Experience South Tyrolean Christmas tradition in Bolzano with “Traditions, emotions and culture in the town”
Sparkling lights, the scent of gingerbread and Christmas sounds: From the end of November until 6 January, Piazza Walther and its surroundings are transformed into a festive Christmas village every year. Artisans present handmade candles, glass baubles and homemade slippers, while stalls with traditional South Tyrolean specialities provide culinary delights, and a warming mulled wine or hot apple punch - a delicious non-alcoholic alternative - is also a must.
How it all began:
It all began in 1989, when Bolzano received the Christmas market regulations from the German city of Nuremberg. Two years later, the first Christmas market based on the Nuremberg model took place in Piazza Walther. In 2025, there will be a record 130 stalls, stretching from Piazza Walther with the Palais Campofranco, across the Via Isarco road and the Parco dei Cappuccini, as well as along the freshly paved boulevard in the Alcida-Berloffa Park by the new WaltherPark.
The five main locations:
- Piazza Walther by the cathedral: 92 of the 130 stalls are located here
- Parco dei Cappuccini: Children's Christmas with kids' corner, as well as food and drink stalls
- Piazza del Grano: solidarity market with numerous social and voluntary associations
- Via Isarco: Christmas park with nicely designed huts and beautifully decorated trees
- Corso della Libertà: enhanced with decorations from the Bolzano Civic and School Museum
The accompanying programme:
The programme includes a visit from Saint Nicholas and the Krampus, musical performances and the New Year's Eve celebration. In Piazza del Municipio, you can find the work "Reconciliation" by the artist Armin Grunt from the Val Gardena, which celebrates the Olympic spirit.
The 34th edition of the Christmas Market will also feature the BOclassic New Year's Eve run. The stalls have been positioned so that participants can run past them without any problems.
Sustainability at the Bolzano Christmas Market:
For a decade, the South Tyrolean Christmas Markets have been certified as Green Events and are planned and organised according to ecological criteria. Important factors include the careful use of resources, environmentally friendly mobility, waste management, local involvement and the use of regional products. This edition also marks the start of the "Advent in Music" initiative:
Choirs, music groups and municipal cultural institutions take part to present guests with a programme of events based on musical Christmas traditions. Another focus is on the works of art by South Tyrolean artists as part of the "Angelus Loci" project.
Getting to the Christmas Market:
A competition provides incentives for travelling to the Christmas Market by train. The Bolzano train station is located right in the centre, a one-minute walk from the first Christmas market stalls. The electronic parking guidance system also provides information on the availability of nearby parking spaces via signs at major road junctions in the town: For the Christmas Market, these are located at the Bolzano Fair, at the Bolzano Sud exit and on the Via Maso della Pieve road.
Available spaces in real time: Bolzano Parking.
