Is it the scent of gingerbread, cookies, roasted chestnuts, and fresh apple strudel? Is it the allure of sweets, mulled wine, fairy lights, and glittering glass baubles? Is it candlelight and pine branches? You can find all of this and much more at the Original South Tyrolean Christmas Markets. In the five cities of Vipiteno, Bolzano, Bressanone, Brunico, and Merano, they invite you to experience the Christmas season with all your senses and enchant with their unique and atmospheric charm.
In Vipiteno, the late medieval mining town located at almost 1000m above sea level and surrounded by snow-capped Alpine peaks, tradition comes to life. The colorful facades of the houses with their typical bay windows provide a wonderful backdrop for the Christmas market. Handmade Christmas tree decorations and countless delicacies are offered, as well as the traditional Patschen, slippers made of loden. And towering over everything is the famous, mighty "Zwölferturm" from the year 1486.
Also at the Christmas market in Brunico, craftsmanship takes center stage. The high-quality products are not only sold, but their production is also demonstrated. Over 35 stands in the picturesque old town of Brunico offer delicious and precious items, as well as a wealth of Christmas gift ideas.
The Original South Tyrolean Christmas Markets
The Christmas market in Bressanone is all about culture and history. The grand and venerable cathedral lends a solemn atmosphere to the hustle and bustle on the cathedral square in the heart of the city, a steam carousel and pony rides make children's hearts beat faster. A special experience every year is also the nativity scene exhibition in the episcopal Hofburg. Merano also presents itself in a festive and festive manner in Advent. The old town shines in the glow of lights and 80 exhibitors present a rich and high-quality range of various handicrafts, Christmas decorations, toys, and of course South Tyrolean specialties and Christmas bakery. In the traditional spa town, the confectioners outdo themselves in artistic skill during Advent! Bolzano in Advent is like a atmospheric open-air stage. The city is adorned with strings of lights, and the Christmas market at Waltherplatz is crowded with the huts of the exhibitors. Concerts by South Tyrolean music bands, folk dance groups, and alpine horn players take place under the big Christmas tree. For the little visitors, there is a puppet theater and a living nativity scene. In the romantic alleys and arcades of Bolzano, you can stroll and shop wonderfully, because here, at the intersection of north and south, of Central European and Mediterranean culture, Advent has a very special flair.
By the way, only handmade gingerbread in a shape typical of the respective city is offered at the Original South Tyrolean Christmas Markets: in Bolzano it's an angel, in Merano a bell, in Bressanone a lamb, in Vipiteno a tower, and in Brunico a star. By purchasing these handmade gingerbread, you support the charity project of the "Fondazione Francesca Rava" foundation, which enables children in Haiti to have a better future.
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