The Christmas markets of Bolzano and Merano are a symbol of holidays, the boom came about in the 80s – 90s, when many began to understand the potential of the phenomenon, increasingly linked to the concept of tourism.
Widespread throughout Italy, from north to south, they are present in different ways, both in small towns and in large cities: it is possible to find local crafts, Christmas decorations and typical street food.
Trentino-Alto Adige is the first region you think about if you want to visit the markets: from the most famous such as Bolzano, Merano, Levico, Trento, to the less known such as Ortisei, Renon and Rango.
Italian Traditions takes you to discover the most characteristic Christmas markets: Bolzano and Merano.
The Bolzano Christmas market
The Christmas market in Bolzano is the perfect opportunity to discover the South Tyrolean capital: for about a month the Christmas atmosphere invades the streets and the glow of romantic lights envelop the city in a magical light.
Whether you go with friends, family or your loved one, the Bolzano Christmas market offers unique and magical moments to you and your loved ones.
The 80 wooden houses that follow one after the other give the city a fairytale atmosphere. The displays offer whatever you want: home decorations, Christmas decorations, embroidery, clothes, stuffed animals, toys, of course all carefully hand made.
| From 26 November 2021 to 6 January 2022 every day: | 10.00 – 19.00 |
| 24.12.2021: | 10.00 – 14.00 |
| 26.12.2021: | 10.00 – 19.00 |
| 25.12.2021: | closed |
| 31.12.2021: | 10.00 – 18.00 |
| 01.01.2022: | 12.00 – 19.00 |
| 06.01.2022: | 10.00 – 19.00 |
The Merano Christmas market
Merano is a fascinating and elegant city that offers travelers about 60 stands full of proposals for Christmas. The Merano Christmas markets enliven the center and offer quality handicraft products belonging to the South Tyrolean traditions.
| From November 26, 2021 to January 6, 2022 | |
| Trade stand hours | |
| Sunday to thursday: | 10.00 – 19.00 |
| Friday, Saturday and December 7th: | 10.00 – 20.00 |
| 24.12.2021: | 10.00 – 15.30 |
| 25.12.2021: | closed |
| 31.12.2021: | 10.00 – 15.30 |
| 06.01.2022: | 10.00 – 18.00 |
| Gastronomy stand hours | |
| Sunday to thursday: | 10.00 – 21.00 |
| Friday, Saturday and December 7th: | 10.00 – 22.30 |
| 24.12.2021: | 10.00 – 17.00 |
| 25.12.2021: | closed |
| 31.12.2021: | 10.00 – 17.00 |
| 06.01.2022: | 10.00 – 18.00 |
Eat at the Christmas markets
The Christmas markets are the perfect opportunity to savor hot dishes and hearty sweets from South Tyrolean cuisine. What to try? Many dishes of Tyrolean origin, such as dumplings, hot and sugary drinks, irresistible sweets and last but not least the typical sausages of the area.
- Speck Alto Adige: Speck is one of the best products in the area, known throughout Italy and also exported abroad. It is a product that has obtained the IGP (protected geographical indication) recognition. It is produced from the leg of pork, lightly salted, flavored and smoked.
- Strudel: Strudel is one of the most famous desserts ever. There are many variations, but the original recipe involves the filling of apples, raisins and cinnamon. It is perfect accompanied by a glass of mulled wine.
- Mulled wine: Mulled wine is an aromatic drink that is prepared with red wine and tasted hot. It is prepared with spices, citrus fruits and sugar.
- Canederli: Also called Knodel, it is one of the most famous dishes of the South Tyrolean tradition: it is bread dumplings made with eggs, speck and onion.
- Beef Goulash: South Tyrolean goulash is usually served with polenta. Also try the version with dumplings: without a doubt a rich and tasty recipe!
