Peaceful Advent

Small but beautiful: Rural Christmas markets full of the atmosphere of yesteryear and remote from the bustle of the large towns.

Castelrotto/Kastelruth is situated at the foot of the Schlern mountain. Over three weekends in the lead-up to Christmas, from 4th to 8th, from 11th to 13th and from 18th to 20th December, its historical village square is the venue for South Tyrol’s highest Christmas market (Kastelruther Weihnacht), with stalls displaying local crafts and serving rural fare. The event will be accompanied by plenty of Alpine-style musical performances and entertainment.

Historically Glorenza/Glurns enjoys the official status of town in spite of having only 882 inhabitants. Its medieval centre enclosed by a perfectly intact ring wall provides the settings for the town’s quaint Christmas market (Glurnser Advent), taking place over the weekend from 6th to 8th December with a supporting programme of choir singing, traditional brass band music and theatre performances.

The Sarentino/Sarner Christmas Alpine market emanates a contemplative atmosphere, taking place over each weekend in December (Sarner Alpen-Advent) just a short distance from Bolzano/Bozen. Highlights include traditional crafts, local fare and sweet pastry specialities, mulled wine and plenty more. Buy a pair of “Toppar” (felt slippers) or a hand-knitted “Jangger” (woollen jacket) and you’ll keep warm all year round.