Coloured glass baubles hang from the ceiling of a wooden house, Father Christmas puppets, cakes and all types of Christmas treats. Adults and children will be enthralled by the street markets of Alto Adige.

Every year, after the second half of November, in the main streets and squares of the five main cities which host Christmas street markets, wooden chalets are installed displaying the typical produce of the valleys of Alto Adige; Christmas tree decorations, candles, wooden nativity scenes, lace fabrics, glass and ceramic ornaments, typical felt slippers from south Tyrol, gift ideas and much more! And not to mention delicious goodies such as strudel, pan pepato; a rich, chocolate dessert, and candela (local dumplings) and of course, the ever-present mulled wine.

Bolzano
The Christmas street market of Bolzano is the oldest and probably the most famous in Italy. Every year around 80 wooden chalets are set up occupying Piazza Wether displaying typical local crafts and cuisine, with specialities include zelten, sweet bread made with dried fruits, nuts and candied fruits. From 26 November to 23 December.

Brixen
For many (including our writers) it is the most beautiful; the market is set up in the splendid piazza del Duomo, enjoying a backdrop of illuminated buildings and church towers, the Christmas market of Brixen is characterized by its wood engraved ornaments and Nativity scenes. Delicious treats such as Strauben is too tempting to resist (an exquisite fried cake made from eggs, flour and grappa), dusted with icing sugar and topped with black cherry jam. From 26 November – 6 January.

Bruneck
In Bruneck, market stalls are set up along Via Bastioni and Piazza del Municipio. Every Sunday afternoon free guided tours are organized, led by a friendly tour guide who recounts the history and unfolds the beauties of the medieval city. Market stalls feature produce from Pusteria Valley and the typical decorated pine-cones. From 26 November – 6 January.

Merano
A trip on a horse-drawn carriage is one of the activities on offer during the period of the Christmas markets in Merano. Among the special features at the market is the “Christmas House” ( Kate Wohlfahrt) originating from the German city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber with Christmas produce such as carillons and nutcrackers. From 26 November to 6 January on the Lungo Passirio boulevard.

Vipiteno
The tower-shaped Lebruchen are the symbol of the Christmas market of Vipiteno; a biscuit eaten at Christmas time and made in different shape according to the city: an angel for Bolzano, a lamb for Brixen, a star for Bruneck and a bell for Merano. The chalets open on 26 November and closes on 6 January.

Chiusa and Glorenza
And finally we come to two towns which host Christmas street markets; the medieval Chiusa, from 26 November to 19 December, and Glorenza in Venosta Valley which hosts the advent market from 10 – 12 December.

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