The snow-covered peaks of the Dolomites provide a stunning backdrop to the unique Italian city of Bolzano in winter, and its Christmas market is one of the oldest in Italy.
Read on for confirmed dates for 2024, event highlights and regional specialties.
Bolzano Christmas Market 2024 and South Tyrol in Winter
Dates and Location – Confirmed
Bolzano dates: 28th November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (confirmed). Verify the schedule here.
Location: Piazza Walther.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 11am to 7pm.
Friday to Sunday: 10am to 7pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am at 2pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
New Year’s Eve: 10am to 6pm.
New Year’s Day: 12pm to 7pm.
Admission: Free.
Lights: No switch-on date announced.
Santa: No.
Activities: Skiing, hiking, cycling, tobogganing, skating and more in the Dolomites. Get all the info here.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, but limited.
Gluten-free: Yes, but very limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Reason to visit: The mountain backdrop at one of Italy’s most famous winter markets.
Recommended tour: Take this food tour to discover local specialties.
Food specialities: Speck alto adige, strudel, South Tyrolean canederli dumplings, goulash with polenta.
Where to stay: Castel Hörtenberg is a popular hotel 10 minutes from the square.
Convenient Hotels
To be central, stay anywhere near Piazza Walther and Piazza Duomo, Balzano’s two main squares.
For somewhere special, book a room at Castel Hörtenberg, a highly-rated hotel that combines luxury and convenience.
Recommended Tours
When in Italy, you can’t go wrong with a food tour. This guided food tour gets excellent reviews and includes visiting a local food market.
Discover other places to visit this winter with my Italian Christmas Markets List.
Event Location
What to Expect
Experience the unique blend of Italian and German traditions in Bolzano. Enjoy a mug of vin brulè (mulled wine) and savour freshly made strudel.
Watch the traditional Krampus parade, where performers in elaborate costumes represent the mythical creatures accompanying St Nicholas.
Food Specialties
- Apple strudel: The classic pastry is available in apple and other fruit versions.
- Candied fruit: A local specialty.
- Biscuits: Homemade in the region.
- Panettone: This Italian classic is a sweet, fluffy bread filled with dried fruits and nuts. It lasts a while, so it’s great as a gift or to take home for yourself.
- Pandoro: Similar to panettone but without the fruit, this star-shaped cake dusted with powdered sugar resembles a snowy mountain peak.
- Tortellini in brodo: Warm up with this dish of tortellini pasta filled with cheese or meat, served in a savoury broth.
- Struffoli: Small, deep-fried dough balls; these sweet treats are coated in honey.
- Zelten: Regional fruitcake packed with nuts, dried fruits, and spices.
- Knödel: South Tyrolean bread dumplings.
- Speck: Smoked South Tyrolean ham, often served thinly sliced on crusty bread.
- Schüttelbrot: Thin, crispy rye bread typically enjoyed with local cheeses and cold cuts.
- Vin Brulé: Traditional mulled wine using Italian red wine.
What to Buy
- Ornaments: Made from local materials, often wood or glass.
- Felt slippers: A fun Bolzano souvenir.
- Local wines: There are many excellent wines from this region.
- Gourmet preserves: Mams, marmalades and chutneys made from local fruits and berries.
- Loden clothing: Look out for traditional Loden attire, from jackets to scarves, made from the region’s iconic woollen fabric.
- Candles: Decorated with Tyrolese designs.
Sustainability Tips
- Renewable energy: Choose a hotel powered by renewable energy sources.
- Food waste: I know it’s tempting to try everything, but try to be mindful when ordering at the markets.
- Ethical consumption: Support local artisans and stores that sell items produced using sustainable materials.
- Sustainable diet: Try some plant-based or locally sourced dishes, like the traditional knödel.
- Sustainable transport: The public transport system and pedestrian and bike-friendly streets make getting around safe and easy.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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