Christmas customs

Advent wreaths and Christmas tree balls - it’s time for Christmas in South Tyrol.

It is a custom that every Sunday of the Advent season, peolpe in South Tyrol lit a candle on the home-made Advent wreath, they sing Christmas carols or read Christmas stories. Moreover on 5th and 6th December, there are the traditional St. Nicholas procession and “Krampus” processions, where “devils” with masks are up to mischief!

December 8th, which is a Feast of the Immaculate Conception, many people go to visit one of the Christmas markets in South Tyrol, for example the Christmas Market of Brunico, Vipiteno, Chiusa, Bressanone, Bolzano and Merano. Experience this special Christmas feeling!

The most popular day with children is of course Christmas Eve, when Christ Child brings presents to everyone. That’s when children’s eyes shine bright.

After the turn of the year, which is celebrated with huge fireworks, the Three Kings go from door to door to bless your house. The inscription C-M-B, first letters of the Three Kings’ names, should protect the houses in the oncoming year…