Christmas markets in Trentino and South Tyrol: the best in 2023

The joy is all in expectation, in those days leading up to the great feast of the Nativity, when the Trentino Christmas Markets become a magical place: the festive air, lights, decorations, little houses and the scent of mulled wine.

It’s the time of bright lights, good smells and Xmas carols, the time when the Trentino Christmas Markets are set up.

Walking among the stalls, shoes sink into the fresh snow. The noise they make is dull, muffled, but perfectly recognisable. Step by step, the bitter cold gives way to an inevitable sensory transport. The lights of the festively decorated trees come on. The smells in the air are unmistakable and overwhelm you. With a slightly frosty nose, but with a heart full of joy, the inevitable tour of the Trentino Christmas Markets continues.

During these days you discover how village’s streets can become even more beautiful, thanks to the nativity scenes created by the skilled hands of local craftsmen, and in this magical atmosphere the little ones will discover that Santa Claus's house really exists.

Everywhere in this magical period you will see the lights of the Trentino Christmas Markets twinkling, both in the historic centers of the big cities and in the narrow streets of the small mountain villages, ready to give you unique emotions.

Get ready to enjoy the magical atmosphere of the Christmas Markets in Trentino and South Tyrol.

It takes place in Levico Terme, in the Hapsburg Park which is part of the 'Great Italian Gardens'. Here, you can relive the belle époque times, through parades and court dances in Habsburg period costumes.

Here you can take a stroll among the little wooden houses that colour the park's charming tree-lined avenues. Discover the excellence of local handicrafts made of leather, glass, wood and fabric. But also, typical gastronomy with the flavours of tradition, tasty freshly cooked dishes accompanied by a cheer to the festivities with a warm glass of mulled wine.

The atmosphere is one of magic, where the scent of cinnamon and spices, food and home-made sweets and the skilled craftsmen smile that awaken childhood memories. Here, young and old alike can be carried away by emotions thanks to the programme rich in events. Designed to meet the needs of all visitors, gathering them in a magical Christmassy atmosphere.

From this enchanted park, you can discover the streets of the center with their many historic shops, festive decorations, the nativity scene in the square, wood and ice sculptures and much more.

When: from 19 November 2022 to 06 January 2023.

Everyone's most eagerly awaited event is knocking at the door, with its load of presents, festive atmospheres and the desire to spend time with the family, so why not spend it among the Christmas Markets in Trentino and South Tyrol.

If you need to pull the plug and treat yourself to a mountain holiday this year, we have some suggestions for you to spend it with your loved ones in Madonna di Campiglio.

Because being far from home doesn’t mean giving up the warmth that this period can give us! The important thing is to be close to people we care about most, to spend time together, perhaps with a steaming hot cup in hand and lots of smiles to warm the heart.

The town is counted among the Olympus of winter ski resorts, the scene of the '3-Tre di Madonna di Campiglio', Italy's oldest World Cup ski race. Lying in an alpine basin in Val Rendena and surrounded by the Brenta Dolomites, it boasts unforgettable downhill slopes, as well as cross-country trails for specialists. There are many mountain bike trails, both dirt and ice.

At this time of year, Advent is staged with religious traditions, but also with the stalls, some twenty chalets set up in Piazza Sissi, which are a pleasure to visit after a magnificent ski trip.

When and where: from Advent until Epiphany, opened every day from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., between Dolomiti di Brenta Boulevard and Piazza Sissi.

Over time, the one in Trento has become one of the most famous Christmas Markets in Trentino and South Tyrol in Italy.

It takes place throughout the Advent period, from the end of November to the beginning of January, with craft and food and wine stands set up in two of the city's squares, Piazza Fiera, next to the medieval city walls, and Piazza Cesare Battisti. Around 90 stands offer traditional decorations and nativity scenes, as well as gastronomic delicacies and a journey through local delicacies.

Every year, the calendar full of events is renewed with some novelties. Like, for example, the walk through the streets of the city center embellished with scenic light projections on the walls of the houses.

Visiting the city is a unique opportunity not only to do the classic Xmas shopping and drink mulled wine, but above all to get to know the historical places that characterise it: the Duomo at the Muse, the Science Museum, the watchtowers of the ancient Buonconsiglio Castle. Not to be missed is a visit to Torre Aquila.

When and where: from 19 November 2022 to 8 January 2023, in Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti. Open every day. Closed on 25 December.

On this magnificent stage, during the festive season, we find cities all decked out in enchantment and the South Tyrolean Christmas Markets offering unique tastes and emotions.

You cannot miss out on the opportunity to live this exciting experience in this fabulous setting. The unmistakable and romantic magic of Advent is particularly present and alive among the South Tyrolean Christmas Markets. In keeping with tradition, festive air can be fully felt in every street. The towns, villages and their surroundings are transformed, in this period, into real treasures, capable of warming and exciting the visitor, with their unique atmosphere.

In this particular period of the South Tyrolean Christmas Markets, the hustle and bustle of everyday life is accompanied by a reassuring and familiar atmosphere, made up of ancient and special traditions to be experienced with your loved ones.

Decorations take center stage in squares, churches and city streets. Advent wreaths appear on the doors of houses. Trees, buildings, bridges and shops are decorated with the famous-coloured lights and lovingly handmade decorations. The singular fragrance of freshly baked Christmas biscuits wafts through the air, mingling with the spicy smell of mulled wine and warm roasts. The reassuring melodies of bagpipes and the tinkling of bells resound in the streets. The restless excitement you read in children's eyes will only excite you even more.

The South Tyrol Christmas Markets should be experienced with all the senses, let yourself be carried away by all their magic and don't miss out.

In Bolzano, Yule takes on a special charm. Lights illuminate the entire city center and traditional Noel melodies accompany the strollers at all hours. Behind the cathedral, on the magnificent Piazza Walther, the so-called Christkindlmarkt is set up. For thirty years, the magnificent Piazza, the beating heart of the city, has hosted Italy's largest Christmas market in Trentino and South Tyrol. The typical and very pretty little wooden houses dotting it house dozens of exhibitors, where the best of local handicrafts is on offer. The atmosphere is cosy. The knowledgeable craftsman helps to choose the perfect gift, enriched by the traditional craftsmanship. Between the little houses, then, it is impossible to ignore the food stands. The delicious local products, with their South Tyrolean Christmas sweets on offer, enrapture the senses. Inexplicably, the cold disappears to make way for the warmth of the Yule atmosphere.

When: from 25 November to 6 January 2023.

It said that the Nativity is a festival where everyone becomes a little bit of a child again. In Ortisei, in the beautiful setting of Val Gardena, this is possible. For Advent, the pretty little town nestled in the splendour of the Dolomites is transformed into the village of the Nativity. Every alley, every square and every corner is festively decorated. In the typical Trentino and South Tyrol Christmas markets that dot the village, Yule melodies and scents fill the heart with joy. A magnificent exhibition of nativity scenes can be admired in the village center and, for those who wish to make a wish in the traditional way, there is a surprise: at Stetteneck Square, a post box is set up where children can post their letters to Santa Claus or whoever they wish. However, who forbids adults to do so too?

When: from 02 December 2022 to 08 January 2023.

At Noel, Vipiteno becomes a fairytale setting. Its historic center, recognised as one of Italy's most beautiful villages, is festively decorated. Its medieval character combines with the Xmas decorations to create a particularly atmospheric atmosphere. Here, the Christmas Markets in Trentino and South Tyrol are set up in the main square, behind the mammoth Torre delle Dodici, where there is also a magnificent nativity scene enriched with handmade statues. The charm of traditional products, whether handicrafts or food and wine, seduces at every turn. Andyou can let yourself be pampered by sweet and unusual sounds while enjoying a delicious mulled wine: on the on the bell Tower, it has been installed a carillon of no fewer than 25 bells, playing melodious harmonies that accompany visitors on their Noel strolls through the town.

When: It starts on 25 November 2022 and ends on 6 January 2023.

Another of the Christmas Markets in Trentino and South Tyrol that has proved to be a real crowd-puller since the first time, in the winter of 2013/2014, is the one also known as Xmas in Dolomites, especially in San Candido. This is probably also because during the Xmas Market in Alta Pusteria, the concepts of tradition and naturalness are particularly emphasised, and the pedestrian area around St Michael's Church is bathed in a singularly romantic light.

In the town, the famous Yule stalls are set up every year from the end of November to the beginning of January. What is most appreciated by visitors is the love of detail, naturalness and tradition.

The village in Alta Pusteria shows Advent as it once was, emphasising old values, lived customs and a fairytale atmosphere. The offer is limited to traditional gastronomic specialities and local handicrafts. The stalls are mainly located in the pedestrian area, surrounded by Christmas decorations. Take the opportunity to stroll through the old town and enjoy the authentic Christmas atmosphere of this unique market.

When: open from 25 to 27 November 2022, 02 to 04 December 2022, 08 to 11 December 2022 and 16 December to 06 January 2023 from 10.30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on 24 December until 3 p.m.

In Merano, the Christmas markets in Trentino and South Tyrol are set in a wonderful landscape and townscape. A few steps away from the majestic 19th century Art Nouveau building, the Kurhaus, symbol of the city, one strolls pleasantly among the stalls enclosed in the typical wooden huts. The heady scent of South Tyrolean delicacies, between one handicraft item and the next, invites you to stop for a taste that becomes a journey into flavour.

In the run-up to Advent, the city complements its typical stands with an entertaining programme of activities for children, such as do-it-yourself, handcrafted Yule decorations and cooking workshops where they can learn how to make typical sweets from the region. While for adults, besides visiting the beautiful town, they can take a detour to the many famous wellness centers that abound here. Enjoying the warmth of the thermal waters with a breathtaking view of the snow is priceless, so take advantage of it.

When: from Friday 25 November 2022 until Friday 6 January 2023.

To know more about this charming event, read our guide.

In Tirolo, among the Christmas markets in Trentino and South Tyrol, we can enjoy a “royal” experience in the castle of the famous counts, where handicrafts will be scenically arranged in the inner courtyard as well as in the Knights' Hall. Noel concerts and a cribs exhibition are scheduled in the castle chapel.

Everything is taken care of down to the smallest detail, in fact, exhibitors are chosen according to strict criteria, here it is compulsory to present their handicrafts and local handicrafts on the stands.

Various musical events are on the calendar, such as the Burgraviato alpine horn players and the concert of the 'Brennet Liab' ensemble, as well as Xmas melodies and animations for children. In fact, every day, various events are planned for the little ones, ranging from handicrafts to baking biscuits, as well as a visit to the petting zoo in the antebellum fortress.

The village associations will liven up the festivities with a host of gastronomic delicacies.

When: 3, 4, 7, 8 December 2022.

The magical Advent atmosphere, festive scents and culinary delights, which can be smelled from under the Three Peaks in Dobbiaco, will attract numerous visitors this year during the Xmas season at the Christmas markets in Trentino and South Tyrol.

During the weekends of Advent, on Nativity Day and New Year's Eve, a magical event for festive shoppers takes place in the village center. They can delight in a nostalgic gastronomic market with traditional delicacies for the palate.

The Nativity stalls under the Three Peaks are built in the architectural style of the Grand Hotel Dobbiaco and offer a variety of regional delicacies, such as tirtlan, warm apple strudel or personalised chocolates.

The centerpiece of the popular Xmas stands is a heated pavilion, where concerts, plays and children's programs take place.

When: 25 November 2022 to 07 January 2023.

The festive market at Lake Carezza can be identified as pleasant, quiet, contemplative, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, here one of the most characteristic Christmas markets in Trentino and South Tyrol takes place.

It’s located just 20 minutes by car from the lively center of Bolzano, South Tyrol's capital.

The backdrop of Lake Carezza, with the Latemar and Catinaccio mountains surrounding the small Xmas stand, is simply magical and enchanting. An experience to be lived.

The promenade around the lake lit up with festive motifs, the typical wooden huts resembling giant lanterns and the wonderful snow and ice sculptures will make for a fantastic day. Amongst the stalls you will find a nativity scene with life-size statues and you can taste typical South Tyrolean products, accompanied by steaming infusions.

But you will also find beautiful objects carved from Swiss pine wood, and there will be no shortage of Christmas sounds and the smell of freshly baked biscuits.

The large wooden stoves strategically scattered among the stands will warm you up, turning your visit to this wonderful lake into a very special festive magic.

Only here, in Val d'Ega, can you rediscover the advent of yesteryear in a fantastic winter world of amazing scenery.

When: opening day 26 November 2022, then on the four weekends in December from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Who does not know the turquoise water of the idyllic Lake Braies in Alta Pusteria, called 'the pearl of the Dolomites' and made famous because it was used as the location for the TV series 'One Step from Heaven'?

This Alpine Lake, in winter, covered in ice and snow, is transformed and unleashes all its splendour. The Christmas Markets in Trentino and South Tyrol, in this wonderful setting, will make you experience an unforgettable wonderful day.

The traditional wooden huts, which will welcome local craftsmen, will be set up right on the shores of the lake. Hand-carved wooden objects, woolen socks knitted by grandma and decorations for the most famous tree of these holidays will be on display. But also, many tasty delicacies from the South Tyrolean tradition will be waiting for you.

Fun for young and old will not be lacking. The little ones will be able to pet the animals in the stable such as donkeys, goats and sheep. The older can warm themselves around the fire with a steaming cup of mulled wine or hot apple juice. It will be possible to take a trip to the shores of the frozen lake on a horse-drawn sleigh. The sweet notes of festive music, such as the classic concert on the opening night of the Christkindlmarkt, will spice everything up.

When: (date not yet planned)