Experience the “Vipiteno Bell Christmas” and the carillon in the Tower of the Twelve in the Upper Valle Isarco
Image gallery: Vipiteno Christmas Market
The warm lighting, the distinctive bay windows of the houses, and the ringing of bells envelop the town of Vipiteno in a special atmosphere during Advent. The Christmas Market, one of the 5 main Original South Tyrolean Christmas Markets, is known as the "Vipiteno Bell Christmas". With its lovingly decorated wooden huts, it transforms the town square into a festive hub from late November until 6 January. The Tower of the Twelve watches over the lively scene.
The four main locations:
- Town square: At the Tower of the Twelve, known as Zwölferturm, the carillon with its 25 bells, made by the renowned Grassmayr bell foundry in Innsbruck, can be heard every day. The market stalls and a small ice rink are set up in front of this backdrop in the town square.
- Old and New Town: procession of angels and guided town tours
- Nord Park: Sound Forest on the outskirts of Vipiteno
- Vipiteno Town Theatre: the setting for the "Christmas in Vipiteno" charity concert and the "Natale Alpino" concert by the "Julia" Alpine Brigade band, furthermore a large Advent wreath is displayed in the theatre garden
The supporting programme:
The "Vipiteno Bell Christmas" features a varied supporting programme. Make your own personal Christmas wishes to the Christ Child at the "Wishing Bell" in the Monte Cavallo Skiing Area, go tobogganing down Monte Cavallo after Christmas on Italy's longest floodlit and snow-covered run, or enjoy the small ice rink at the Tower of the Twelve.
To warm up, you can have a cup of mulled wine or a hot apple punch with traditional "Zelten", a type of local fruit bread. The year concludes with a New Year's Eve celebration with live music.
"Tuifltog" in Vipiteno:
Experience the traditional "Tuifltog" with the town's Krampus figures, who ensure order with their birch rods on Krampus Day, December 5, leaving a few sooty faces in their wake. They accompany Saint Nicholas, who distributes small gifts with his companion, Knecht Ruprecht.
The parade moves from the north through the old town, across the town square and into the new town, and is one of the most spectacular processions in South Tyrol and the entire Alpine region.
Sustainability at the Vipiteno Christmas Market:
The Christmas Market in the Fugger town is, like all 5 main Original South Tyrolean Christmas Markets, a Green Event with a special focus on sustainability. Attention is paid to aspects such as waste management, avoiding plastic, seasonal and regional products, involving local associations and groups, saving energy, and environmentally friendly transport.
The small Christmas trees used to decorate the centre come from the forests around Vipiteno. The proceeds from their purchase go towards the maintenance of the forest tracks.
Getting to the Christmas Market:
A competition encourages visitors and locals to travel to the 5 main Original South Tyrolean Christmas Markets by train: Sending in a photo of the Christmas market and a train ticket provides a daily opportunity to win a gift basket filled with the best South Tyrolean products. It is a ten-minute walk from Vipiteno station to the Tower of the Twelve in the town square.
The Flixbus stop is located directly on the Via Giovo road, next to the parish church of Vipiteno. If you are driving yourself, you can leave your car in one of the numerous pay-and-display car parks and pay using the "Easypark" app. There are also signposted camper van parking spaces: From there, shuttle services are available to take visitors to the centre.
