Bolzano Christmas Market
Italy's most famous Christkindlmarkt
Every year, from the end of November to the beginning of January, Piazza Walther, the main square of Bolzano, is transformed into the most famous Christmas market in Italy: the Christkindlmarkt, held since 1991, which inaugurated the tradition of Alpine Christmas markets in the country, inspired by those of Germany and Austria. Around a large decorated Christmas tree, about eighty wooden stalls, decorated with lights, fir branches and ornaments, offer the products of the craft and gastronomic tradition of South Tyrol and the Alps.
Among the stalls you can find handmade Christmas decorations in wood, glass and straw, carved nativity figures from the Val Gardena, candles, toys, woollen clothes, ceramics and handicrafts, and of course the specialities of the Tyrolean Christmas: the Zelten, a dense cake of dried fruit, the Lebkuchen, spiced gingerbread, the strudel, the Krapfen, the speck and the cheeses, and the steaming Glühwein, mulled wine with spices, served in typical mugs, to warm up in the cold of the evening, as well as hot apple juice and punch. In the evening, with the lights, the music of the choirs and the smell of cinnamon and wine, the atmosphere is magical. The market extends to other squares of the centre, with stalls dedicated to children, a small train and events. Other famous markets of South Tyrol are those of Merano, along the Passirio, Bressanone, Vipiteno and Brunico, which together form the circuit of the "original" Christmas markets of South Tyrol.
Tip: avoid weekends if you don't like crowds; the market is easily reached by train, as parking in the centre is limited.
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