Christmas markets are back in the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. From the end of November to the day of Christmas a magical atmosphere pervades the roads of the mountain towns of South Tyrol, Trentino and Bellunese that light bright lights, music and folklore. The visit of the markets is an irrelevant ritual of this pre-Christmas season and it is beautiful to linger, sipping a glass of good mulled wine and eating roasts, among the small wooden houses decorated and rich of handcrafted products, local products, rare objects of wood carved and artifacts that can become precious gifts of Christmas, which attract thousands of children and curious people every year.
Practically every city and country has its stalls, here is an overview of the most picturesque and rich in traditions, but that also offer the possibility to combine Christmas shopping with the pleasure of the first descents on the snow of the season. First, however, a travel advice: this year many markets can be easily reached by train, taking advantage of the services of Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) from Verona, where, among other things, from 25 November to 21 December, Piazza dei Signori will host for the third consecutive year, the characteristic wooden houses of the "Christkindlmarkt" of Nuremberg. With the Special Offer starting from 9 Euro you will reach Trento where the Christmas market is inaugurated on 18 November. The atmosphere in Trento during the Christmas season is unique: the pungent air, the snowy peaks in the background and the glitter of the lights of the Mercatino. Addobbi, handicrafts, gifts, typical products and much more among the wooden houses under the ancient walls of Piazza Fiera.
Index of Article
Lana Market – Merano (BZ)
In the heart of the pedestrian centre in Lana, near Merano, the traditional market has six stands dedicated entirely to authentic local products to offer a taste of pure South Tyrolean tradition: honey and beeswax, rustic bread and traditional biscuits, speck, cheese farmers and mulled wine. From 3rd to 24th December it is possible to skate on the frozen track of the town square; from 10th to 12th December the hand-made cribs will be held and one of them will be auctioned to donate the proceeds to a needy family of the country. On December 5 the traditional parade of San Nicolò is held and on December 6 the story of "San Nicolò and the three golden apples" is told to all children. Living nativity sets and workshops for children.
Castelrotto Market
In the enchanting scenery of the Alpe di Siusi, which in addition to the landscape offers the possibility to ski on 60 km of slopes, walk on 30 km of beaten paths, cross-country skiing on 80 km of well prepared slopes, or enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride, the Christmas market is animated by a thousand attractions. starting from the delicious specialties of the area such as "Strauben", "Zelten", "Stollen", "Spekulatius", vin brulé, delicious pastries, cinnamon biscuits and panpepato, prepared by the peasants of the country with wisdom handed down from generation to generation. Combining the ancient Alpine traditions to the vocation to exchange, the air to the enchanted charm of winter at high altitude, for the sixth time the inhabitants of Castelrotto reveal the secrets of their ancient customs, displaying and selling handcrafted objects and much more. That's not enough. On 16 and 17 December 2011 there is the appointment with the "Kastelruther Spatzen" – the Passerotti of Castelrotto – and their notes, ideal for preparing and promoting the atmosphere of recollection that precedes the celebration of Christmas.
Market of Ortisei
In Ortisei the Christmas market is open from 10.00 to 19.00. It is known for the numerous stalls in which to taste typical ladin dishes such as cinnamon sweets and peppered bread, for the warm mulled wine and for the objects of local crafts such as wooden and glass decorations, small sculptures, cribs, candles and porcelain objects. During the days of the Advent will be added the umpteenth wooden statue to the famous World’s greatest Nativity. In addition to the Christmas choirs and the Presepi Exhibition, there are musical performances of mountain horns and whip "skeys".
Market in Cortina
Cortina d’Ampezzo is colored with a thousand lights for Christmas and Corso Italia is filled with life hosting about twenty traditional wooden houses. It is exciting to walk in the most famous street of the Belluno Dolomites to taste the festive air and buy precious gifts and handicraft products: Christmas decorations, candles, warm slippers and games for children. There are food and wine delicacies where to find mainly roasted and mulled wine. From 16 to 18 December on the snows of the Faloria there is the Europa Snowboardcross Cup.
