the town centre. The Christmas lights create a magical atmosphere in the Piazza Walther Platz. Just a few steps away from Bolzano’s favourite square townspeople gather in the courtyard of the Palais Campofranco to chat and savour mulled wine - Italian joie de vivre is palpable. Royal Merano/Meran on the other hand combines in perfect style nostalgia for the past and modern lifestyle. In the north of the region the former bishopric town of Bressanone/Brixen beckons offering a journey back in time, while bustling Brunico/Bruneck mixes the romance of a Medieval town with the aura of a winter sports centre. In the very north in the old mining town of Vipiteno/Sterzing the unique atmosphere of Christmas envelopes the town centre beneath the Zwölfer tower. Magical moments.
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The Christmas Market App - here are the winners!
Congratulation to our winners 2011: Stefania Conca – Castelverde (CR), Chiara Bonvicini – Ozzano Emilia (BO), Udo Lorenz – Chemnitz (Germany), Antonella Angeleri – Voghera (PV), Valeria Pestuggia – Milano (MI) more...
Explore South Tyrol’s Christmas markets and museums - stress free
You can choose a three-day or seven-day pass: with the museumobil Card, you can explore South Tyrol’s Christmas markets and the region’s museums—plus get around conveniently and stress free at the same time, using the public transportation system. more...
Honey: a Sweet Christmas
Honey adds flavour to Christmas in South Tyrol, turns cookies into masterpieces, and makes every breakfast a special experience. This year, the Original South Tyrol Christmas Markets and the South Tyrol Honey Producers will support needy children. more...
Where north meets south
Christmas market in Bolzano/Bozen
North and south merge In Bolzano, where Alpine staidness flirts with the Mediterranean joie de vivre. The romantic arcades accommodate a mix of elegant Italian footwear fashion alongside heavy loden clothing. The town affords stunning views of the Dolomites as well as the view through the glass edifice of the constantly changing Museion. Townspeople celebrate Christmas outdoors in the stylish settings of the Palais Campofranco. The traditional Christmas market in the Piazza-Walther-Platz is worth visiting alone for its colourful mixture of visitors. more...
Bolzano in compact form
Bolzano, the town with two faces – this town guide will lead you to the most attractive nooks and crannies.
moreIndulgence and relaxation
Christmas market in Merano/Meran
Merano’s attraction lies in the mixture. Splendid art nouveau building style and a nuance of the belle époque contrasts with the modern architecture of the Therme Merano baths à là Matteo Thun. The sense of wellbeing combines with the romance of Christmas here like nowhere else. A saunter along the promenade beside the River Passirio/Passer – the venue for the market - evokes nostalgia for the good old days amid a modern, cosmopolitan town. Fur coats from Milan meet Tyrolean loden clothing. more...
Merano in compact form
The town rich in culture with a Mediterranean aura and a multi-faceted character at a glance.
moreArt & history
Christmas market in Bressanone/Brixen
According to the guide ‘Borghi più belli d’Italia’ the former seat of the Prince Bishop, Bressanone, is one of Italy’s finest towns. At Christmas the market becomes the town’s romantic heart. The Nativity crib museum accommodated in the former bishop’s palace is a delightful seasonal attraction. It tells the story of Alpine piety through the ages and of traditional art handicrafts. One of South Tyrol’s longest toboggan runs is located on Bressanone’s home mountain, the Plose and is enormously popular among families. more...
Main attractions
Artistic handicrafts & tradition
Christmas market in Brunico/Bruneck
Brunico is the bustling centre of the Val Pusteria/Pustertal, situated at the foot of South Tyrol’s No. One ski mountain. Here holidaymakers can enjoy après ski partying in the romantic settings of the medieval centre. In numerous huts comprising the Christmas market visitors can watch as traditional goods are hand-crafted as they have been for centuries. Old monastery and convent filigree works are especially popular. The town museum and Reinhold Messner’s fifth Mountain Museum are both accommodated in Brunico Castle. The latter bears the name ‘Ripa’ and is dedicated to mountain people. more...
Brunico in compact form
The small bustling town in the Val Pusteria/Pustertal at a glance. Attractions, restaurants and eateries, culture.
moreBridging the present & the past
Experience Vipiteno in winter
Christmas market in Vipiteno/Sterzing
Vipiteno is South Tyrol’s northernmost town. It is steeped in history, having become prosperous in the Middle Ages from the proceeds of the nearby silver mines. Here the unique atmosphere of Christmas envelopes the town centre beneath the impressive Zwölfer tower. Like Bressanone, the guide ‘Borghi più belli d’Italia’ has singled out the small town as one of the finest in all Italy. A visit to the market can be combined with winter fun on the nearby Rosskopf mountain which beckons with South Tyrol’s longest toboggan run, especially enjoyable floodlit by night. more...
Musts to visit
Living tradition & customs
Christmas markets
In South Tyrol’s valleys and villages between the Brenner and Bolzano/Bozen numerous small, traditional and authentic Christmas markets take place exuding Alpine charm, especially in small mountain villages. A wealth of delightful handicrafts are always on offer along with delicious local fare. To find out where to experience South Tyrol’s culture and history remote from the bustle of the towns and main resorts, click here. more...
The best places to combine skiing with visits to Christmas markets
Christmas traditions
Christmas traditions in South Tyrol
In South Tyrol the period leading up to Christmas is quiet, contemplative and intimate. Many activities are carried out as a family, from preparing ‘Bozner Zelten’, opulent seasonal fruit bread for which each family has its own secret recipe, to setting up the Nativity crib and learning Alpine Christmas carols. Many customs have survived through the centuries, for example Klöckeln in Val Sarentino/Sarntal, Klosn in Stilfs, and the good-cop-bad-cop tradition acted out between St. Nicholas and Krampus. more...
Small town, big attraction
The Christmas market in South Tyrol’s smallest town, Glorenza/Glurns is almost entirely illuminated by candlelight to evoke a unique seasonal atmosphere.
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News & articles
Advent and Christmas traditions
Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas, is a time filled with religious customs and ... more...
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Milk and milk byproduct baths
The philosopher Aristotle once described milk as the “elixir of beauty”, a quote not lost on ... more...
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Snowshoe hiking tours with the Vitalpina Hotels
The extended family of Vitalpina Hotels has grown to 32 members. Snowshoe hiking tours feature ... more...
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Discover South Tyrol with a single ticket
The Mobilcard enables you to travel the length and breadth of South Tyrol using public transport. more...
