Discover the magical atmosphere of the South Tyrolean Christmas Markets

Christmas is the time of year when everything becomes more magic and everyone becomes a little bit of a child again. Coloured lights, Christmas decorations, the scent of spices and pastries make the atmosphere dreamy and warm.

If you are thinking of treating yourself to a unique experience in a place that has much to offer all year round, South Tyrol is the perfect destination.

A region where Christmas is already in the air from the end of November, at the beginning of the Advent season, and ends with the Epiphany.

Every year, the five most famous South Tyrolean towns of Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, Brunico and Vipiteno, as well as some lesser-known but equally characteristic villages, are preparing for the Christmas season.

Starting on 28 November and for the next six weeks or so, the streets of the South Tyrolean towns and cities will be filled with the characteristic and magical Christmas atmosphere. A mixture of traditional scents and flavours, with the sweet melodies of Christmas carols to brighten everything up.

Ready to experience this sweet adventure?

The Original South Tyrolean Christmas Markets: their birth and evolution

Since the beginning of the 1990s, the South Tyrolean Christmas Markets have been an unmissable event. Tehy are also know at the '5 Star Route' because they outline a real ring-route between the five oldest locations where the traditional markets take place. Since 2014, South Tyrol's five Original South Tyrol Markets have been certified as a Green Event, as environmental protection has always been a priority in this region. For this reason, the cities of Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, Vipiteno and Brunico are committed to holding high values such as sustainability, regionality and authenticity; using environmentally friendly products, energy efficiency, waste management, valorisation of local products and sustainable mobility.

Let's explore the markets together.

Bolzano

The first city where it all began was Bolzano, in 1991 with the first Christmas Market. Stalls covered in Christmas decorations with a wide range of handicrafts and typical local products set up in the magnificent Piazza Walther, in German Waltherplatz. Making everything even more special is a programme full of events, shows and concerts, and the traditional Christmas tree that has always filled everyone's eyes with joy.

Apart from the little wooden houses set up on Walther Square, you will come across others in certain corners of the city, such as the Fairy Market on Wheat Square and the Christmas Park, once just a stone's throw from the city's railway station, now staged in the Capuchin Park next to the cathedral.

Also not to be missed is the Advent Calendar in the Parish Square, a few steps away from Walther Square. Here, the front of the building is transformed into a classic calendar composed of 24 windows enclosing Christmas images and, every day from 1 to 24 December, they are uncovered, arousing much curiosity and interest.

A great many initiatives have been taking place in the historic centre of the capital city for over 30 years, welcoming numerous visitors from all over the world and of all ages, offering unique emotions.

Merano

The Merano Christmas Market is a huge source of joy and wonder. It hosts the many illuminated stalls full of handicraft objects and stands of local flavours along the Passirio River promenade, the river that runs through the spa town of Merano. A full immersion of scents, spices, coloured lights enclosed in a location that attracts millions of people for its perfect combination of art and culture.

Bressanone

Surrounded by the charm of the city that best represents the Baroque style in South Tyrol, you can experience the magic of Advent with the Bressanone Christmas Market. The old town centre opens its doors to South Tyrol's oldest Christmas market. Stroll among the traditional wooden huts from which handmade products overflow to give to loved ones, or stop for a chat, enjoying a hot drink accompanied by a slice of strudel or krapfen.

But the excitement doesn't end there. Don't miss the multimedia light and music show that is projected on the walls of the Hofburg Palace and, every year, deals with the theme of love, light, hope and peace through the hummingbird symbol of equality and friendship.

Vipiteno

This picturesque South Tyrolean town hosts the smallest Christmas market with traditional wooden huts. Set up in the characteristic square, the Vipiteno Christmas Market, at the centre of which is the Torre delle Dodici (Tower of Twelve), which rises above the square and plays a very important role. At this time of year, the tower provides a veritable spectacle of sound. Every day, when the clock strikes 5 p.m., the atmosphere is enlivened by the tolling of bells and attracts numerous visitors.

Brunico

A town, not far from the Plan de Corones ski resort, which hosts one of the oldest markets in South Tyrol. The Brunico Christmas Market is a unique stop to enjoy an unforgettable holiday during the Advent period amidst handcrafted products and delicacies to be savoured surrounded by an unparalleled panorama that combines art, tradition and sport.

Traditions and flavours

The main squares are filled with traditional wooden houses and stalls. You will find yourself strolling among unique handmade objects made of various materials, discovering lots of original ideas to give as gifts, or simply letting yourself be tempted by the typical local gastronomic specialities to be enjoyed such as apple strudel, Zelten (a dried fruit cake with walnuts, pine nuts and almonds) and Lebkuchen (spiced biscuits). The latter are made according to tradition and in five different shapes, each representing a town on the 5-Star Route. You can enjoy theangel in Bolzano, the lamb in Bressanone, the star in Brunico, the bell in Merano and the tower in Vipiteno.

One programme, many events

Every year, the major South Tyrolean towns and villages, festively decorated for the occasion, offer a rich calendar of typical Christmas events such as the Krampus Parades, Christmas villages and much more, which make Christmas even more magical.

For more information on the various markets, the calendar of events, accommodation and other information, please visit: www.christkindlmarkt.it

How to reach the South Tyrolean market locations

The various locations hosting the Christmas Markets each year are easily reached by various means of transport.

For example, you can get to Bolzano by car, camper van or by aeroplane, opting for the local airport or the nearest airport in Verona as your destination. Those who prefer to travel comfortably can arrive by bus and/or train. The latter is definitely the most sustainable and environmentally friendly option.

Our advice, once you arrive in Bolzano, is to travel by public transport. At this time, thanks to the South Tyrol Guest Pass, you can use all public transport with a single ticket. A green choice, but also a convenient way to enjoy unique experiences without worries.

Other localities such as Merano, Brunico, Bressanone, Vipiteno can be reached by car or camper van. Otherwise, if you prefer to avoid queues, traffic and parking stress, you can hop on a train from Bolzano station and reach your favourite destinations.

To reach the markets in the smaller towns, you can always opt for the train, thanks to the public and railway network that connects the various towns very well. Otherwise, if you prefer to move around completely independently, opt to travel by car and immerse yourself in the natural beauty at your own pace.

Where to stay

In order to plan a perfect holiday, a key thing to do is to also think about a place to stay during your visit to the markets. South Tyrol offers many different accommodation options and different types of accommodation. Discover the ideal solution where you can indulge in a lot of relaxation and restful sleep after hours of fun and excitement.

Immerse yourself in the charm of the traditional markets and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of South Tyrol at the most beautiful time of the year.

Discover all the Christmas Markets in South Tyrol.