5 South Tyrolean towns – 5 Christmas markets
There are beautiful Christmas markets in many towns and villages in South Tyrol. Today we introduce 5 large South Tyrolean Christmas markets, all of which take place in beautiful old town centres and have been awarded the "Green Event" certificate.
You can get into the Christmas spirit at the Christmas markets in South Tyrol.
IDM Südtirol - Alto Adige/Alex FilzHistoric alleys and atmospheric lighting, culinary specialities, and handcrafted items – this is how you get into the Christmas spirit and find beautiful Christmas presents. Stroll through the squares and browse the stalls, warm yourself with a mulled wine and enjoy the cosy atmosphere.
All 5 Christmas markets are open until 6th January 2024, with one day off on 25th December. They opened on the 23rd of November 2023 at 5 pm. A visit to the Christmas market can easily be combined with a stroll through the city or a guided tour. Or you can combine your visit to the Christmas market with another activity. We give you a brief overview of the 5 Christmas markets and have a cultural, wellness or sports tip ready for you for each city.
The South Tyrolean Christmas markets make children's eyes light up.
IDM Südtirol - Alto Adige/Alex FilzThe Christmas market in Bozen
The centre of the Christmas market in Bozen is the Waltherplatz square. In addition, the Alcide-Berloffa Park is transformed into a Christmas park, the Market of Solidarity takes place on the Kornplatz square and there is also plenty on offer in other squares in the city, from readings to handicrafts, concerts and carousel.
Christmas market in Bozen.
IDM Südtirol - Alto Adige/Alex Filz
Iceman Ötzi: the famous glacier mummy in the South Tyrolean Museum of Archaeology in Bozen.
Südtiroler Archäologiemuseum/foto-dpi.comUnique Iceman
Exciting is also a visit to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bozen. There you can see the world-famous glacier mummy Ötzi. We recommend that you book admission online in advance: You can do this a maximum of 3 days before your planned visit and for a maximum of 10 people. Reservations for guided tours and larger groups can also be requested via an online form.
The Archaeology Museum is closed on Mondays, the 25th of December and the 1st of January. On the 24th and 31st of December, the museum is open until 3 pm.
Christmas in Meran
The centrepiece of the Christmas in Meran is the spa promenade, but the Thermenplatz square with ice rink and the Christmas hut village on the Sandplatz square also spread Christmas cheer.
A special highlight are the so-called Silent Nights: On several dates, light, wind, sound and landscape installations transform the park of the thermal baths Meran during the evening into a winter wonderland, with the element of water at the centre. There is also a dance performance on each of these evenings at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm.
Christmas market in Meran.
IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Alex FilzDiverse wellness paradise
A visit to the Thermal baths Meran in South Tyrol with its 15 indoor pools is also a wonderful experience. However, special conditions apply at the Thermal baths Meran during the Advent and Christmas period. From the 8th to the 10th of December 2023 and from the 26th of December 2023 to the 7th of January 2024, only 3-hour tickets are valid at the Christmas rate. You can reserve and pay for these via a booking app on your smartphone.
It is also advisable to book your admission ticket in advance. On the last weekends in November and the December there are only 2- or 3-hour tickets are available (at the weekend rate). On the 24th of December the thermal baths are only open until 1 pm and on the 31st of December until 5 pm.
The Christmas market in Brixen
The cathedral is the imposing landmark of Brixen and also guards the Brixen Christmas market on the cathedral square. Children in particular enjoy a variety of events such as biscuit baking or Christmas stories by the fireplace as part of the Christmas market. You should definitely visit the cloister on the south side of the cathedral, with its impressive Gothic frescoes.
Christmas market in Brixen
IDM Südtirol - Alto Adige/Alex Filz
Colours. A Homage to Peace is an atmospheric light and music show in the courtyard of the Hofburg in Brixen.
Brixen Tourismus GenossenschaftFascinating light and music show
Close to the cathedral is the Hofburg: in its inner courtyard, you will be enchanted by the light and music show COLORS. A Homage to Peace with beautiful music and colourful images. The show lasts around 25 minutes and is a highlight for the whole family.
From the 24th of November 2023 to the 7th of January 2024, there are 2 performances daily: at 5.30 pm and 6.30 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, there is an additional performance at 7.30 pm. On the 24th and 25th of December, there are no performances. Tickets for the performances can be purchased conveniently online.
The Bruneck Christmas market
The stalls at the Christmas market in Bruneck are located in the Graben and the upper town. But there is also a magical Christmas atmosphere in the Stadtgasse, the central street of Bruneck town. Above it towers the Bruneck Castle with the Messner Mountain Museum Ripa: it is open in winter from 7th December 2023 – except on Tuesdays and on 24th and 25th December.
Christmas market in Bruneck
IDM Südtirol - Alto Adige/Alex Filz
The Kronplatz ski area offers amazing slopes and panoramic views.
IDM Südtirol – Alto Adige/Harald WisthalerExciting ski mountain
A visit to Bruneck's local mountain, Kronplatz, is full of variety. The Kronplatz ski area started the winter season on the 25th of November 2023. Although not all 121 kilometres of slopes are usually open at the start of the season, there is always a large selection of perfectly groomed slopes.
You can also enjoy an overwhelming 360-degree panorama on the summit plateau and visit 2 interesting museums: the Lumen|Museum of Mountain Photography and the MMM Corones.
The Sterzing Bell Christmas
The stalls at the Christmas market in Sterzing invite you to taste and savour the delicacies on Sterzing's town square. The 46-metre high Zwölferturm tower is the towering landmark of Sterzing and enchants visitors with its carillon, which chimes from Monday to Saturday at 5 pm and on Sunday at 12 pm during the Christmas period.
On Saturdays at 5 pm and Sundays at 12 pm, there is also a very special sound experience on the town square: Josef Haller sits down at the piano and performs a piece he has composed himself together with 12 musicians.
Christmas market in Sterzing.
IDM Südtirol - Alto Adige/Alex Filz
The toboggan run in the Rosskopf ski area is 10 kilometres long.
TG Sterzing Pfitsch Freienfeld/ Patrick SchwienbacherExtra-long toboggan run
From the 7th of December, the 10 km long toboggan run on Rosskopf, Sterzing's local mountain, will be open. The valley station of the Rosskopf ski area is just a few minutes' walk from the town centre and takes you quickly to the mountain station and thus to the start of the toboggan run.
From the 29th of December, the cable car also runs every Friday from 7 pm to 10 pm and then the toboggan run is even illuminated until midnight for night tobogganing.
