The Bolzano Christmas Market, or Chriskindlmarkt, as it is called in German, takes place every year in the lovely city of Bolzano. Bolzano proudly bears three names which reflect its bordering cultures and languages of Italian (Bolzano), German (Bozen) and Ladin (Balsan). If it sounds confusing, not to worry because it is a wonderfully welcoming city that is the perfect the Holiday destination!

What to Expect

For almost thirty years, Bolzano’s central Piazza Walther has hosted one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in all of Europe. It is a postcard-worthy scene with its giant Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and little wooden chalets selling the very finest, local handiwork and delicacies.

You’ll want to save lots of room in your suitcase for the trinkets you’ll surely find here. They are truly unique in that they can only be purchased in this area. From hand-carved wooden ornaments to hand-painted ceramics to locally-sourced wool socks, the list is endless. The vendors will only be too proud to talk to you about their creations.

Holiday Flavors

Just as you saved room in your luggage for souvenirs, you’ll want to bring your appetite to the market! The aromas of the Holiday season will entice your senses. You can sip hot, mulled wine known as vin brule while you stroll through the market tasting various local salamis, cheeses, and liqueurs. There are so many delicious specialties in Bolzano, it’s hard to know where to begin! Soft-baked pretzels known as brezel are available in all kinds of interesting varieties (pumpkin seed, cheese, onion) or maybe a hearty sausage with sauerkraut are a must-try! As for sweets, Bolzano’s specialties include apple strudel, strauben (similar to a funnel cake), and the Christmas specialty, zelten (a fruit cake with nuts).

For the Little Ones

If you’re traveling with children, there will be plenty of magical fun in store for them as well. Piazza Walther will have a little train and ride for the kiddos. Near the train station, you’ll find the famous “Christmas Star” and rides. In the Piazza Municipio, there is an ice-skating rink– fun for all ages!

“Green Event”

As if all this weren’t enough to convince you, this Christmas Market has also been named a “Green Event” since 2014. You’ll find recycling bins all over the market, zero single-use plastics, locally-sourced and organic food products to name a few. Bolzano has truly thought of everything to warm the hearts of its visitors just in time for the Holidays. Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll surely want to make it an annual tradition.

Dates and Hours

The Christmas Market is open every day from November 26 through January 6, 2022 (except December 25) from 10 am to 7 pm.

photo credits: facebook.com/mercatinodinatalebolzanoboznerchristkindlmarkt/