Festivals and customs for Advent in South Tyrol

Magical moments during the festival of festivities

Experience ancient customs and fairytale Christmas markets in the Dolomites during Advent and Christmas time

How about a Christmas walk with a view of the white-covered Three Peaks, the landmark of the Dolomites? During Advent, there is a magical atmosphere in the Dolomite region: the villages at the foot of the striking mountain massifs are draped with twinkling lights, a decorated Christmas tree adorns the village square and the streets hum with the sound of Christmas carols. The locals participate in ancient Christmas traditions, such as the blessed smoking of the farmhouses. On some days, even fearsome Krampusse wearing masks carved from wood parade through the alleys. While you stroll through the snow-covered villages in the Dolomites, discover regional handicrafts, such as the hand-carved nativity figurines from Val Gardena, and then warm up with a mulled wine. You are guaranteed to get into the Christmas spirit!

Christmas markets in the Dolomites

In the secluded valleys and mountains, the small Christmas markets exude a special charm. Time seems to have stood still here – at the foot of the Dolomites, on the shore of a lake, in an enchanted forest or in the picturesque church square.

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All Christmas markets in the Dolomites region

Our cherished Christmas traditions

Tying an Advent wreath, setting up a nativity scene and baking fruit bread. Christmas spirit comes alive with these customs.

Advent wreaths, Christmas trees and nativity scenes move into the parlours and houses. All members of the family take the preparations for Christmas very seriously: whether it's baking the popular “Zelten“, a delicious fruit bread, or Christmas biscuits, tying the Advent wreath or felting the Christmas tree decorations – everyone helps out and enjoys talking about their childhood memories. When singing traditional Christmas carols, at Advent concerts or visiting the Christmas market, the people in the mountain valleys get in the mood for the period of reflection.

And also at the start of the new year, an old custom is being revived: in the first week of January, the Carol singers go from house to house. Children or adults dress up as the Magi, who, according to the Christmas story, came from the East to give presents to baby Jesus. They sing, recite poems and collect donations. Using consecrated chalk, they draw the year and the letters C+M+B (Christus mansionem benedicat – Christ bless this house) on the door frame.

IDM SÃ¼dtirol-Alto Adige/Alex Fliz

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Alex Fliz

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Marion Lafogler

Lovely things to do yourself during Advent

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!

Advent Wreath Making

A well-rounded activity

The Original Zelten Fruitcake

Bake it now

Christmas Biscuits

For connoisseurs

Christmas Tree Decorations

Get felting

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Tracks in the snow. Saling over perfectly groomed slopes with panache. Laughing as you whiz down the toboggan run. Or gliding silently on the cross-country skiing trail. Here you can choose between various winter activities – and we've also thought of your relaxation afterwards.