Chiusa, the Christmas Village

The Christmas Market in the town of Chiusa takes place on the weekends of Advent, from Friday to Sunday, and ends on the day before Christmas Eve, December 23. Many buildings, such as the town hall, the Apostles' Church and the "Grauer Bär" inn - the town's oldest house - date back to the Middle Ages and provide the perfect backdrop for the popular "Chiusa, the Christmas Village".

By the light of candles and torches, the historic town centre of Chiusa comes to life. Hand-turned bowls, finely carved nativity figures, cosy felt slippers and fragrant herbal specialities make for unique gift ideas and souvenirs.

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The four main locations:

• Piazza della Chiesa (church square): Floating Christmas Angel, several stalls (including a dairy)
• Piazza Tinne: several Christmas market stalls (including an apiary)
• Piazza del Mercato (market square): Nativity scene exhibition and stalls in the upper town
• Kreativkeller: arts, crafts and baking workshop for children

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Highlights:

The first weekend is dedicated to choirs and the search for an inn, complete with a living nativity scene. The proceeds from these first days are donated to "Südtirol hilft" (South Tyrol helps).

This is followed on the second weekend by the Krampus run, the Krampus mask exhibition with live carving demonstrations, and the St. Nicholas parade. The third weekend of Advent focuses on crafts and art, with presentations of traditional trades. On the fourth Sunday of Advent, the Floating Christmas Angel of Chiusa delivers its Christmas greetings in Piazza della Chiesa.

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The supporting programme:

The theatre group performs the "search for an inn", and the night watchwoman lights hundreds of candles - special moments that define "Chiusa, the Christmas Village". There is also plenty of music: The novAntiqua gospel choir will be performing in Chiusa, as will the church choir from Gudon, the "Tanzlmusig", and the Chiusa town band with their wonderful Christmas concert.

For children, there is an arts, crafts and baking workshop.

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Culinary delights:

The aroma of sweet Krapfen, savoury Apfelkiachl (apple fritters), roasted almonds, freshly baked bread, "Strauben" and steaming mulled wine with cinnamon and cloves fills the alleyways.

You can also purchase many high-quality products directly from the producers, such as honey, homemade organic products like soup seasoning and fruit spreads, Speck, cheese and herbal teas.

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Getting to "Chiusa, the Christmas Village":

Chiusa has its own train station, a seven-minute walk from the Piazza Tinne square. The bus also stops here: From Ponte Gardena in the west and Bressanone in the east, take line 360.

If you visit "Chiusa, the Christmas Village" by car, the nearest car parks are at the station, in Piazza del Mercato, at Schindergries, and the Griesbruck and Pucher car parks.

Please note: In Italy, the general blood alcohol limit is 0.5‰ - for new drivers who have held their licence for less than three years, as well as for professional drivers and anyone under the age of 21, a strict zero-tolerance policy of 0.0‰ applies.

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