In winter Val Gardena really looks like an enchanted valley, with snow, lights and scents that give an extra touch of magic to countries and old farms.
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The Christmas Market of Ortisei
Ortisei, always one of the most beautiful and suggestive villages of the Alps, is tinge even more Christmas colors, turning under parties into a magical place, not only for children.
Back to the characteristic market of Ortisei, with stands made by local artisans who will reproduce the characteristic garden farms that are located at the altitude.
A unique atmosphere where, wrapped in soft and white snow, you can listen to the Christmas melodies, enjoy homemade desserts, touch the wooden objects made by hand, admire the lights and the landscape and finally smell the scent of food and wood that will scare the environment; a joy for the five senses to live in every instant.
The products proposed by the stands, all original and authentic, will go from sculptures and wooden dolls to Christmas garlands, from lanterns to frames, from table decorations to wool blankets, from candles to felt products, and much more.
For the gastronomy the offer passes from speck to "Schüttelbrot" (typical bread), from sweets to jams, from liquors to fruit juices and herbal teas. Thanks to the collaboration with local associations, every day you can watch the choir show or listen to the sounds of the mountain horns or still participate in courses to learn how to make many objects or ladin dishes.
In the middle of the village you can also admire exhibition of cribs, symbol of artistic profession and tradition. The secular art of wood sculpture, through its masters, will be concentrated for the occasion in the realization of cribs, each interpreted in different ways, including one in real dimensions that will be arranged in the Parish Square.
Finally, children will be able to enter their letters in a mailbox, in Stetteneck Square, sure that they will arrive at their destination.
The Mountain Christmas of Selva di Val Gardena 
The village is located in the heart of the Dolomites, at the foot of the Sella massif, and is the highest municipality in the valley. Its location is in the middle of the legendary Ski-tour "Sella Ronda", with over 500 km of slopes.
The atmosphere of the ski slopes will ideally be transferred to the pedestrian street of the village center. Here there will also be a continuous strip of lights 350 meters long and 12 wooden reproductions of the cable car cabins.
A multitude of glittering balls and lights, along with Christmas songs, will brighten the hearts and bring joy and amazement in the eyes of children. In addition, the traditional art of garden sculpture will find space in a beautiful exhibition of cribs.
Santa Cristina Christmas Market
As a tradition, it offers many typical products, both of craftsmanship and of local gastronomy.
Located in a panoramic location, at the foot of Sassolungo and Castel Gardena, it has always been a special atmosphere and many good ideas for a Christmas gift.
Vast the offer of Tyrolean desserts such as bread biscuits and the exquisite "Spitzbuben", pastry biscuits filled with apricot jam, which will delight visitors' palates. Do not miss the live performances of the master sculptors of the garden, to admire with background music and mountain melodies.
Other Festivals of Advent in Val Gardena
The Feast of St. Nicholas takes place throughout the valley on the evening of December 5, when the Saint begins walking along the streets of the three countries, accompanied by the angel and the servant, to bring gifts and praise to the best children. Those who were less good will have to look at themselves from devils – the Krampus, who chase them screaming and stirring bells and chains.
During the four Thursdays of Advent will also be the time of the "Tlecanocht", when young people in traditional clothes (trapped by peasants) will go from home to home announcing Christmas singing the "Tlecanocht", a traditional song, and receiving in exchange sweets and some coins.
On the eve of New Year's Eve will be the time of the "Bon di, bon ann". The children knock on the doors wishing good year and will sing an old song, while, to the engaged will be inaugurated "Lann dal stlef" (the year of the snap), that is a wish for their marriage.
