Christmas markets in the holiday region Bolzano and environs.

Bolzano Christmas market is the oldest Christmas market in South Tyrol. Since 1991 it has brought a wonderful Christmassy atmosphere to the capital of the Province. From 22nd November to 6th January the lovingly designed huts on the Piazza Walther invite visitors to shop: for hand-made Christmas decorations and hand-painted Christmas baubles, Advent wreaths, wood carvings and straw stars. Here, you find everything you need for your Christmas celebrations at home and are tempted to South Tyrolean delicacies.

According to an ancient Christmas tradition, on the weekends in Advent, the lantern village of Sarentino revives almost forgotten crafts: elaborate quill embroidery, wood turning displays and wood carving. Hand knitted cardigans such as the “Sarna Janggar” from pure lamb’s wool or the “Toppar”, slippers made from felt, represent living tradition. A further special feature: Val Sarentino is one of the last places celebrating the ancient custom of “klöckeln”.

During the weekends in Advent, at 1,200 metres, high above Bolzano, the aroma of mulled wine and hearty soups arises from the lovingly designed stalls of the “Renon Christbahnl” (Christmas railway) in the railways station Soprabolzano and in Collalbo. Removed from the hustle and bustle concerts with choirs and the Renon Alpine horn players create a Christmas atmosphere in the small railway stations and in the cabins of the Renon railway. A magical children’s programme is also part of the Renon Christbahnl. 12 minutes from Bolzano with the Renon cable car.

On weekends the small but perfect Christmas market in Caldaro impresses with its cosy atmosphere and its colourful supporting programme for children. From igloo building to horse-drawn carriage rides and plenty of children’s crafts - there is plenty of fun for the littles ones. Local exhibitors impress with culinary delights and hand-made artefacts. Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Monday 24th December from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Tradition and culinary pleasure - Appiano gently puts you in the mood for Christmas. In the streets and alleys of San Paolo you can admire around 100 traditional nativity sets in the windows and oriels of historic houses and stroll through St. Michael’s to admire the thousands of lights and the traditional Advent market. Cornaiano, South Tyrol’s second oldest wine village, is decorated in true style with Christmas decorations made from wine barrels and daves (the wooden slats of the wine barrels). Concerts, the living nativity, rustic Advent cellars, the Christmas carriage, storytelling and culinary pleasures promise a very special Christmas magic in Appiano.

The historic centre of Egna also wears its annual Christmas clothing. Far from the hustle and bustle the village with its arcades offers an idyllic and traditional Advent. On Saturdays from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm visitors can admire a living nativity scene. There are also many nativities on display in the various shop windows. Horse-drawn carriage rides through the village, music bands, a stall with hot drinks and stalls offering various foods complete the offer.

At the weekends the Laives Christmas market is a meeting point for locals and visitors. On Saturdays and Sundays the clubs and associations run stalls on the Piazza Municipio. There is also a living nativity scene near the Parish church of Laives, a nativity trail with big and small masterpieces, and a musical supporting programme. Children can look forward to a visit from St. Nicholas and pony rides along the Via Pietralba.

Associations, music and custom groups as well as companies all come together at this time of year to enjoy the peaceful Christmas atmosphere in Trodena. An initiative that puts emphasis on a quiet and reflective Christmas time whilst enjoying some of South Tyrol’s oldest traditions.